Senator Ritchie Honors Area Veterans

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    2013

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    SPONSORED BY SENATOR PATTY RITCHIE

    MAY 10, 2013 - FORT DRUM, NEW YORK

    2013

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    May 2013

    Dear Friend:

    The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor

    past members of the US Armed Forces whose sacrifices and service havehelped make our nation and our communities better places to live.

    Their meritorious service to our nation is only complemented by their

    continuing service to our communities.

    I am pleased to sponsor the Veterans Hall of Fame, and humbled to be

    given the opportunity to recognize the exemplary individuals who have

    been nominated for this honor.

    This recognition is just a small tribute for the service, sacrifice andcommitment you have shown to the residents and communities of Central

    and Northern New York, as well as our entire country.

    Please allow me to extend my most sincere gratitude and welcome you

    to this years celebration of the 2013 Nominees to the New York State

    Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

    Sincerely,

    Sincerely,

    Senator Patty Ritchie

    SenatorPatty Ritchie

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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 that FortDrum would be the home of the 10th Mountain Division. He was instrumental in the planning

    and initial execution of the $1.2 billion construction project and the rapid expansion of the

    installation support services needed to man, equip and train to combat readiness, 10,000light infantry soldiers.

    For his military service, Col. Roche was awarded the Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze

    Star, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Army Commendation Medal (four awards),Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medaland several others.

    After retirement, Col. Roche became a member of the Fort Drum Steering Committee,

    continuing to make significant contributions to the success of the Fort Drum expansion

    and integration into the North Country community. In 2000, he helped create the FortDrum Regional Liaison Organization (FDRLO) with the mission of fostering effective

    communication, understanding and mutual support among the regions military and civilian

    communities. As part of the FDRLO top team, Col. Roche assisted in keeping Fort Drum offmultiple BRAC lists and pulled together community support to ensure Fort Drum maintains

    its status as a premiere power projection platform in support of the most deployed division

    in the U.S. Army.

    Col. Roche also has been actively involved in a number of organizations, civic groupsand volunteer efforts. He has been a member of the Executive Leadership Team of the

    American Heart Association, served as Vice President of the Carthage Coordinated

    Development Group, Director of the Carthage Industrial Development Corporation and theEconomic Development Corporation of Carthage. He is also a member of the Rotary Club

    of Watertown, Chairman of the Purple Heart Scholarship Committee, and a member of the

    Board of Directors of WPBS-TV. Col. Roche is also extremely active in his church.

    Col. Roche was recently recognized for his overall contribution to the North Country bybeing selected for the 2010 Shapiro Award and the 2013 Carthage Citizen of the Year Award.

    Col. (Ret.)Terrence L. RocheNominated by:Col. (Ret.) Michael Plummer

    2013Ha Fme Dsigne

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

    is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

    2013

    Ha Fme

    2012 InducteeMichael Plummer

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    2013

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    2013New York State

    Veterans Hall of FameNominees

    Sponsored by Senator

    Patty Ritchie

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

    is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

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    Major Maurice Halpin Hal Barry has served his countryand

    the Northern New York communityfor nearly his entire adult

    life. Major Barry served in the United States Air Force for 20years, completing six separate tours of duty in Vietnam, flying

    aboard B-52 bombers as an Electronic Warfare Officer. After

    Vietnam, he was stationed in Colorado as an intelligence officer

    at the Strategic Air Command. He retired in 1986 as a Major.

    For his service, Major Barry received a number of accolades

    including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service

    Medal, Air Medal and more. Following his military career, Major

    Barry became a science teacher in Rome, NY and ultimately

    retired in his hometown of Ogdensburg as Superintendent of the

    Ogdensburg City School District in 2008. Major Barry passed

    away in 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Today, he is

    remembered for his many contributions to both his country and

    his community.

