book 2013 veterans hall of fame

7/30/2019 BOOK 2013 Veterans Hall of Fame

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VETERANSN E W Y O R K S T AT E S E N A T E

N E W Y O R K S T AT E S E N A T E

HALL O F FAME

HALL O F FAME

Dear Veterans, Friends and Families:

Welcome to the annual Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony. It is witha great sense of pride and admiration that we in the New York StateSenate are once again honoring and recognizing outstanding veteransfrom the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both inmilitary and civilian life.

The veterans gathered here today have given their lives to a causegreater than themselves and in doing so, have protected our countryand way of life. Today we honor these heroic New Yorkers to whomwe owe a tremendous debt of gratitude. Their past bravery in militaryendeavors has helped shape the American landscape - a country ofstrength, freedom and diverse beauty.

Many of those gathered here today have also helped extensively

in their communities. Todays honorees are not only veterans, butcommunity organizers, teachers, small business owners, policeofficers, firefighters, emergency personnel and first responders.

Finally, as we pay homage to all the veterans, let us not forgetthe families fathers, mothers, daughters and sons who alsoparticipated in the rich tradition of military life. Thank you all for yourlaudable services to our nation.

Sincerely,

VETERANS


N E W Y O R K S T A T E S E N A T E

HALL OF FAME

HALL OF FAME

Senator Dean G. Skelos

Majority Coalition LeaderSenator Jeffrey D. Klein

Majority Coalition Leader


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PROGRAM

Presentation of ColorsNew York Army National Guard

SSG Timothy Olsen

SSG William Jirak

SGT Matthew Gatta

SGT Stephanie MacIntyre

INVOCATIONColonel Eric Olsen

SPEAKERSSenator Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein

Senator Dean G. SkelosSenator William J. Larkin

Colonel Mark F. Migaleddi

INTRODUCTION OF HONOREESSenator Greg Ball

SPECIAL THANKSGettysburg Flag Works

for their generous donation of centerpieces.

www.gettysburgflag.com


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Specialist Veronica D. Reid is an honorably discharged veteran

who served in the United States Army. Her years of service, fromNovember 1983 to January 1988, were recognized by her receivingthe Army Service Ribbon.

Ms. Reid joined Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc. in 2003, andbegan her tenure as a case manager. She is currently the Officerof Veteran Services. She has the sole responsibility of developing,enhancing and working with public officials and legislators to

promote new initiatives and funding for homeless veterans, theirfamilies and especially women veterans with children.

The success of the veteran programs of Black Veterans for SocialJustice is a direct result of her tireless efforts and commitment toservice. Her work has always been characterized by an impressiveenthusiasm and an uncompromising standard of excellence withthe goals of superior organizational performance and realizationof that same excellence for each veteran, family and community.Ms. Reid is an example for all who desire to work with or provideservices to veterans.

VERONICA D. REID

VERONICA D. REID NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR ERIC ADAMS.


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Past Commander Marvin R. Jeffcoat was born on January 17, 1965 in Jamaica, NY. He graduatedfrom White Plains High School. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in April 1982 and

received basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and attended the United States Army MilitaryPolice School at Fort McClellan. He then enlisted in the Regular Army in August 1984. He receivedAdvanced Individual Training for Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon completion of AIT, hewas assigned to B Co 3rd Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)at Fort Campbell Kentucky. In 1986 he was assigned to A Co 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regimentat Fort Benning, Georgia and later to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) as a Team Leader.His next assignment was with the School Brigade, also at Fort Benning, where he served as aBasic Airborne and Sniper Instructor. He was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Divisions Long-RangeSurveillance Detachment in the Republic of Korea as a Team Leader in 1989. In 1991, he wasassigned to C Co 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at FortBragg, North Carolina as a Squad Leader where he also served in the Persian Gulf in combatoperations during Operation Desert Storm. In 1996 he returned to Korea as the Operations

Sergeant for the 2nd Infantry Divisions Long-Range Surveillance Detachment. Upon his returnfrom Korea, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class and served as a Platoon Sergeant andRegimental Operations Sergeant with the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd AirborneDivision. In l999, he was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps as a Jumpmaster Instructor at theAdvanced Airborne School. In 2001 he was assigned to Fort Drum, New York as an ObserverControl/Trainer where he retired from active duty as a Sergeant First Class in 2004.

He is a graduate of numerous military schools including the U.S. Army Ranger School and theSpecial Operations Training Course. He has received numerous decorations including the CombatInfantrymans Badge, the Southwest Asia Service Medal w/1 campaign star, the Overseas ServiceRibbon w/Numeral 2, the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Liberation of Kuwait Medal, the KoreanDefense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon.

Past Commander Jeffcoat obtained an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justicefrom Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville North Carolina, a Bachelorsof Political Science Degree from Empire State College in Saratoga Springs New York, and aMaster of Arts in Diplomacy Degree from Norwich University in Northfield Vermont. He is a lifemember of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, a life member of the Combat InfantrymensAssociation, a life member of the National Rifle Association, a life member of the VFW, a Memberof the American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, and the Sunnyside GOP Club, and former QueensCommunity Board 2 member.

Past Commander Jeffcoat is married to the former Maria F. Jones of the Philippines and they havetwo sons, Fermino Antonio, who is 13 years old and Emmanuel Julius, who is 7 years old. Theycurrently reside in Woodside, NY. Past Commander Jeffcoat is currently employed by the New York

City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as a Facility Manager. He has been a life memberof the Daniels Post since 2004 where he served as the Post Commander, and Cub Master for CubScout Pack 390 sponsored by the Daniels Post.

MARVIN R. JEFFCOAT

PAST COMMANDER MARVIN R. JEFFCOAT NAMED TO THE NEW YORKSTATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.


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Loretta Weiss served in the United States Army with distinction from

1942-1945 during World War II, and went back to serve in the KoreanWar and in Vietnam, from September 1950 until her discharge inFebruary 1975, as a Supply Sergeant. In addition to her other duties, sheperformed confidential prep clearance as well.

For her service to her country, Loretta Weiss justly earned numerouscommendations, ribbons, certificates of appreciation and medals. Herhonors include the World War II Victory Medal, the Army OccupationMedal Germany, the National Defense Service Medal with Oak LeafCluster, the Good Conduct Medal with Silver Clasp and three Loops, theArmy Commendation Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster, the AmericanCampaign Ribbon Womens Auxiliary Army, the WAACS Service Ribbon,the American Service Medal, and the New York Medal.

A resident of Flushing, Queens, Loretta Weiss is a member of the Veteransof Foreign Wars and was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal for theVFW in 2008.

LORETTA WEISS

LORETTA WEISS NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR TONY AVELLA.


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William Nazario was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in August 1947. He

served in the United States Marine Corps for 18 months during theVietnam War, volunteering to be point man for Fox Company 2, 7thBattalion, and receiving promotion to squad leader. He reached therank of Lance Corporal.

During his service, William Nazario earned the National DefenseService Medal, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Campaign Medal withdevice, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal withfour Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with

palm and frame, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation,the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, and the New YorkState Conspicuous Service Star.

William Nazario serves as Commander of Chapter 21 of the MilitaryOrder of the Purple Heart, as Junior Vice Commander and LegislativeOffice of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department ofNew York, as Co-Chair of the 19th Congressional District VeteransAdvisory Council and the Westchester County Veterans AdvisoryCouncil, as Chairman of the Cortlandt Hudson Valley VeteransCommittee, and is a member of the Disabled American Veterans andAmerican Legion Post 1030 in Verplanck. He has earned the MilitaryOrder of the Purple Heart 2012-2013 Patriot of the Year, 2011 MaleVolunteer of the Year for the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System,and the United Auto Workers Region 9A 2009 Veteran of the Year forhis volunteer and civic commitments to the community.

William Nazario retired from the United States Postal Service.

WILLIAM NAZARIO

WILLIAM NAZARIO NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR GREG BALL.


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Richard R. Keiser served his country admirably during the Vietnam War. He achievedthe rank of sergeant and is a disabled decorated combat veteran of Vietnam, US

Army 101st Airborne Division. He was wounded on Hamburger Hill in May 1969. Heis a member of numerous veterans organizations including: the Disabled AmericanVeterans, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Charter member of Post 1615, DemeolaPost and served as Commander).

