Senate Resolution No. 637

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Harry C. Prutsman 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, 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 Harry C.
Prutsman 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 Ceremony on Tuesday, February 28, 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, Born on October 10, 1942, in Hollywood, California, Harry
C. Prutsman graduated from Bishop Amat Memorial High School in 1961;
and

WHEREAS, On December 1, 1965, Harry C. Prutsman entered into the
United States Army; he proudly served his country for two terms in
Vietnam as a veterinary specialist, caring for military police and scout
dogs that often fell ill to tropical diseases or wounded in action; and

WHEREAS, Harry C. Prutsman earned several medals and accolades for
his exceptional military service including the Republic Vietnam Campaign
Medal with Device 1960, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle) Medal;
and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of his service, he headed east and met the
love of his life, Patricia; two years later, the couple were married;
and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the service of his fellow veterans, Harry C.
Prutsman worked as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Person (DVOP) with the
New York State Department of Labor; he was recognized as the NYS DVOP of
the Year; he was instrumental in creating the Adirondack Veterans House
in Glens Falls, the Capital Region Veterans Stand Down Committee to
assist homeless and low-income veterans; he was the past president of

the Vietnam Veterans of America and assisted in the creation of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial at SUNY Adirondack; and

WHEREAS, Continuing with his passion for dogs, Harry C. Prutsman was
an agility teacher and was inducted into the Glens Falls Kennel Club
Hall of Fame in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Harry C. Prutsman and his wife
would volunteer with their dogs at many elementary schools working with
children who had reading and behavioral challenges, as well as taking
his dogs to nursing homes as part of the Therapy Dog International
Project; and

WHEREAS, Harry C. Prutsman died Friday, June 1, 2012, at the age of
69; predeceased by his parents, and his sister Loretta, he is survived
by his beloved wife of 42 years, Patricia, his three children, Jim
Prutsman

(Cathy), Melanie Trudo and Mike Prutsman (Katilyn); 10 grandchildren,
Trenton, Eliza Jane, Frances, Nickolas, Gabriel, Jeffrey, Joshua,
Violet, Kolton and Camden; three brothers, Joe, John and Frank; one
sister, Patricia; and three dogs, Madie Lou, Baxter and Chance; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Harry C. Prutsman displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Harry C. Prutsman demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserved 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 Harry C. Prutsman posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as a 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 Harry C. Prutsman.