    Major Maurice

    Halpin BarryNominated by: Matthew and

    Lucinda Barry

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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    A native of Oswego, L. Angeline Scaglione Canale is a graduate

    of the University of Rochester whose strong work ethic enabledher to obtain a degree in nursing. Mrs. Canale served her country

    through the United States Nurse Corps. During her time in the

    Nurse Corps, she served in Italy as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1945,

    Mrs. Canale was honorably discharged and went on to serve as a

    nurse in the Oswego Hospitals operating room for 50 years. She

    retired in 1995 and later served as a substitute nurse at the Oswego

    Hospital. Mrs. Canale is married to SSgt John Canale, chairman

    of the Oswego County Battle of the Bulge Veterans. The couple

    has one son and three grandsons.

    L. AngelineScaglione CanaleNominated by: John Canale

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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    Chief Warrant Officer Clarence Carney is a veteran of World War II,Korea and Vietnam. He received a number of accolades for his more

    than 40 years of service, including the Bronze Star, Company Infantry

    Badge, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the

    WWII Victory Medal and many more. Chief Warrant Officer Clarence

    Carney currently lives in Pulaski, and flies his American Flag every

    day.

    Chief Warrant OfficerClarence CarneyNominated by: Judy Ann Carney

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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    In May of 1943, Clifford Carr, Jr. was sworn into the UnitedStates Navy as an Apprentice Seaman. He served in the South

    Pacific during WWII as a medic on various ships and aircraft

    carriers. In 1946, Mr. Carr was honorably discharged at the rank of

    Pharmacists Mate Second Class. Following this, Mr. Carr worked

    at St. Regis Paper Company for more than 39 years, also serving

    as president of the International Association of Machinists Union#1009. Residing in Theresa with his wife and four children, Mr.

    Carr served on the Town Council and the Village Council, was

    VFW Commander, volunteered at his church and was a member

    of the Theresa Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Carr moved from

    Theresa to Ives Hill Retirement Community in Watertown several

    years ago with his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Anzalone Carr.

    Clifford Carr, Jr.Nominated by: Julie Schweitzer

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    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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    Donald Jake Corbine entered the United States Army in 1948

    and was discharged as a Master Sergeant in 1953. Mr. Corbine

    was a POW in Korea from December of 1950 to September of

    1953. During his time in captivity, he suffered frost bite, beriberi,

    heart trouble and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For his service,

    he was awarded numerous medals and awards, including thePurple Heart and POW Medal. Mr. Corbine is a life member

    of the Canton VFW Post 1231, where he served as commander

    for two years and was founding member of the Post Honor

    Guard and Firing Squad. He is also a member of the Disabled

    American Veterans, American Legion, Thousand Islands Chapter

    of Korean Veterans as well as a life member of the Korean War

    Gray Beards. He was also founding member of the Northern New

    York American X-POW Chapter, where he served as President

    for four years. In 1986, Mr. Corbine walked 240 miles from

    Canton to Albany with other Vietnam Veterans to raise money

    and awareness of the POW/MIA cause. Mr. Corbine has been

    married to his wife Elevene for 47 years and the couple has four

    living sons and one deceased daughter.

    Donald Jake CorbineNominated by: Randy Burke

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    Raymond Cutway is a disabled Marine Corps Veteran, who

    served from 1979 until being medically discharged in 1983.

    Mr. Cutway is extremely active in his community, and is the

    founder of the Toys for Tots program in St. Lawrence County.

    Throughout the years, he has collected and distributed toys to

    more than 43,000 children during the holiday season. As a

    member of the Free and Accepted Masons, he volunteers with

    the Child ID program and is also on their charities committee,which helps to raise money for local families and agencies in

    need. Mr. Cutway volunteers at the Ogdensburg International

    Seaway Festival, the Light Up the Night Holiday Parade and

    various other Chamber of Commerce events. Mr. Cutway is also

    a father and grandfather.

    Raymond CutwayNominated by: Laurel Lee Roethel

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    Larry Deets served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1991.

    During his service, Mr. Deets spent time in Germany, worked forthe Department of the Army in Virginia, and also for DISCOM

    Headquarters at Fort Drum. While serving as a jumpmaster with

    the 82nd Airborne, Mr. Deets earned a Master Parachutists Badge.