Mr. Keiser remains current on veterans issues and continues to stay actively involved innumerous veteran organizations. He has taken on several leadership roles relating toveterans issues. As a New York State Commander of the American Legion, he helpedwork with members of the New York State Legislature to have the Veterans Buy BackBill passed in 1999. He was the County and State Commander of the New York AmericanLegion and served at the national level as a National Executive Committeeman.

Mr. Keisers involvement in veterans organizations include the local, state and nationallevels. He organized and served as first president of the Sullivan County Coalition ofVeterans. He has also served on Congressman Ben Gilmans Veterans Advisory Counciland is a veterans advocate at Castle Point in Virginia. Mr. Keiser was on the boardof directors of the Missing in Action Home in Rockland County. He is presently VicePresident of the Roscoe Kiwanis.

Professionally, Richard Keiser served for 33 years as an Orangetown PoliceDetective. During his time with Orangetown, he received numerous citations forheroism, exceptional police investigation and life saving. He also participated in the

FBI Academy, New York City Homicide, New York City Sex Crimes and New York CityCriminal Investigators Courses. He is also a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist.

Mr. Keiser has received several awards for his outstanding efforts, including New YorkState Veteran of the Year in 1994. He was named the NYS Crime Prevention Officer ofthe Year in 1995 and proclaimed an expert in State Supreme Court by Judge Murphy.He graduated 1st Place from the Rockland County Police Academy in 1972. Mr. Keiseris also a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, where he served asCommander.

Richard R. Keiser lives in Roscoe after retiring from the Orangetown Police Department

in 2004. He is a 4th generation Sullivan County Resident. Mr. Keiser is also a frequentwriter in the Sullivan County Democrat on veterans issues.

RICHARD R. KEISER

RICHARD R. KEISER NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JOHN BONACIC.


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The youngest of four brothers, Francis H. Romanitch was born at GoodSamaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York. Upon graduating from WestBabylon High School in 2003, Warrant Officer Romanitch enlisted in theSelected Marine Corps Reserve where he went on to excel in his trainingand his duties.

In November 2011, Warrant Officer Romanitch was activated insupport of Operation Enduring Freedom, completing a successful tourin Afghanistan, working in the Special Equipment Items section, 1stMaintenance Battalion, at Camp Leatherneck.

Warrant Officer Romanitch has received numerous awards and citationswith the United States Marine Corps in recognition of his outstandingservice. While deployed to combat operations in Afghanistan, he earneda Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal while serving as SpecialEquipment Items Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. The awardcitation reads, Romanitchs efforts ensured the anti-terrorism andforce protection equipment at remote forward operating bases, commandoutposts and patrol bases throughout the area of operations remainedfully functional His initiative, perseverance and total dedication to dutyreflected credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the MarineCorps and the United States Naval Service.

Warrant Officer Romanitch is known among members of his communityfor his honesty, integrity and loyalty. He has been a member of theBabylon Post 94 of The American Legion for eight years, where he helpsrecruit members to the Post and assists with coordinating annual Toysfor Tots Campaigns. His hobbies include surfing, Mixed Martial Arts, andspending time on the water with friends and family.

FRANCIS H. ROMANITCH

FRANCIS H. ROMANITCH NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR PHIL BOYLE.


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Sp. 4 Daniel J. Honsinger, U.S. Army (Ret.), officially joined the service onOct. 28, 1966. He served 13 months in the Armys 4th Battalion of the ThirdInfantry during the Vietnam War.

Honsinger completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina andfinished advanced training at Fort Collins, Colorado. Before going into activebattle, Honsinger experienced months of grueling training while stationed atthe Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. There he completed strenuous amphibiantraining, jungle warfare training and escape-and-evasion training. Honsingeralso received explosives training before becoming certified as the demo-manfor his unit.

While deployed in South Vietnam, Honsinger faced daily encounters withguerrilla warfare. Following seven months of overseas battle, Honsinger wasseverely wounded in combat due to an enemy mine explosion. He spent ninemonths at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. recoveringfrom his injuries and retired from the Army because of his disabilities on Jan.27, 1969.

To honor his immeasurable bravery, Honsinger was awarded the PurpleHeart and the Bronze Battle Star, along with the New York State Conspicuous

Service Cross and Citation, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National DefenseService Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the CombatInfantrymans Badge and the Sharpshooter Rifle Badge.

Honsinger is a lifetime member of The Military Order of The Purple Heart andis a current member of the American Legion of Wyantskill, NY.

Sp. 4 Daniel Honsinger, U.S. Army (Ret.) is a man who fought with extremevalor and determination on behalf of our country. His efforts, bravery andleadership are to be celebrated and honored.

DANIEL J. HONSINGER

DANIEL J. HONSINGER NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR NEIL D. BRESLIN.


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Charles Charlie Maushardt is a life-long resident of Rockland County. Upongraduation from Tappan Zee High School in 1969, he joined the U.S. Army. After basic

training, Charlie served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. For his service, he was awardedthe National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medaland one Overseas Bar with Star.

Charlie has since been a member of several local veterans organizations includingthe Vietnam Veterans of America, serving as President from 1992-1994; the RaymondDeMeola VFW Post #1615 in Blauvelt; the John Perry American Legion Post #1044 inSparkill and the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club in 1991. It was for his service to theseorganizations that Charlie was honored by the Rockland County Veterans CoordinatingCouncil as the 1995-1996 Rockland County Veteran of the Year.

As President of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Nam Knights MC since 2000, anorganization consisting of military veterans, law enforcement officers and Patriots,Charlie has become well-known for his leadership and service to the residents ofRockland County and the surrounding region.

The mission of the Nam Knights is simple: to honor the memory of our veterans and lawenforcement officers who have paid the ultimate price and to assist those in need withinour community. Under Charlies leadership, the Nam Knights have raised and donatedwell over $100,000 to local charitable causes in Rockland County. Their dedication tothose in need has earned the Nam Knights a respected reputation. Without question, thiswell-known reputation is a direct result of Charlie Maushardts continued leadership,

perseverance and undeniable passion to serve its residents.

Some of the events the Nam Knights host are food drives benefiting People to People,annual Make-A-Wish benefits, POW-MIA, Watchfire and Mount Moor Cemeterywreath-laying ceremonies and an annual Family Benefit Picnic. They also supportand participate in many military, law enforcement and community events includingthe Rockland County Law Enforcement and Brinks Memorial Ceremonies, militarydeployment & welcome home escorts, parades and dedication ceremonies, and avariety of other charitable causes to benefit our community.

Charlie lives in Blauvelt, New York, and has been married to his wife Marianne for 41

years. They have 3 grown sons and 6 grandchildren.

CHARLES A. MAUSHARDT

CHARLES A. MAUSHARDT NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR DAVID CARLUCCI.


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Corporal Irving Cantor was born in Syracuse on December 21, 1918 to Bertha and LouisCantor, who came to the United States from Russia. He served in the 3138th Motor

Messenger Signal Corps, carrying messages behind enemy lines in the European Theaterof Operations, working directly with and for General Eisenhower.

Upon his return to Syracuse after serving his country, Corporal Cantor received a citationfrom President Truman commenting that he would serve his community and country ashe had done overseas. He fulfilled that call for service with a lifetime of commitment toveterans.

Corporal Cantor spent much of his career as a theater manager in places like Auburn,Baltimore, Rochester, Arizona, Ohio and New York City. In addition to his work as a theatermanager, he devoted much of his life to assisting veterans.

After the Vietnam conflict, Corporal Cantor developed the program Bet on a Vet toassist unemployed veterans in finding work. In one year, nearly 3,000 jobs were providedfor local area veterans. For his leadership on this program, Corporal Cantor received aCongressional Commendation.

Next, he learned that there were plans to tear down the War Memorial to build a conventioncenter. Corporal Cantor fought the demolition, and after nine years, he laid the groundworkto make the War Memorial in Onondaga County a state and national landmark.

Corporal Cantor then began the Veterans News a free newsletter sponsored by local

businesses to provide vital information on veterans benefits.

His most significant and lasting achievement was founding the Veterans Party, anindependent political party, which is comprised of veterans from all eras of military service.The party endorses candidates from all levels of government who support policies that helpveterans.

