Senate Resolution No. 5465

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING Ronald J. Welsh 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 Ronald J.
Welsh 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 Rensselaer County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on August 13, 2018; 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 to the late Margaret Helen (Wickham) Welsh on August
23, 1957, in Albany, New York, Ronald John Welsh graduated from Savannah
High School; and

WHEREAS, Ronald J. Welsh enlisted in the United States Army on
December 2, 1975; he was a top graduate of Cadre Instructor School and
Ranger courses; and

WHEREAS, Ronald J. Welsh proudly served his country as a Specialist
4 until his discharge from active duty in 1978; he then entered the
National Guard, where he served until 1997; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Ronald J. Welsh held the positions
of Fire Team Leader and Squad Leader/Combat Military Police Operations;
from December 18, 1990, through November 3, 1991, Ronald served in the
Gulf War and Desert Storm; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Ronald J. Welsh was the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, NCO
Professional Development Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal w/bronze
service star, Army Lapel Button and Expert Badge (Rifle); and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Ronald J.
Welsh held the title of Logistic Chief for the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) out of New York City; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Ronald J. Welsh was an
active part of the Lansingburgh VFW where he participated in numerous
community events and could always bring a smile to others during group
therapy; and

WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Ronald J. Welsh
enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors whether it was camping or
gardening; he also adored his beloved cats and liked to have fun playing
board games or hunting for toys and sports memorabilia; and

WHEREAS, Ronald J. Welsh died on April 2, 2018, at the age of 60;
and

WHEREAS, Ronald J. Welsh is survived by his wife of 17 years,
Sandra; four children, Rondene (Ernest) Cannon III, Ronald John Welsh
Jr., Jeffrey (Amy) Welsh and Jason Welsh; eight grandchildren, Ernest
IV, Nautica, Ryan, Krystal, Joshua, Audrey, Amelia and Owen; one
great-granddaughter, Genisus; two brothers, Chris (Mike) and Joseph
(Diane) and one sister, Midge; and several nieces and nephews as well as
his feline babies, Nicholas, Cricket and Ranger; 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,
Ronald J. Welsh 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
commend Ronald J. Welsh 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 Ronald J. Welsh.