    Some of his other accolades include a Defense Service Medal with

    a Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service

    Medal as well as several others he received before retiring as aSFC/E7. Following his retirement from the military, Mr. Deets

    has been extremely active in his community, serving on the

    Richville Village Board for many years and working to build a

    new playground in the village. Mr. Deets also served with the

    Richville Fire Department for 13 years, and continues to help the

    organization with various events.

    Larry DeetsNominated by: Donna Deets

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    Julius Sherwood Dunham graduated as a Naval Aviator fromPensacola, the Annapolis of the Air in 1943. Serving in WWII,

    he flew 62 combat missions in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.

    He was awarded two Air Medals with a Gold Star and five

    Battle Stars. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1962. After

    serving, Mr. Dunham entered the education field, beginning his

    career in Niagara Falls, where he spent eight years as a teacherand principal. In 1955 he moved to Oswego, where he served in

    different administrative and academic positions. In retirement,

    he taught at SUNY Oswego for seven years in the Educational

    Administration Department. Mr. Dunham has devoted many

    hours to volunteering with the Oswego Hospital, the Rotary Club,

    the Salvation Army and the United Fund.

    Julius SherwoodDunhamNominated by: Judy Botting

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    Walter Fischer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in

    1942. During his time of service, he served as Private First Class,

    signalman and Combat Military Police. Mr. Fischer was injured

    twice during WWII. He was shot in the head in Guam and was

    hospitalized at Ira Heights in Pearl Harbor. In Okinawa, he was

    hit by a Japanese bomb, leaving a lot of shrapnel in his legs. For

    his service, Mr. Fischer received a number of accolades, including

    two Purple Hearts, the Naval Unit Citation, four Asiatic Pacific

    Ribbons with four stars, the American Defense Campaign Medal

    and many more. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Mr.

    Fischer lives in the house he built for his family in New Haven

    after returning from the war. He is presently the fourth oldest

    living New Haven, NY-born resident.

    Walter FischerNominated by: Cindi Giovo

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    John Flanagan entered the US Air Force in 1950, serving until1954, when he retired at the rank of SSgt. Mr. Flanagan served

    as an MP and during his time of service, met his wife, Francis

    Shine, who was also in the US Air Force. He was the recipient of

    many accolades including the Good Conduct Medal, the National

    Defense Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He

    was honorably discharged in 1954 and returned home to Minettoshortly after. After leaving the Air Force, he helped run the family

    farm, and held jobs at Columbia Mills as well as the Oswego

    County Soil and Water District. He has remained extremely active

    in his community, serving the Minetto Volunteer Fire Department

    for 35 years. Mr. Flanagan is married with three children.

    John FlanaganNominated by: Kathryne Cobb

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    On any given day, youll find Robert Giordanobetter known as Air

    Force Bobvolunteering his time doing something that will benefit

    someone else. Enlisting in the Air Force in 1982, Mr. Giordano

    completed his service in 2008 at the rank of SMSgt. Throughout his

    military career, he has been recognized for his service through a number

    of accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award, American

    Heritage Award, Air Force Master Recruiter, three Air Force Meritorious

    Medals, five Air Force Commendation Medals, recognition for service

    during the Gulf War and 9/11, as well as many other honors. Today, Mr.

    Giordano is an active member of his community. He is the founder of

    Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, Inc., an organization providingfree outdoor experiences for wounded warriors, battle buddies, veterans

    and their families. He also serves as a board member for FISHCAP

    and the New York Fish Advisory Board. In addition, he has played

    a key role in the success of the St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp

    Tournament for the past ten years. Mr. Giordano has been recognized

    by Ft. Drum for his continued support and involvement in hunting and

    fishing activities for troops.

    Robert

    Giordano, JrNominated by: Jill Kubik

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    Charles Otis Griswold enlisted in the US Army in 1943 at the age

    of 26. Upon completion of basic training he was assigned to the

    82nd Airborne Division of the US Army Air Corps. He was then

    deployed to ETO and transferred to the 17th Airborne Division.