Corporal Cantor died on December 25, 1997, and is survived by his daughter, Linda Chew,a granddaughter, Heather Quattrone and two great grandchildren, Elijah and KatelynMayhan.

Corporal Cantor served his country with honor, and he served his fellow veterans and theirfamilies with total dedication. His immeasurable contributions to our state and nation haveimproved the lives of countless veterans.

IRVING CANTOR

IRVING CANTOR NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JOHN A. DEFRANCISCO.


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At just 17 years old in October of 1960, Sergeant Luis Lorenzo

enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. On November 23, 1960,Sergeant Lorenzo was sent to Parris Island, S.C. for 12 weeks ofbasic training and moved on to 2nd Marine Division Camp in Lejeune,North Carolina for advanced Infantry training.

After completing his training, Sergeant Lorenzo was sent to SeaSchool Ship Indoctrination in Portsmouth, VA, where he was trainedin various types of weapons and hand to hand combat. After thisindoctrination, he reported aboard the carrier USS Randolph CVA 15

Norfolk, VA and was assigned to the Marine Detachment at its NavalBase.

After a tour of 21 months, Sergeant Lorenzo was sent to 1st BN 10thMarine, 2nd Marine Division Station at Camp Lejeune, NC, where hewas initially discharged with an Honorable Discharge. From there, hewas transferred to 1st Marine Corps District until his final dischargeon November 22, 1966.

For his service to his country, Sergeant Lorenzo received numerousawards, including the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy ExpeditionaryMedal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle SharpshooterMedal and the Pistol Expert Medal.

Currently, Sergeant Lorenzo is a member of the Marine CorpsLeague and the American Legion. He serves as CEO of Veterans AreStill Warriors, Inc., an organization that, to date, has helped over 600

Veterans with their VA benefits.

LUIS LORENZO

LUIS LORENZO NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR RUBN DAZ, SR.


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Master Sergeant (MSgt.) Zulma L. Novoa is a United States Air Force HealthService Management Craftsman, currently serving with the 514th AerospaceMedicine Squadron, 514th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire, Dix,Lakehurst, New Jersey.

MSgt. Novoa enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve in 2001 andcompleted basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

After basic, Airman Novoa completed her Health Services ManagementCraftsman training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas, whereshe was handpicked by her Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCIOC) to

serve as a Green Rope Mentor for her fellow students. She graduated fromtechnical school with the rank of Senior Airman. Shortly after returning fromtech school, and immediately following the events of September 11, Novoawas called up for active duty and served stateside for eight months.

MSgt. Novoa was deployed to Central Command Balad, Iraq in 2010 withthe 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group (Tuskegee Airmen). As NCIOC ofCommand and Control, she led mission operations for Operation IraqiFreedoms busiest Contingency Air Staging Facility, providing aero medicalevacuation missions of over 3.8 thousand wounded warrior patients -

movements key to a 98 percent US survival rate. During this deployment, shewas coined by the US Army Commanding General and awarded the Air ForceCommendation Medal for her distinguished accomplishments.

In 2012, MSgt. Novoa deployed to the Pacific Command for Operation TropicCare, a Joint Services Humanitarian mission conducting health servicessupport to more than 10,000 patients in the local community.

MSgt. Novoas distinguished accomplishments include: NCO of the Quarterand NCO of the Year for the 514th Air Mobility Wing; Air Force CommendationMedal; Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; NationalDefense Service Medal; and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

ZULMA L. NOVOA

ZULMA L. NOVOA NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR MARTIN MALAV DILAN.


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Allan P. Atwell PFC is a past Commander and current Chaplain of

Clifton Park/Halfmoon VFW Post #1498. In 1943, at the age of 18, hegraduated from Breesport High School in Chemung County. A fewdays later, he visited the Selective Service Board and was drafted.He was assigned to the 28th Infantry Division and landed on OmahaBeach in Normandy on Labor Day, 1944.

Allan earned many military and civic awards and honors, includingthe Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and EuropeanTheater of Operations (with four battle stars). He and 43 other WorldWar II veterans from the northeast received a French Legion of HonorMedal in 2012, and were inducted into the Legion for their help inliberating France from the Nazis. He was knighted on Veterans Dayduring a ceremony at Lycee Francais de New York.

Allan is an active member of the Elks Lodge #2466 and theShenendehowa United Methodist Church. He currently serves aspresident of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge

Veterans Association, is a photographer for the Jonesville VolunteerFire Department and serves as Chairman of Clifton Parks EmergencyServices Advisory Board. Allan was also instrumental in the re-dedication of a World War II monument in Garnsey Park.

He retired from the New York Telephone Company in 1985 andresides in Clifton Park with his wife, Neva. He is the proud father offive children.

ALLAN P. ATWELL

ALLAN P. ATWELL NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR HUGH T. FARLEY.


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Dennis Michael Sullivan served as an alcohol and drug counselor withthe United States Army HHC Company Division Headquarters, 101st AirborneDivision during the Vietnam War. His rank was E-4 and he is the recipientof the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and GoodConduct Medal.

Mr. Sullivan is a Life Member and Past Post Commander of VFW Post 4927 inCentereach and also served as the Suffolk County Council Commander.

Currently, Mr. Sullivan serves as the Department of New York Veteransof Foreign Wars State Surgeon. In this role following Superstorm Sandy,

he visited each VFW Post that sustained damage and helped opensoup kitchens and distribute assistance to VFW members and LadiesAuxiliary members. He has also served in numerous national positionsand is currently Special Aide De Camp to the National Commander.

Additionally, Mr. Sullivan has been involved in many rewarding programsincluding the State Commanders Special Project, Fisher House, VeteranStand Down, Gold Star Family Monument, Honor Flight and Operation Uplink.

His proudest achievement is the Recycled Car Program which has provided

42 automobiles to veterans in need. Mr. Sullivan is also a member of theVeterans Review Board, which offers free homes to returning veterans.

Mr. Sullivan is a proud member of numerous organizations including theAncient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, Amvets Post 48, DisabledAmerican Veterans 190, Catholic War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans. Hehas also had the honor of playing taps at many community events.

Mr. Sullivan and his wife, Teresa, moved from Brooklyn to Selden in 1983.They have four children and five grandchildren.

DENNIS MICHAEL SULLIVAN

DENNIS MICHAEL SULLIVAN NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JOHN J. FLANAGAN.


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Stephen Nicolino is a devoted and tireless advocate for our nations heroes. Hisfamily has a long history of service to our nation. His father and four brothers allserved in the armed forces and his two sisters worked in the defense industryduring World War II. Mr. Nicolino followed in that proud family tradition, serving inthe Air Force from 1952-1956. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and earnedthe National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of OccupationMedal-Germany, and New York State Medal for Merit.

After his military discharge, Mr. Nicolino served his fellow veterans with the samepassion and dedication that he served his country. He is a long-time member andpast-Commander of the Freeport American Legion and a member of the Veteransof Foreign Wars. He maintains a leadership role in organizing Freeports Memorial

Day Parade and Veterans Day services to ensure that the sacrifices of Freeportsveterans are always remembered. He is also Chairman of Freeports VeteransAdvisory Council.

One of his most personal causes was installing signs on the Southern StateParkway and Long Island Expressway directing motorists to Long Island NationalCemetery, which is the final resting place for over 325,000 American veterans,including Mr. Nicolinos brother. After hearing from many individuals that theyhad trouble locating the cemetery to pay their respects to the veterans, Mr.Nicolino spent years spearheading the effort to get the signs installed, which they

ultimately were in 2005.

Mr. Nicolino also gives back to the community professionally. As the co-owner ofNicolino Construction, Mr. Nicolino and his brother, Al, donated their time andservices to build a monument in Freeport to honor the local veterans who gavetheir lives in service to their country. Mr. Nicolino is also a past President and amember of the Board of Directors of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Nicolino and his wife, Mary Patricia, reside in Freeport. They are the proudparents of Stephen, Pattie Anne & Regina, and loving grandparents of 10grandchildren.

STEPHEN NICOLINO

STEPHEN NICOLINO NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR CHARLES J. FUSCHILLO, JR.


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Marlene L. Roll is the personification of service: service to her country,

service to her community, and service to her fellow soldiers and veterans.

