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Transcript of 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
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2012 InducteeMichael Plummer
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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
2013
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
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
2013
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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
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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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