New York J 1290: Commending Alexander Watkins 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

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J01290 Summary:

BILL NOJ01290 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORROLISON

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COSPNSR

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MLTSPNSR

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Go to top J01290 Actions:

BILL NOJ01290 

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10/20/2025REFERRED TO FINANCE

01/13/2026REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

01/13/2026ADOPTED

Go to topJ01290 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ01290 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ01290 Text:

Senate Resolution No. 1290

BY: Senator ROLISON

 COMMENDING Alexander Watkins 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

 WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have so honorably and valiantly served their country, deserve to be
recognized, commended, and honored by the people of the State of New
York; and

 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals who have displayed great courage and
unwavering commitment in the service of their country and community; and

 WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Alexander Watkins 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, to be
celebrated at the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran ceremony on Thursday,
October 16, 2025, at American Legion Post No. 1302 in Poughkeepsie, 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 and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, Alexander
Watkins was a proud graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, where he
distinguished himself as an accomplished athlete in track and field,
securing second place at the New York State Championships and gaining
recognition as a local sports standout; and

 WHEREAS, In 1959, at the age of 19, Alexander Watkins answered the
call to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army,
embarking on a military career that would span 27 years and take him
across the globe; and

 WHEREAS, During his early service, Alexander Watkins was assigned to
Company A, 2nd Battle Group, 23rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning,
Georgia, and continued to pursue his passion for athletics, competing in
high jump and middle-distance running events; he later served with
Company B, 3rd Motorized Transportation Battalion (Provisional), 32nd
Armor Regiment Division, further distinguishing himself in both military
and athletic arenas; and

 WHEREAS, After an honorable discharge in 1962 at the rank of E5,
Alexander Watkins chose to re-enlist, affirming his deep commitment to
duty; by 1970, he was stationed with the 547th Engineer Company (FB) in
Camp Mercer, Korea, serving as a Staff Sergeant and Motor Sergeant; and

 WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished service, Alexander Watkins
served with honor in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany-where he met his
beloved wife-earning numerous awards and decorations, including the
Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice in Vietnam; and

 WHEREAS, Rising to the rank of Sergeant Major, Alexander Watkins
culminated his 27-year military career in 1987, a testament to his
leadership, discipline, and dedication; and

 WHEREAS, The Watkins family has proudly upheld a tradition of
military service, with Alexander's two brothers also serving-one in the
United States Army and the other in the Navy-contributing to a family
legacy of service in every major conflict since World War I; and

 WHEREAS, Following his military retirement, Alexander Watkins
continued his commitment to public service as a clerk at the Kirk U.S.
Army Health Clinic Hospital in Maryland and later as a manager at Ames
Department Store; though not an official member, he actively
participated in numerous Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) events,
demonstrating ongoing support for his fellow veterans; and

 WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Alexander Watkins was the loving
father of two children, Schannon Clayton and Alex Fredric Watkin