The current Commander of the Erie County Council of Veterans ofForeign Wars, Marlene has been active in Western New York military andveteran affairs since she first enlisted in the United State Army Reservesin 1986, serving as an operating room technician through 1994, including5 months spent as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation DesertStorm.

After returning from overseas, Sgt. Roll joined the Veterans of ForeignWars as a lifetime member, where she continues to distinguish herselfand has assumed numerous leadership roles at the local, state andnational levels, including: Patriotic Instructor, Special Recruiter andMember Chairman, Post Commander, Chief of Staff for the Departmentof New York State, and Women Veterans Chair for the Eastern StatesConference.

In recent years, Sgt. Roll has applied her acquired experience and talents

to government and public service. Serving for a time as the Director ofErie County Veterans Services and later as the Interim Director of MonroeCounty Veterans Services, impacting thousands of lives in upstate NewYorks two most populous counties. She also volunteers as a VeteranMentor with the City of Buffalos Veteran Treatment Court, is member ofthe board at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park, and a Co-Chair for the VAGolden Age Games 2013.

Sgt. Roll lives in the Town of Alden with her husband of 25 years, Jim.

MARLENE L. ROLL

MARLENE L. ROLL NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR PATRICK M. GALLIVAN.


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Robert (Bob) Danke and his wife Loretta are lifelong residents of Astoria,

Queens. World War II broke out when Bob was just 17 years old. Bob wastoo young to enlist in the service without his fathers signature on a form

granting him permission, but that did not stop him from serving his country.

In fact, Bobs dad would also enlist just a few months later, although he was

50 at the time.

Bobs first taste of combat came on the beaches of Salerno, Italy in

September 1943. Platoon C-7 of the Naval Fourth Beach Battalion landed on

Yellow Beach under heavy fire. As the battle raged, a landing craft became

stranded, leaving two wounded Allied soldiers on board, helpless. Bobswam out through a haze of bullets and brought his fellow members of the

Allied forces back to safety; doctors from the scene say that he undoubtedly

saved their lives. This episode characterizes Robert Dankes distinguished

service throughout WWII, which spanned the European, African and Pacific

theaters of war. Bob was among the first to land on the beaches of Italy and

was at Okinawa when Japan surrendered. Over the course of his service, Bob

received the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart to commemorate

wounds he sustained on the beach in Salerno.

After his time in the service, Bob returned to Astoria as a bartender and

worked for the phone company in a local office. Bob is a true American hero

and his service to our country continues to bring pride to his community. We

gratefully thank him for his contributions to Queens, to New York City and to

our country.

ROBERT (BOB) DANKE

ROBERT DANKE NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY MICHAEL GIANARIS.


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In October 1951, 16 months after the start of the Korean War, Jacquemae (Tucker)Perrotta enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After Basic Training, Airman Tucker wastransferred to Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for training as a CommunicationsCenter Specialist. Upon completion of her training, Jacquemae was assignedto Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and in November of 1953, she was assigned toHickam Air Force Base in Hawaii as a Senior Communications Specialist.

In April of 1954, Airman First Class Tucker married Sergeant Anthony Perrottaof Poughkeespie, NY. Jacquemae was discharged in September of 1954, and inNovember she and Tony returned to Poughkeepsie.

When Jacquemae returned to civilian life, she worked for Western Union Telegraph

and raised three children. Jacquemae decided to serve veterans as a member ofLafayette Post #37 of the American Legion. She has been a prominent member ofthis post for the past 54 years.

In the 1980s, she was elected the first woman Commander of Post #37, the firstwoman Commander of Dutchess County and the second woman commander ofthe 9th District American Legion. She headed committees in the Department ofNew York American Legion network (Membership, Boys State, and WINAL) andis still active in these committees. She also served as National Director 20/4Honorary Society Women Legion.

Jacquemae currently serves on the Directors Advisory Committee at CastlePoint Veterans Hospital and also works as a VAVS Representative and 20/4.She frequently visits the hospital and has become a regular face. She heads thePernell Christmas Party and on Valentines Day she distributes American flags toeach veterans bedside.

On Veterans Day each year, Jacquemae helps others obtain flags for the localVFW and Jewish War Veterans to place at their cemeteries.

Jacquemae has a great love for her country and her fellow veterans.

JACQUEMAE PERROTTA

JACQUEMAE PERROTTA NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR TERRY GIPSON.


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Howard Dunn is a United States Naval veteran, active in the U.S. Navy from March 1944through April 10, 1946.

Mr. Dunn has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America since 1939, when he joinedTroop 321 at St. Johns Evangelist Church. There, he worked his way up to Scoutmasterand then Neighborhood Commissioner, eventually becoming Assistant DistrictCommissioner of the Atlantic District with responsibility for 20 Troops and Packs.After a few years, Mr. Dunn was asked to become a member of the Executive Board ofDirectors for the Boy Scouts of America. He remains an active member of the Boardof Directors for Brooklyn, NY. Howard has been a member of the of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica for 74 years. In 1987 he received the Silver Beaver award.

Introduced to the Wounded Warrior Project through his involvement with the Boy Scoutsof America, Mr. Dunn helped raise more than $28,000 between 2009-2012.

Mr. Dunns participation with the Wounded Warrior Project continues today, as he workswith Walter Reed Hospital on numerous clothing drives. He also volunteers his timeconducting tours of New York City for soldiers and their families who come into the NewYork City and New Jersey areas.

Mr. Dunn has been recognized numerous times for his dedication to the Boy Scouts ofAmerica and the Wounded Warrior Project. Those awards include: the Silver Beaveraward by the Boy Scouts of America, 1987; Scout of the Year, 1989; Ronald ReaganAmericanism Award by the Kings County Conservative Party, March 21, 2010; and theVeterans Appreciation Award for Distinguished Service and Devotion to Our Communityand County, 2011.

Colonel Gould, Commanding Officer of Fort Hamilton Army Base, has recognized Mr.Dunn for outstanding support of the soldiers, families and civilians of Fort Hamilton. Hereceived the Patriotism Award from the Kings County Memorial Day Committees PeteDe Angelis on May 14, 2008 at Borough Hall, Brooklyn, NY; was recognized for 45 yearsof devoted public and community services by Amity Post 791 on Jan 20, 2002; receivedthe George V. Russano Award by the Cadet Baseball Club for Support of the Club on

Oct 26, 2008 at the 64th Anniversary Dinner for the Cadets; and was presented with theSpark Flag Award by the Atlantic District Boy Scout Committee in 1987.

HOWARD DUNN

HOWARD DUNN NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR MARTIN J. GOLDEN.


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Phil Capraro was drafted into the Army in 1943. After basic training he wasassigned to the 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division. He was wounded for thefirst time, during the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach as part of OperationOverlord. Later, while engaged at the Siegfried Line, Capraro was woundedfor a second time, and was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroic action. OnDecember 16, 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge, Capraro was wounded for thethird time. At the time, Phil was in charge of four machine gun placementswhich were charged with providing cover fire for 200 riflemen in foxholes upfront awaiting the German onslaught. At the end of the war, Phil continued toserve as part of the occupation forces. Capraro remained in the Army and wascalled up for the Korean War. In addition to two Bronze Stars, he earned three

Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Battle of the Bulge Commendation,WWII Victory Medal, and European Theater Operation Medal.

He retired from the Army in 1975 after serving 32 years in several capacities.

As a civilian, Capraro worked as a small arms repairman for National GuardArmories in Central New York and ended as the Superintendent of theParkway Armory in Utica.

Phil continues to be an advocate for veterans and military concerns, and is

still active with the American Legion, DAV, the Order of Purple Hearts andthe Vets of Battle of the Bulge. If he is not home, you will probably find himretelling his firsthand accounts at a local school, or volunteering for a vetsfood-drive, or at a Wounded Warrior Project event, or making a delivery ofdonated goods at one of the naval hospitals.

Phil and his wife, Ida, continue to call Utica their home and count their threechildren, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, as their greatesttrophies.

PHILIP R. CAPRARO

PHILIP R. CAPRARO NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JOSEPH A. GRIFFO.


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Captain Roger L. Woodworth enlisted in the Army in 1996, attending basic trainingin South Carolina and advanced individual training in Virginia. After serving threeyears as an enlisted Terrain Analyst on the 42nd Infantry Division Terrain Team, heattended Officers Candidate School. Commissioned in 1999, he began his careeras an Army Officer with service in Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment,Engineer Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division as a Tactical Intelligence Officer.