    He was decorated after serving in the Battle of the Bulge and

    participated in the Rhine crossing at Cologne, Germany. At the

    end of WWII, Mr. Griswold was part of the garrison of Berlin

    until his discharge in 1946 at the rank of T4. Mr. Griswold wasactively involved in his community following his service in

    the military. He was commander of the Oswego Valley DAV

    Chapter 106 for many years, a member of the National Order of

    Trench Rats, as well as a member of the local VFW and American

    Legion. Mr. Griswold passed away in 1988. He was married to

    Vivian Reidy Griswold, and the couple had five children.

    Charles OtisGriswoldNominated by: Curtis Griswold

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    John Hasto is a US Army veteran who served his country from

    March 1943 to November 1945. After completing a year of

    rigorous training, his unit was eventually sent to Normandy

    beachhead, and Mr. Hastos unitthe 3rd Calvary Groupwas

    assigned to General Pattons Third Army. The 3rd Calvary was

    often referred to as Pattons Ghost Troops, a nickname thatwas the result of the Germans not knowing how big the unit was,

    where they were or who they were. The outfit was given many

    assignments over and above reconnaissance including being the

    first American forces to cross the Siegfried line, a stationary

    defense built by the Germans, and moving a complete infantry

    division 150 miles to the Battle of the Bulge in three days. The

    3rd Cavalry was so successful, it was decided to make the group

    a regiment. They are now known as the 3rd Armored Cavalry

    Regiment. Mr. Hasto received a number of accolades for his

    service including the American Theater Campaign Medal, Good

    Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and several others. Mr.

    Hasto has been a dedicated member of the Central Square Lions

    Club for more than 53 years.

    John HastoNominated by: Vaughn Fisher

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    Kenneth Leamon is a United States Air Force veteran who servedhis country from 1952 to 1956. A resident of Central Square,

    Mr. Leamon has dedicated much of his life to serving his church.

    He has been a licensed minister since 1965, is Pastor Emeritus at

    Antwerp Congregational Church as well as Transitional Pastor

    at Central Square Community Church. Outside of his church

    involvement, Mr. Leamon has been involved in a variety of other

    organizations including the Masonic Lodge, American Legion,

    Antwerp Fire Department and many more. He has been married

    to his wife, Nancy, for 54 years and has two daughters as well as

    three granddaughters.

    Kenneth LeamonNominated by: Vaughn Fisher

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    A resident of West Monroe, Wayne Long began his service with

    the United States Navy in February 1945. Shortly after enlisting,he was made Seaman First Class and traveled to China, Hong

    Kong and Korea. After being discharged in 1946, he was recalled

    to duty in 1952 to serve as Petty Officer 3rd Class. Mr. Long was

    then sent up and down the east and west coasts of Korea firing

    the Big 16 guns. While in Korea, Mr. Long was promoted to

    Petty Officer 2nd Class. He received a number of accolades for

    his service including the Victory Medal, United Nations ServiceMedal, China Service Medal, Korea President United Citation

    and the Korea Service Medal with one star. In addition to his

    military service, Mr. Long has been a Boy Scout leader for 47

    years. He has received nearly every Boy Scout award including

    the Silver Beaver award. He is known to many in his community

    as Mr. Scouting.

    Wayne LongNominated by: Vaughn Fisher

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    A native of Palermo, SSgt. Trevor Loomis has served our country

    in both Iraq and Afghanistan on three tours. On his last tour as aCav Scout leading his patrol in pursuit of a wanted target, SSgt

    Loomis cleared a path for his squadron when someone with the

    squadron inadvertently stepped off the path and onto an IED.

    SSgt Loomis sustained more than 200 shrapnel wounds, including

    several pieces in his eyes, causing blindness, injuries to his back

    and knee, loss of hearing and Traumatic Brain Injury. He has

    spent a vast amount of time in Texas at the Brooke Army Medical

    Center and now resides in an apartment close to the hospital with

    his wife and son. SSgt Loomis has regained much of his eyesight

    and is now attending college to obtain his medical degree. For

    his service, SSgt was awarded the Purple Heart and seven Army

    Commendation Medals, including one for Valor.

