LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William L. McBride posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William L.
McBride posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor-A-
Deceased Veteran Program on November 15, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 7, 1950 in Troy, New York, William (Bill) L.
McBride graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 1968; after gradu-
ation, he joined the United States Air Force on January 10, 1969; and
WHEREAS, Bill L. McBride proudly served his country as a Material
Facilities Specialist with the 2951st Combat Logistics Support Squadron,
where he helped to increase the military capabilities of its rapid area
maintenance (RAM) and rapid area supply support (RASS) teams when they
operated in combat areas or under combat conditions; in addition, he
served one year in Vietnam from 1970-1971; and
WHEREAS, For his exceptional military service, Bill L. McBride was
awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air
Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the separation of his service at the esteemed rank of
Staff Sergeant on January 9, 1973, Bill L. McBride went on to serve in
the New York National Guard and was stationed with the Stratton Air
National Guard Base's 109th Airlift Wing in Schenectady, New York; and
WHEREAS, Upon his official retirement after 31 years as Chief Master
Sergeant in 2005, Bill L. McBride continued to serve his Nation and
fellow soldiers as a member of the 109th Airlift Wing Alumni Associ-
ation, and also managed Stratton Air National Guard Base's Non-commis-
sioned Officers Club for many years; and
WHEREAS, This heroic and patriotic gentleman was a member of American
Legion Post 91, where he held the positions of both Adjutant and
Chaplain; he also served as the Saratoga County Commanders Adjutant, the
4th District Chaplain and the New York State Department Commanders Aide;
and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his local veteran community, Bill L. McBride was
an integral part of his local VFW and was a 40-year participant of the
Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks, where he held the title of Bar Chairman;
as a devoted member of these fraternal organizations, he tirelessly
worked on and often led many projects in support of veterans, active
military, and his community as well as the local children and youth; and
WHEREAS, William L. McBride died on August 20, 2015 at the age of 65;
and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
William L. McBride demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William L. McBride posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon
an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of William L. McBride.