CPT Woodworth served in leadership positions at various levels. In 2004 he wasdeployed to the Sunni Triangle and the four North-Central Provinces in Iraq. He ledU.S. service members in ground combat and stability operations with Task ForceLiberty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his unit was awarded the Meritorious

Unit Citation. Following re-deployment in 2005, he continued to serve into 2006, atwhich point he assumed an operations officer role.

CPT Woodworths current assignment is as an engineer operations officer. Hesalso a traditional member of the New York Army National Guard with over 16years of combined active and National Guard service. His awards and decorationsinclude Bronze Star Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal and HumanitarianService Medal.

CPT Woodworth serves on the Erie County Legislatures VALER4Valor Committee

and VA WNY Healthcare Systems VA Advisory Council and recently served aschairman of the board for the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY as well as beinginstrumental in its founding. He also serves as treasurer of the WNY VeteransHousing Coalition.

Roger holds an MBA from the University at Buffalos School of ManagementsExecutive Program and an undergraduate degree in Management. He held variousmanagement positions at M&T Bank and is president and chief executive officer ofthe Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY.

Roger lives in Orchard Park with his wife, Ellen, and their four children.

ROGER L. WOODWORTH

ROGER L. WOODWORTH NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR MARK GRISANTI.


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James Merritte was born in Virginia on June 22, 1948. After graduating in 1967 from EastEnd High School, Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte enlisted in the Army. Upon completion of

basic training in Ft. Gordon, Georgia, he entered signal school and soon after was assignedto Vietnam, where he served a total of 18 months with the 53rd Signal Battalion, one year inGermany, 6 months in Panama and the remaining duty stateside.

Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte was also attached to the 2/32 Artillery, a 175th ArtilleryUnit and completed two years of study at the Virginia Commonwealth University School ofBusiness.

Throughout his military career, Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte served in Military Justice,as a Radio Relay and Carrier Operator, in Army Maintenance and Army Management, as aBasic Non-commission Officer Course Phase 1 & 2 and as an Advance Non-Commission

Officer Course Phase 1 & 2.

Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte is a member of the American Legion Post 1487, a LifeMember VFW Post 7166, a Life Member DAV and a Life Member WA 82.

For his service to his country, Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte is the recipient of numerousawards and citations. Some of the honors include: a Certificate of Appreciation fromThomas R. Suozzi; a Certificate of Appreciation from Rev. Joe L. Brown; a Citation from theNassau County Office of the Executive, Edward D. Mangano; a Citation from AssemblymanJoseph S. Saladino and the New York State Assembly, in affiliation with the VietnamVeterans of America; the 2011 Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal from Supervisor KateMurray; the Winston A. Grant Humanitarian Award from the Town of Hempstead Supervisor

Kate Murray; a Letter of Appreciation from New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo,Jr., the State of New York Medal for Merit from the Adjutant General, Patrick A. Murphy;the State of New York Conspicuous Service Star from the Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo andmany others.

Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte proudly acknowledges his family members who havefollowed in his footsteps, including his brother, son, nephew, a granddaughter in the Navyand three grandsons in the United States Air Force.

As an Agent Orange victim with diabetes, Retired Sgt. First Class Merritte now spends histime reaching out to fellow veterans, educating them on the many services at their disposal.

JAMES W. MERRITTE

JAMES W. MERRITTE NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR KEMP HANNON.


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William DuBose is the former Commissioner of the Veterans

Service Agency and the Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police.

Commissioner William DuBose was born on February 11, 1946in Darlington, South Carolina. He earned an Associates Degreein Liberal Arts from Friendship Junior College and a BachelorsDegree from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NorthCarolina.

Commissioner DuBose was a member of the Army and a Vietnamveteran. As a longtime resident of Mount Vernon, New York,Commissioner DuBose acted as the Citys liaison betweenveterans, their dependents and the United States Department ofVeterans Affairs.

Commissioner DuBose was a life member of Aaron A. Lewis VFWPost #6396, a member of the 369 Veterans Association and amember of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was also involvedin the Mount Vernon Boys and Girls Club, where he served as pastpresident and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Although Commissioner William DuBose passed away on June 23,2012, he will be remembered for his tireless efforts on behalf ofall service people and for his vigorous advocacy for the placementof a Gold Star Mothers monument in Hartley Park.

WILLIAM DUBOSE NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR RUTH HASSELL-THOMPSON.

WILLIAM DUBOSE


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Jerry Alperstein served as a Seaman in the Navy during the Vietnam War(1966-1967) and received Vietnam Service and National Defense medalsfor honorable and meritorious performance of his duty. Jerrys serviceto his country continued upon his return home from Vietnam, in both hisprofessional life educating future generations of Americans, and throughmany volunteer activities in which he demonstrated his abiding commitmentto his fellow veterans.

For nearly two decades, Jerry was a highly respected educator in the NewYork City public school system. He served as a social studies and musicteacher, and ultimately as a program chairman at the High School of Fashion

Industries in Manhattan.

Jerry was deeply impacted by his service in Vietnam, and he has been apassionate advocate for veterans, in his community and throughout NewYork State, ever since. He is a leader in the Jewish War Veterans of the USAPost 1, the oldest continuously active veterans organization in the country,dating back to March 15, 1896. From 2004 to 2012, Jerry was the JewishWar Veterans Legislative Chair - a role in which he advanced many issuesof concern to veterans. Victories during his tenure included the installationof several veterans monuments in New York City, winning expansion of

veterans tuition benefits in the 2008 New York State Budget, and avertingthe proposed closure of the Manhattan VA Hospital.

Jerry currently serves on U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloneys MilitaryAcademies Advisory Board, a highly respected post in which he makesrecommendations on appointments to the Service Academies. He also editsthe Jewish War Veterans state publication.

For his continued dedication and service to his country and his community,Jerry Alperstein is richly deserving of his place in the New York StateVeterans Hall of Fame.

JERRY ALPERSTEIN NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR BRAD HOYLMAN.

JERRY ALPERSTEIN


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Staff Sergeants Katherine Robinson and Indiana Hunt served their

country in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It was the onlyall-African American, all-female unit to serve overseas. A WomensArmy Corps unit, the 6888th kept mail flowing to nearly seven millionsoldiers in the European Theater of Operations. To complete the taskbefore them, their unit worked 24 hours. Their work was described asexemplary.

Staff Sergeant Robinson enlisted in the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps.She completed her basic training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Uponcompletion of her overseas training, she joined the 6888th Central PostBattalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams, the firstblack woman commissioned as an officer in the United States WomensArmy Corps.

After overseas activity, Katherine began to work at the Internal RevenueService. After a few years at the IRS, she was recruited to join the PoliceForce. Katherine secured a position of Administrative Assistant to severalpolice commissioners and retired after twenty years.

Indiana Hunt Martin enlisted in the Womens Army Corps and wasstationed in Des Moines, Iowa for basic training. Indiana served overseasfor approximately one year and during which she was a part of the 6888thCentral Post Battalion.

In 1945, Indiana secured a job at the State Department of Labor as aclerk. When she moved back to Niagara Falls in 1969, she continued towork with the Department of Labor until she retired in 1987, after fortyone years of service.

KATHERINE ROBINSON AND INDIANA HUNT NAMED TO THE NEW YORKSTATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY.

KATHERINE ROBINSONAND INDIANA HUNT


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Silvio Mazzella was born and raised in an Italian neighborhood in the

Morrisania section of the South Bronx. It was an area where many peoplefrom Ponza had settled. Silvio is the youngest of five siblings.

Silvio graduated with Honors from Our Lady of Pity School where he wasa member of Don Bosco Boys Club. He attended Cardinal Hayes HighSchool, Northeastern University and Monroe College and has a degree inBusiness Administration.

In 1966, he voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Hetrained in Parris Island, South Carolina, North Carolina, San Diego,and Okinawa and then served in Vietnam. After serving his countryhe found employment with Keppler Brothers Supplies Incorporatedas an Administrative Manager. In 1996 he was employed by UnisourceWorldwide as a sales consultant.

In 1970 he met and married the love of his life, Yvonne Cintron. Theywere blessed with three children.