    Trevor LoomisNominated by: Judy LaMay

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    Paul Gibby Mitras served his country with the US Army from 1953 to

    1955 at Camp Gordon in Georgia and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. After

    completing his military service, Mr. Mitras studied at Clarkson College

    where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation,Mr. Mitras worked for several companies including General Electric

    and Lockheed, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

    in Maryland, before returning to the North Country. As Waddingtons

    Postmaster and the owner of a small downtown restaurant, Mr. Mitras

    has devoted his life to his family, his community and his fellow veterans.

    Mr. Mitras is a member of the American Legion, where he rose through

    the ranks of Post 420 in Waddington before becoming actively involved

    in leadership of the 4th district, which encompasses most of Northern

    New York. In 2001 he was chosen as the New York State Department

    Commander, where he served as the top American Legion official in

    New York State. In this role, he visited Legion Posts throughout the

    state, encouraging them to support both their communities and our

    troops.

    Paul MitrasNominated by: Helen Mitras

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    Stephen Mizgala joined the US Army after graduating from Mexico

    High School in 1950. After completing boot camp, he was then sent to

    Korea during the Korean War. From 1951 to 1953, Mr. Mizgala served

    in the 17th Army Infantry. During the war, he was sent for training inJapan to become a communication specialist. Upon returning to Korea

    he was the regimental radio chief. Mr. Mizgala received honorable

    discharge from the Army with the rank and title of E-5 sergeant with

    the following honors: Combat Infantrymans Badge, Korean Service

    Medal, three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal

    and the National Defense Service Medal. After returning to the United

    States, Mr. Mizgala served in the 3rd Infantry Regiment for the Honor

    Guard at Fort Meyer, Washington DC. He later earned a degree in

    education at SUNY Oswego and went on to teach Industrial Arts and

    Social Studies in Germany for more than 10 years. Mr. Mizgala and

    his wife Florence currently live in Mexico, NY. They volunteer at the

    Military Courtesy Room at Hancock Airport in Syracuse and are also

    active members of the Korean Veterans Organization.

    Stephen MizgalaNominated by: Cindi Giovo

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    A resident of Central Square, Herbert Pelton enlisted in the USNavy in 1942 during WWII. He was discharged in September

    of 1948. Mr. Pelton not only served his country during his

    enlistment, but has continued to support our troops as a member

    of the American Legion for more than 65 years. He has served

    the organization as Commander and has held additional officer

    positions at various local American Legion Posts. Mr. Pelton and

    his wife have 12 children, five of whom also have served their

    country, including one daughter who is currently serving in the

    Air Force.

    Herbert PeltonNominated by: Robert Lyons

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    Isaac Perkins is 92-years-old. He served in World War II, enteringthe US Army when he was 20, and serving for five years. He

    fought in Corsica, the invasion of southern France and Germany,

    serving as a machine gun operator and cook. When he returned

    home to Ogdensburg, he went to work for New York State

    Department of Transportation, and donated his time to helping

    veterans, working on their behalf in the American Legion, theVeterans of Foreign Wars and the AmVets. He rose through the

    leadership ranks of the VFW, serving as its commander. He was

    also one of eight veterans in Ogdensburg who helped bring the

    AmVets to the city, organizing the post and serving as one of its

    charter members.

    Isaac PerkinsNominated by: Andrea Duvall

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    Laurence Rector graduated from Mexico Academy and CentralSchool in June 1942. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US

    Army to serve in WWII. After a short time in Africa, Mr. Rector

    was sent to Italy and became part of the 45th Division, 2nd

    Battalion, Company G. During his service, Mr. Rector was in the

    Battle of the Caves, was almost captured as a POW, and survived

    several other attacks. Mr. Rectors unit received six Campaign

    Battle Stars and one Presidential Citation for 511 days of combat

    service. After being discharged, Mr. Rector went on to college,

    began a teaching career, married his wife May Ellen and settled in

    Mexico to raise their six children.

