The regular sessions of the Rensselaer County Legislature are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in:
Legislative Chambers, Second Floor
99 Troy Road
East Greenbush, NY 12061
For additional information, please contact the Majority Office at 518-270-2880
- This event has passed.
August 2023 Honor A Deceased Veteran Donald A. Shields
August 14, 2023 @ 8:30 am - 9:00 am
HONOR-A-DECEASED-VETERAN
AUGUST 2023
DONALD A. SHIELDS
1932-2003
FAMILY HISTORY:
Donald A. Shields was born on October 4, 1932 in Harpersfield, New York. He was the son of Theodore and Marion (Persons) Shields, and had one sister, Marie, and one brother, Clinton.
EDUCATION:
Donald received his education through the Sidney Central School District and lived with his parents in Harpersfield, New York.
HISTORY:
On September 7, 1951, Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in Albany, New York. He served with the 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division as an infantryman in Korea. During a battle on October 4, 1952, Donald was wounded in action. After he recovered, Donald returned to the front lines, and on February 13, 1953 was once again wounded in action.
On September 6, 1954, Donald was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Corporal. For his honorable service, Donald was awarded the Purple Heart Medal with one Gold Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
PERSONAL:
On April 12, 1953, Donald married his wife, Jacquelin (Logan) in Sidney, New York. Together they had four loving children: Gary, Sharon, Patricia and Penny. They went on to relocate to Castleton, New York, where they raised their family. Their family eventually expanded to include 6 grandchildren: Michael, Christie, Christopher, Kelly, Chantel and Ian.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Before his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, Donald worked as a farmhand on a dairy farm in Unadilla, New York. After his service, Donald went back to working as a farmhand, until he began his career as a truck driver with Mobil Oil Co., so that he could support his family. He retired from there after 33 years of employment. Donald also worked as a building inspector for the Town of Schodack for over 16 years, and served on the town’s planning and zoning boards.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Donald was a member of the Peter Andrews Memorial VFW post in Castleton, a member of the Exxon/Mobil retirees club of Albany, a communicant of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and a past Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed spending time with his loving family and friends, especially traveling and camping in his free time. He was also a handyman who enjoyed doing carpentry.
Sadly, on August 30, 2003, Donald passed away.
Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony will be held in the Legislative Chambers of the Rensselaer County Legislature.
**Please note the new location: 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, N.Y. 12061.
For questions or application information, please contact the Legislature at 518-270-2880.
Special sessions may also be convened at the request of the Chairperson.
The agenda for a regular session is available on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Members of the public have the opportunity to speak on issues contained in the agenda for one-half hour prior to the opening of the meeting.
We also have a Public Forum night; this is a great opportunity for the Public to make comments to the full Legislative Body. It is held on the Wednesday of the week preceding our regular monthly meeting in Chambers beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Thank you for your cooperation.