Silvio was appointed as a board member on the Jacobi Medical Center

Advisory Board in 2004 and served as Vice Chair of Advisory Board and asChair of the Emergency Room committee. In 2002 he became a member ofthe 49th Precinct Community Council and then was elected to serve as VicePresident on the Council. He was appointed in 2005 as a board memberon the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Community Advisory Board.He was also appointed to the CCI (Committee on Clinical Investigation)Institution Review Board of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

He is honored to be a member of the United States Marine Corps and he

will always be faithful to serve his country (Semper Fidelis).

SILVIO MAZZELLA NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JEFFREY D. KLEIN.

SILVIO MAZZELLA


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Wilbur (Will) Weder served in the U.S. Army from 10 February 1965 through 9 February1967 at which time he was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist E-4. He was

drafted into the Army and received Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.He was trained as an electronics repairman for the Nike-Hercules Missile Systems atRedstone Arsenal in Alabama. After graduation, Will was sent to South Korea for 13months to support the Nike-Hercules missile systems located there. After his service inSouth Korea, Will served the remainder of his time at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. Whilein the Army, he received the Marksman (Rifle) medal, the National Defense Service Medaland the Good Conduct Medal. Will was the Honor Graduate of his class at the United StatesArmy Ordnance Guided Missile School, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, July 23, 1965.

Will is an out, openly gay man who has worked to make a difference for veterans andresidents of New York City. Since moving to New York City in late 1995, he has been active

in various volunteer organizations, especially in health care and related fields.

Will testified before the VA CARES Commission opposing the closing of the VA Hospitalat First Avenue and 23rd Street in Manhattan. He worked closely with CongresswomanCarolyn B. Maloney and other elected officials to ensure that the VA Hospital was not soldor closed. He has also worked with other veterans urging the Mayor of New York City andthe City Council to do more to help veterans living in New York City.

Will served for nine years on Community Board 2, Manhattan (1998-2007) and is currentlya member of Community Board 6, Manhattan where he is Vice-Chair of the Health, Seniorsand Disability Issues Committee. Concurrent with his time on Community Board 2, Willserved on the Bellevue Hospital Center Community Advisory Board (BHC-CAB) and was

Chair of the BHC-CAB for four of those years. Will is currently First Vice-President of theAuxiliary to Bellevue Hospital Center and a member of the Finance Committee and theGovernance Committee.

Will received a City Council Citation from Council Member and Speaker Peter F. Vallone onJune 26, 2001 and a City Council Citation from Council Member Christine Quinn on May 28,2003. He received the Marjorie Matthews Community Advocate Award from the Health andHospitals Corporation on July 12, 2005. On March 15, 2013 Will was honored by the UnitedHospital Fund as Auxilian of the Year for Bellevue Hospital Center,

Will received a BA in Sociology in 1964 from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois and

a Masters Degree in Social Work (MASW) from the University of Chicago, School of SocialService Administration, Chicago, Illinois in 1970.

WILBUR A. WEDER NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR LIZ KRUEGER.

WILBUR A. WEDER


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Judge Michael J. Brennan is a native Staten Islander, having been born and raised in thetown of West Brighton, where is still resides. He attended P.S. 18 and Curtis High School,

where he is a member of the schools Hall of Fame, and received a BA in Political Sciencefrom St. Peters College, Jersey City, New Jersey.In 1965, he joined the United States Army as a Private. He rose to the rank of Captain,serving in the Armys Military Intelligence Branch. After Infantry Officers CandidateSchool and Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and a year of studying Vietnameseat Ft. Bliss, Texas, he served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. For his service, he wasawarded: The Bronze Star Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service and CampaignMedals, Distinguished Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal. He later received theNew York State Meritorious Service Ribbon.

After Army service, Judge Brennan graduated from St. Johns University School of Lawand N.Y.U. Graduate School of Law. He served as a criminal defense attorney with theN.Y.C. Legal Aid Society until his appointment to the N.Y.C. Criminal Court by Mayor EdKoch in 1984. He is also a graduate of the National Judicial College and has taught as aprofessor at Wagner College, Staten Island, for the past 34 years.A proud veteran, Judge Brennan is a Life Member of the Thomas J. Tori Chapter of theVietnam Veterans of America and Judge Advocate for the Pvt. Joseph F. Merrell (MOH),American Legion Post, Staten Island, and the Richmond County American Legion. Heis also a member of Am Vets, the VFW and the Catholic War Veterans. In 2010, JudgeBrennan was inducted as a Life Member into the Army/Navy/Air Force/Veterans in

Canada, U.S. Chapter.

Elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2000, Judge Brennan sits in Brooklyn,where he is Presiding Judge of the Brooklyn Veterans Court.He does community service work with the Brighton Kiwanis Club, the Warren JaquesBasketball Committee and the Pepper Martin Club. In 1988, the Staten Island AdvanceNewspaper named the Judge their Sportsman of the Year. As President of the John D.Kearney Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Judge Brennan was Grand Marshalof the St. Patricks Day Parade on Staten Island and has been an aide to the NYC ParadesGrand Marshal.

The Judge resides in West Brighton with his wife of 46 years, Olivia Garand Brennan.They have a daughter, Olivia, a son, Mickey, and a pet boxer Baby.

MICHAEL J. BRENNAN NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR ANDREW J. LANZA.

MICHAEL J. BRENNAN


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At the age of 17, a young Warren Craig voluntarily enlisted into the UnitedStates Navy. Due to his age, he had to have his parents sign a consent formbefore he could enlist. As part of the greatest generation, his spirit madehim one of our unique heroes who ran toward danger instead of away from it.

US Navy Water Tender 2nd Class Warren Craig first served on the USS DuncanDD485. While serving for less than a year, his ship was sunk by the Japaneseon October 12th, 1942. Warren spent 14 hours surviving in shark infestedwaters until he was rescued. Upon escaping death he immediately returnedto duty aboard the USS Shubrick DD639 vehemently seeking to provideservice to his country instead of thinking of his own safety and well being.

Warren Craig was discharged as a US Navy Water Tender 2nd Class at theage of 21 on November 30th, 1945. Craig received many awards and citationsincluding the China Service Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal; EuropeanCampaign Medal; European, African, Mid-Eastern Campaign with (3) BonzeStars; Asiatic Pacific Campaign with (2) Bronze Stars; WWII Victory Medal;Philippine Liberation Ribbon; Philippine Independence Ribbon; NationalDefense Service Medal; and the Purple Heart.

US Navy Water Tender 2nd Class Craig is an active member of local veterans

organizations. He is involved in Memorial Day parades and is a member ofthe Military Order of the Purple Heart. Craig also was just honored with theflight of a lifetime by Hudson Valley Honor Flight. He was one of 87 WWIIVeterans flown free of charge to visit the memorials that were erected tohonor him and all of our heroes who served in WWII.

Warren Craig continues to serve his country with honor and dedication as anactivist for veterans issues. Warren continues to be a champion for veteransfrom all generations and all walks of life. We are grateful for his work andservice to our nation.

WARREN CRAIG NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR BILL LARKIN.

WARREN CRAIG


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HALL O F FAME

John Jack Drago was born on February 23, 1933 to Louis and Anna

Drago. A lifelong Yonkers resident, Jack was a football standout atRoosevelt High School and voluntarily enlisted in the United States Armyat the age of 17. Jack served three years during the Korean conflict,during which he was awarded two bronze stars. He was honorablydischarged with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

On June 7, 1955, Jack married Jean Fowlkes. Together, Jack and Jeanwere very active in veterans affairs with VFW Empire Post #375 -where Jack served as a five time Commander and once as WestchesterCounty Commander. Jack was instrumental in coordinating many Cityof Yonkers Veterans Day and Memorial Day Parades, pushed hard forthe placement of numerous military monuments throughout the City ofYonkers and served in numerous capacities including as Chair, ViceChair and Treasurer on the Yonkers Central War Veterans Committee.

In addition, Jack was a regular at VA hospital and war veterans events.A pillar of the community, he served as the president of both JFK littleleague and the Sherwood Park Civic/Homeowners Association. In hisprofessional life, Jack was a real estate agent for more than 35 years.

