Senate Resolution No. 1989

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charles A.
Shuman, Sr. 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 presented at the Saratoga
County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at
the County Building in Ballston Spa, New York; 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, Charles A. Shuman, Sr. was born in October of 1927, to
parents Labe and Florence Shuman in Hadley, New York; he graduated from
Hadley Luzerne Central School in 1945; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Charles A. Shuman, Sr., affectionately
known as Charlie, worked on several farms and ranches in Hadley; in
August of 1945, he married his wife, Joyce; and

WHEREAS, From June 18, 1945 until July 25, 1946, Charlie A. Shuman,
Sr. proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy
during World War II; after completing his basic training at USNTC
Sampson, New York, he was assigned to the Transport Ship USS Admiral W.
S. Benson; and

WHEREAS, Towards the end of the War, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. served
on the USS (LSM)-140, a Landing Ship Medium class vessel, during the
Pacific Theater; he also worked in Occupation Service in the Far East
following the Japanese surrender; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Charlie A.
Shuman, Sr. was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American
Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge with the rank of Seaman First Class,
Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. served in the Naval Reserves until 1954; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. went to work for
International Paper Hudson River Mill; he was then employed at Niagara
Mohawk Power Company for 30 years until his retirement; in this
capacity, he was a participant of the IBEW Union, where he held the
position of President; and

WHEREAS, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. was an active member of the Hudson
Sacandaga VFW Post No. 5836, where he held the title of Commander, and
then Quartermaster; he was also a vital part of the William J. Varney
American Legion Post No. 862; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. was a longtime member
of the Free and Accepted Masons Club, and the Opalescent Hunting Club;
and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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 Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Charles A. Shuman, Sr.