Commending Philip Arsenault, Jr. 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

Senate Resolution No. 1957

BY: Senator HINCHEY

        COMMENDING    Philip  Arsenault,  Jr. 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 the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of the State of New York whose  lives
of  service  and sacrifice have contributed immeasurably to the strength
and character of their communities, their State, and their Nation; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commend Philip Arsenault, Jr. 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
Columbia County Honor a Veteran ceremony on Monday, April 27, 2026; 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,  Philip  Arsenault,  Jr.  was born on February 19, 1945, in
Clinton Corners,  New  York,  to  Philip  Arsenault  and  Gladys  Ackert
Arsenault;   he  was  raised  in  Rhinebeck,  New  York,  where  he  was
affectionately known to family and friends as "Butch"; and

  WHEREAS, Answering the call of his country,  Philip  Arsenault,  Jr.
was drafted into the United States Army on February 14, 1966, at Albany,
New  York;  following completion of basic training, he attained the rank
of Specialist 4 and received advanced training as a Light Wheel  Vehicle
Mechanic  (MOS  63B20),  a  vital  role  responsible for maintaining and
repairing wheeled military vehicles to ensure operational readiness; and

  WHEREAS, Specialist 4 Philip Arsenault,  Jr.  was  assigned  to  the
554th  Engineer  Battalion,  which departed Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1967
and deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, where it was primarily based at
Cu Chi from 1967 to 1969, with additional elements stationed at Phu  Loi
and other locations as needed; and

  WHEREAS,  During  his service in Southeast Asia, Specialist 4 Philip
Arsenault, Jr. faithfully executed  his  duties  under  challenging  and
dangerous  conditions, contributing to the mission readiness of his unit
during a time of conflict in the Vietnam War; and

  WHEREAS, After  completing  10  months  and  10  days  of  honorable
overseas  service,  Specialist  4  Philip Arsenault, Jr. returned to the
United States and was honorably  discharged  on  February  6,  1968,  in
Oakland, California; and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  courageous  and  dedicated service, Specialist 4
Philip Arsenault, Jr.  was  awarded  the  Vietnam  Campaign  Medal  with

Device,  the  Vietnam  Service  Medal  with Device, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal; and

  WHEREAS,  Philip Arsenault, Jr. married the love of his life, Gloria
Flint, on February 11, 1966, in Pine Plains,  New  York;  together  they
built  a  devoted  family  and  raised  five  children:  Brian,  Brenda,
Michelle, Tina, and Tammy; and

  WHEREAS, A hardworking and dedicated member of his community, Philip
Arsenault, Jr. was employed as a truck driver  for  the  Town  of  Milan
Highway Department, where he served with diligence and pride; and

  WHEREAS,  Philip  Arsenault,  Jr.  died  on  January 14, 2026, while
residing in Elizaville, New York, at the age of 80; he  was  predeceased
by  his  beloved  wife, Gloria, his son Brian, and his son-in-law Thomas
Jahoda; and

  WHEREAS, He is survived by  his  loving  daughters,  Brenda  Jahoda,
Michelle  Jennings, Tina Lyons, and Tammy Lyons, as well as 12 cherished
grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom continue to  honor
his legacy of service, strength, and devotion to family; and

  WHEREAS,  Philip  Arsenault, Jr. was laid to rest in Germantown, New
York,  leaving  behind  a  legacy  defined  by  honor,  sacrifice,   and
unwavering commitment to his country and community; and

  WHEREAS,  The  courage,  dedication,  and  integrity demonstrated by
Philip Arsenault, Jr. throughout his life and military service epitomize
the highest ideals  of  citizenship  and  patriotism,  reflecting  great
credit  upon  himself,  his  family,  and  the  State  of New York; now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend  Philip  Arsenault,  Jr.  posthumously  upon the occasion of his
designation  as  recipient  of  a  Liberty  Medal,  and  to  honor   his
distinguished  life  of  service  to his Nation and community; and be it
further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the family of Philip Arsenault, Jr.