Most importantly, Jack was a dedicated son, husband, father,grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Those whoknew him can attest to the fact that Jack was a very hardworking, honestman who loved his family and was passionate about veterans activism.Jack passed away on March 8, 2010 after a long battle with diabetes.

JOHN F. DRAGO, SR. NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR GEORGE LATIMER.

JOHN F. DRAGO, SR.


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Mr. Drago was raised in Yonkers, New York. He graduated from Lincoln HighSchool in 1964, the Academy of Aeronautics with an Associated Applied Sciencedegree in 1967 and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) for ProfessionalPilot training in 1968.

In 1968, Mr. Drago enlisted in the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Program.He graduated with honors as a WO 1 Army Aviator and was selected to fly theGrumman OV-1 Mohawk. In March 1970, he was deployed to Viet Nam, and withina year, he flew over 220 combat missions in support of the U.S. and the AlliedForces in Viet Nam and other areas in the Southeast Asian region.

While in Viet Nam, Mr. Drago was promoted to CWO 2 and awarded the following

decorations:

The Distinguished Fly Cross for Heroism, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medals (13), Army Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross and Civil Action Medal.

In 1972, Mr. Drago was released from active duty, and returned to ERAU to finish

his education. He then moved to Atlanta and joined the Georgia Army NationalGuard. For the next 15 years, he continued to fly the OV-1 in support of the U.S.Army. While there, he received his Battlefield Commission. In 1988, he wastransferred to the U.S. Army Reserve as a Master Aviator and Captain. He wasthen promoted to Major and assigned to the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at WestPoint, retiring as Lt. Col. USAR in 2002.

In his professional life, Mr. Drago was hired in 1974 by Fed Ex as a pilot. Risingthrough the ranks to Captain, he flew all over the world, eventually retiring in 2006.Since 2010, Lt. Col. Drago has been active with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,assigned as Pilot in support of USCG missions. He continues to volunteer for theUSMA.

WALTER GEORGE DRAGO NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR KENNETH P. LAVALLE.

WALTER GEORGE DRAGO


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During the Vietnam War, US Army Special Forces recruited, trained andfunded Special Guerilla Units (SGUs) composed of soldiers from The Kingdomof Laos.

The SGUs primary missions were to rescue US military pilots shot down overVietnamese and Laotian airspace, to defend US Air Force radar installationsand to interdict incursions by North Vietnamese Army units along the Ho ChiMinh Trail.

Col. Viengkhams military expertise, language skills and organizationalabilities led him to play a key role in training US military personnel about

jungle survival skills and to handle many other medical, intelligence andcommunications duties.

Thomas D. Poole, former Case Manager in Laos for the US Armys SpecialForces, describes Col. Viengkham as his deputy and advisor during histenure in Laos.

With the abandonment of the War, he was forced to change his identity andthose of his wife and three toddler sons then clandestinely flee one night tosafety across the Mekong River while under fire from hostile forces.

Col. Viengkham and his family eventually settled in Broome County andbecame proud American citizens. His son Ototo served in the US Navy asa Corpsman and is now a Surgical Technician at Lourdes Hospital, his sonAkoko is a Police Officer in the Village of Johnson City, and his son Oninoserves his community in the Broome County Public Defenders Office.

Today Col. Viengkham continues his lifetime of service and leadership as thePresident of the Lao SGU Veterans Chapter in New York State.

KHAMMOON VIENGKHAM NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR THOMAS W. LIBOUS.

KHAMMOON VIENGKHAM


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Out of 900 original World War II U.S. Marine Raiders - the first American shocktroops to engage the Japanese in island fighting in the Pacific - two reside inthe 45th Senate District.

Gerry West grew up in Fort Anne and, in 1940, enlisted in the Marine Corpsfollowing high school. Robert Addison of Queensbury joined the Marine Corpsshortly after Pearl Harbor. Together both men would serve in the First MarineRaider Battalion, or Edsons Raiders.

Schooled by Marine veterans, specially selected young men became a lightlyarmed, highly mobile commando units (Raiders) that could conduct operationsin the sub equatorial jungle, the vanguard for larger troop landings to follow.

Seven months after Pearl Harbor, the Marines landed in combat. Addison wastrained as a mortar man and West was a demolitions expert and tapped as amachine-gunner in the critical battles at Guadalcanal, where the Japanese weredeveloping an airfield to support their attack on Australia. The holding of thehigh ground overlooking the airstrip was critical to US success at Guadalcanal.Col. Edson sensed the Japanese would attack there. He was right.

Outnumbered five to one, for two nights the Raiders held on against shelling bysea and Imperial Japanese troops. The battle has become legendary in MarineCorps history. On September 14th, 1942, first light at Guadalcanal revealed overa thousand Japanese dead on the ridge.

West recalls: Most of us just refer to it as Bloody Ridge. We had 50% casualtiesthat night two men in our battalion received the Congressional Medal of Honorand there were thirteen Navy Crosses awarded to men in our battalion just forthat one battle, which is unheard of.

Only a handful of the original Marine Raiders are left. Addison and West survivedto return home, marry, and raise children. Seventy one years later, their

friendship endures.

ROBERT ADDISON AND GERRY WEST NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR ELIZABETH OC. LITTLE.

ROBERT ADDISONAND GERRY WEST


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James A. Haggerty served in the US Marine Corps from 1951 1954 and is

a Combat-Disabled veteran of the Korean War. His awards and citationsinclude the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Presidential UnitCitation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with3 bronze stars, United Nations Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, KoreanPresidential Unit Citation, New York State Medal for Merit and the NewYork State Conspicuous Service Star.

A veterans advocate for decades, Jim is the Co-Chair and one of theoriginal organizers of the Capital Region Homeless Veterans StandDown. He is the President of the Eastern New York Homeless VeteransCoalition, President of the Veteran Care Board at Stratton VA Hospital,Executive Vice President and Past President of the New York StateCouncil of Veterans Organizations, representing 38 veterans groups. Heis the Vice Executive Director of the Marine Coordinating Council and amember of the Columbia County Honor a Vet Committee. Jim is a lifemember of 15 veteran national service organizations including DisabledAmerican Veterans, Marine Corps League, American Legion and theVeterans of Foreign Wars.

Jim has been a very active volunteer in his community, serving as amember of St. Johns Pastoral Council, Kinderhook Lake Corporation,Kinderhook Board of Assessment Review and the Kinderhook ZoningBoard.

He retired from the New York State Department of Labor as the AssistantDirector of Veterans Programs and Training. Jim currently holds theposition of District Veteran Director for Congressman Chris Gibson.He has been married to Norah Haggerty for 59 years. They have four

children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

JAMES A. HAGGERTY NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR KATHLEEN A. MARCHIONE.

JAMES A. HAGGERTY


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Lieutenant Walter Hobbs served in the United States Naval Air Corps. When

the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Walter Hobbswas away at college, attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Uponcoming home for vacation to Manhasset, where his father worked takingcare of the famed Whitney Estate, Walter enlisted in the United States NavalAir Corps.

After completing basic training in North Carolina, Walter started flighttraining in Florida. After spending some time in Oklahoma, Walter wasassigned to the Pacific Theater, flying PBY amphibian planes for search andrescue missions. Walter helped patrol the waters surrounding the Pacific

islands, where some of the fiercest battles of the war in the Pacific tookplace.

After the war ended, he returned home to Manhasset, where he met the loveof his life, Joan, at a polo match.

Joan and Walter had a lot in common, since she also served in the Navyafter the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES,began. The couple made their home in Mineola and just recently, on April 30,

celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Over the years, Walter has become active in the Mineola community, servingin the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post, as well as on theMineola Library Board. Walters and Joans contributions to the communitywere recognized when the art gallery in the library was named after them.

Walter is always willing to share his vast knowledge of Long Island and ofhistory - and all those who know him have come to count on his insight and

guidance. He is a true treasure in the community. We gratefully thank WalterHobbs for his service to our country.

WALTER HOBBS NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANSHALL OF FAME BY SENATOR JACK M. MARTINS.

