Senate Resolution No. 5739

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING George A. Roods 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 commend George A.
Roods 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 Schenectady County Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the VFW Post 357 in Schenectady,
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, George A. Roods was born to Frank and Ida Roods on April
16, 1945, in Victory Mills, New York; he graduated from Saratoga High
School in 1964; and

WHEREAS, George A. Roods proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Marine Corps with honor and distinction from January
12, 1966 until January 9, 1970; during this time, he successfully
completed Parachute Riggers School and the Senior Supervisors Course;
and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, George A. Roods was the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Air Medal with
2 Gold Stars, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Combat Action Ribbon,
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
with 1960 Device, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and
Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3 Bronze Star attachments; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, George A.
Roods returned to New York and worked as a machinist for 39 years with
General Electric Company; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, George A. Roods is a member
of Disabled American Veterans, both the American Legion and Legion
Riders, the USMC Combat Helicopter Association, the Iroquois Rod and Gun
Club, and Patriot Guard Riders; and

WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, George A. Roods loves to fish and
hike; he also enjoys motorcycles, traveling, history and target
shooting; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Susan, their three
children, and three grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and
support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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,
George A. Roods 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 George A. Roods 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 George A. Roods.