    Laurence RectorNominated by: Thomas Cleveland

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    Paul Riordan enlisted in the US Navy during WWII. Aftercompleting basic training, he was sent to a California training base

    for Marine Pilots. He was then sent to Alameda Island, California,

    and then to Japan. Upon discharged in 1946, Mr. Riordan

    joined the Naval Reserve. He was later ordered aboard the USS

    Cadmus and served in Korea from 1950 to 1952. Mr. Rioridan

    is currently the oldest member of the Lavere-Harrington VFW

    Post 2320. There, he has served as Post Commander, Canteen

    Manager, Trustee and Judge Advocate. In the 90s, Mr. Riordan

    spearheaded an effort to retain property tax exemptions that were

    granted to veterans. He was also instrumental in developing the

    Veterans Memorial Park in Oswego and today remains an active

    supporter of our troops.

    Paul RiordanNominated by: George Hoffman, Jr.

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    SSgt Hillard Seaker served in the United States Air Force from

    1942 to 1945. After training in Washington State, he was sent

    overseas to England, serving in the European theater at the 8th

    Force, 1st Air Division, 1st Air Wing with the 398th Bomb group

    601st Bomb Squadron. While there, he was assigned Squadron

    Commander. Those in this position were the first to the planes

    when they returned from bombing runs in Europe. For his

    service, SSgt Seaker received a number of accolades includingWWII, European, African and Middle Eastern campaign medals,

    Normandy North France, Ardennes and Rhineland Central Europe

    medals, Distinguished Unit Citation Badge, Good Conduct Medal,

    Expert Carbine Medal, Medal for Merit, Conspicuous Service

    Star and many others.

    Staff Sgt.Hillard SeakerNominated by: Michael Webster

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    William (Bill) J. Shippee joined the United States Navy in 1986.

    He proudly served our country for eight years aboard the USS

    America and then the USS Lawrence. His service included time

    overseas during the Persian Gulf War. In 1999, he married his

    wife, Nicole, a Navy veteran who is currently in the Reserves.

    The couple had two children and one grandchild. Mr. Shippee

    later went on to work for the New York State Department of

    Corrections in Gouverneur. In March of 2013, Mr. Shippee

    passed away at the age of 46. Friends and family say his gentle,

    compassionate nature lives on in those who he knew.

    William (Bill) J.ShippeeNominated by: Heather Woods

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    is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

    2013

    Charles Solar joined the US Armys 825th Engineer Aviation

    Battalion on October 31, 1942. During his time of service, he

    was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service

    Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.

    He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1945 with therank of Corporal. Mr. Solar joined the Clayton Volunteer Fire

    Department in 1941 and is still an active member, serving in the

    roles of President and Chief throughout the years. Mr. Solar

    was the recipient of the first-ever Citizen of the Year award in

    Clayton. In addition, he has served as a trustee for the United

    Methodist Church, Town of Clayton Constable and Cemetery

    Board Member. Mr. Solar retired from the Village of Clayton

    DPW in 1984 after 19 years as Superintendent. He was also the

    local school crossing guard until retiring at the age of 90. In 2011,

    he was named Honorary Dock Master at the dedication of the

    revitalized Frink Park Dock in downtown Clayton. Mr. Solar

    has been married to his wife for 65 years, has two sons, seven

    grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

    Charles SolarNominated by:Mr. Solars grandchildren

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    Ha Fme

    The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

    2013

    A 1964 graduate of Mexico Academy and Central School, Leonard

    Lenny Yablonski joined the US Army during the VietnamWar. He received an honorable discharge on December 26, 1971

    with the rank of Specialist 4 while in the infantry division of

    the US Army. Mr. Yablonski received a number of decorations

    for his service including the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat

    Infantrymans Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Purple

    Heart, as well as the Bronze Star Medal, which the President

    awarded to Mr. Yablonski for his outstanding meritorious

    service in connection with ground operations against a hostile

    force in the Republic of Vietnam. He also received two awards

    from former Governor David Paterson. Mr. Yablonski is a

    former member of the storied Old Guard at Arlington Memorial

    Cemetery and currently volunteers at Arise and St. Stephens

    Church.

    LeonardYablonskiNominated by: Cindi Giovo