WALTER HOBBS


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Donald Don Linborg joined the United States Army in 1959 and attendedbasic training at Fort Dix, NJ. Don served as an Intelligence Clerk with theS-2 Headquarters VII Corps Artillery. He was chosen to attend the UnitedStates Army Intelligence School in Oberammergua, Germany, where hebecame a photo interpreter and map coordinator. After two years in Germany,Don returned to the United States, where he was assigned to the Army R&DLaboratory in Belmar, NJ, tasked with developing top secret projects such asSide Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) and infrared photography. Don served inthe Army for a little more than three years and was awarded the Good ConductMedal, National Defense Medal, Department of Defense Cold War VictoryMedal and the New York State Liberty Medal.

Carmen Carm Pascarella, Jr. was drafted into the United States Army in1954, one year after graduating from high school. Carm served with the594th Field Battalion in Giessen, Germany, specializing in the operation of the155 mm howitzer - at the time, one of the Armys largest pieces of artillery.He served two years in the United States Army and was awarded the GoodConduct Medal.

Both Don and Carm played instrumental roles working alongside SenatorMike Nozzolio in helping to turn the former Sampson Naval Training Station

and Sampson Air Force Base into the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery- now one of the most historically significant military sites in the Finger Lakesregion. Located on the edge of Seneca Lake, the Sampson Veterans MemorialCemetery was officially dedicated in July 2011, and is now the final restingplace for more than 100 veterans and their families.

Don currently lives in Macedon with his wife, Mary. They have two sons andfour granddaughters.

Carm currently lives in North Rose with his wife, Margaret. They have two

children and two grandchildren.

DONALD LINBORG AND CARMEN PASCARELLA, JR. NAMED TO THE NEWYORK STATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR MICHAEL F. NOZZOLIO.

DONALD DON LINBORGCARMEN CARM PASCARELLA, JR.


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W. Robert Nolan is an Army veteran of World War II Central Intelligence Agency andArmy Reserve officer during the Cold War.

W. Robert Nolan, a Rochester native now living in Fairport, served his country in twodistinct yet both vitally important ways. During the Second World War, he served withthe 104th Infantry Division, the Timberwolves. After his wartime service, Mr. Nolanalso spent decades in the service of the Central Intelligence Agency.

During his wartime service with the Timberwolves, Mr. Nolan landed in France a fewmonths after D-Day. He then travelled through Belgium on his way to the Netherlands,where his division was hailed as the liberators of Holland. They later saw heavycombat in Germany. In his memoirs, Mr. Nolan writes of coming under attack near the

village of Franhoven, where 88mm shells seriously injured two of his comrades, oneof whom lost a foot, who he had to drag out of the line of fire and back to seek medicalattention. For his heroism under fire, he received the Silver Star.

Later, Mr. Nolan volunteered for a dangerous mission going solo across the Roerriver, to test its depth, speed and firmness of the bottom for a later combat excursion.Under the cover of a heavy artillery barrage, he crossed the river, checked theconditions for climbing over the bank on the other side, and returned. AlthoughMr. Nolan did not receive the bottle of cognac and vacation pass to Paris hed beenpromised, he later received the Bronze Star for the dangerous solo mission.

After the war, Mr. Nolan spent decades in intelligence work, living with his familyin Germany in the 1950s and Vietnam during the war. In the late 1970s, he was theCIA representative to the National Military Command Center. Although his work inthe intelligence community cant be elaborated on with specifics, Mr. Nolan spentdecades helping to keep the United States safe from its Cold War adversaries. Healso served as an Army reserve officer, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

For his service in the Second World War and during the Cold War, Mr. Nolan deservesour states gratitude and respect. His addition to the Veterans Hall of Fame honorsnot only those soldiers who helped defeat the Axis powers, but also the manyintelligence agents who served on the front lines of the Cold War, and whose heroicsand sacrifices must out of necessity often remain unsung.

W. ROBERT NOLAN NAMED TO THE NEW YOTK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR TED OBRIEN.

W. ROBERT NOLAN


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Lieutenant Colonel Roswell L. Crozier, Jr. has dedicated a lifetime of

service to his country, to his community and to Steuben County, NewYork.

Enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps (later to become the UnitedStates Air Force) at the start of World War II, Roz Crozier served withthe 443rd Troop Carrier Group and participated in many of the Warssignature battles and operations including the Invasion of Normandy, theBattle of the Bulge, Operation Crossbow and Operation Market Garden,as well as in the Ardennes, Rome-Arno and Rhineland campaigns.

Among numerous military medals and campaign ribbons, Roz is arecipient of the Bronze Star, the fifth-highest combat decoration awardedby the United States Armed Forces.

Following his WWII service and culminating a 25-year career in the AirForce, during the early years of the Cold War Lt. Col. Crozier commandedChennault Air Force Base, a United States Air Force Strategic AirCommand base near Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Roz returned to Steuben County wherehe has spent a lifetime of community and public service in numerouscapacities. He served as Executive Vice President of the CorningChamber of Commerce and has been active in organizations includingCorning Crossroads, Three Rivers Development and the AppalachianRegional Commission.

Roz served as a Trustee of the Village of Painted Post, New York from1987 to 1996. His first tenure as the Mayor of Painted Post was from

1996 to 2002. He was re-elected Mayor in 2010 and continues to servein that capacity.

ROSWELL L. CROZIER, JR. NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR THOMAS F. OMARA.

ROSWELL L. CROZIER, JR.


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Officer Robert Thybulle was born in April of 1976 in Brooklyn, NY. Heattended P.S. 235 and graduated from Brooklyn College Academy H.S. in1994. Upon graduation Robert Thybulle joined the United States Army wherehe attended basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then was assigned tothe 1st Battalion 6th Field Artillery in Bamberg, Germany.

While stationed in Germany, he was deployed for a peace keeping missionto Bosnia and Herzegovina. For his heroic efforts, he was awarded an ArmyAchievement Medal, an Oversees Service Ribbon, a NATO Metal and othercommendations.

He left active military service to serve in his hometown of New York City andpursue his dream of becoming a police officer. He passed the police examand was sworn in to the New York Police Department in July of 1999.

Upon graduation, Officer Thybulle was assigned to the 71st Precinct fieldtraining unit in Crown Heights and then to the 67th Precinct where heperformed patrol duties on the streets of East Flatbush.

In 2002, Officer Thybulle once again answered the call to serve his country.After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he served in Operation Noble

Eagle at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

In 2005, Officer Thybulle was assigned to his current position in the policedepartment, as the Community Affairs Officer in the 67th Precinct. For hissuperiority as an officer over the last 14 years, he has been honored withExcellent Police Duty and a unit citation.

In his remaining years in the police department, Officer Thybulle hopes tocontinue to work in the community he loves and is dedicated to helping makeEast Flatbush a better place for everyone to live.

ROBERT THYBULLE NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR KEVIN S. PARKER.

ROBERT THYBULLE


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Staff Sergeant William R. Billy Wilson III is a true American hero

described as a soldiers soldier with a passion to serve his communityand country.

Known as Billy to so many of his family and friends, he grew up in

Getzville and graduated from Williamsville North High School in 2003. In

2005, Staff Sgt. Wilson enlisted in the United States Army to protect his

fellow citizens. He completed Basic and Advanced training at Fort Knox,

graduating five months later.

Staff Sgt. Wilson served as a squad leader for the 2nd Platoon of the 172nd

Separate Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Grafenwoehr, Germany. He

served on two combat deployments to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi

Freedom and one tour of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom in

Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, he was training Afghan soldiers and

police to take over the countrys security. He was killed in action while

in Paktika Province, located in the eastern part of Afghanistan, on March

26, 2012. He was 27 years old.

According to his Battalions commander, Wilson distinguished himself

among 600 soldiers as one of the two top squad leaders. He was

posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He received

the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and

Afghanistan Campaign Medal; as well as the Army Service Ribbon and

Overseas Service Ribbon.

WILLIAM R. BILLY WILSON III NAMED TO THE NEW YORK STATEVETERANS HALL OF FAME BY SENATOR MICHAEL H. RANZENHOFER.

WILLIAM R. BILLY WILSON III


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Throughout his 26 years of military service Col. Terry Roche commanded at every levelfrom platoon to Garrison and posts from Buffalo to Paris and Korea, with wartime

service in Vietnam.

Col. Roche was Garrison Commander when the announcement was made in 1984 thatFort Drum would be the home of the 10th Mountain Division. He was instrumental inthe planning and initial execution of the $1.2 billion construction project and the rapidexpans

book 2013 veterans hall of fame

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