Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
2013
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SPONSORED BY SENATOR PATTY RITCHIE MAY 10, 2013 - FORT DRUM, NEW YORK
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor past members of the US Armed Forces whose sacrices and service have helped 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, sacrice and commitment 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,
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Michael Plummer Ha F me
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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 20 years, completing six separate tours of duty in Vietnam, ying aboard B-52 bombers as an Electronic Warfare Ofcer. After Vietnam, he was stationed in Colorado as an intelligence ofcer 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is 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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Clarence Carney
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is 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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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Raymond Cutway
Nominated by: Laurel Lee Roethel
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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Larry Deets
Nominated by: Donna Deets
Larry Deets served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1991. During his service, Mr. Deets spent time in Germany, worked for the 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 a SFC/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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is 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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Walter Fischer
Nominated by: Cindi Giovo
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 Pacic 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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John Flanagan
Nominated by: Kathryne Cobb
John Flanagan entered the US Air Force in 1950, serving until 1954, 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 Minetto shortly 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Robert Giordano, Jr
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
John Hasto
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Kenneth Leamon
Nominated by: Vaughn Fisher
Kenneth Leamon is a United States Air Force veteran who served his 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Wayne Long
Nominated by: Vaughn Fisher
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 Ofcer 3rd Class. Mr. Long was then sent up and down the east and west coasts of Korea ring the Big 16 guns. While in Korea, Mr. Long was promoted to Petty Ofcer 2nd Class. He received a number of accolades for his service including the Victory Medal, United Nations Service Medal, 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Trevor Loomis
Nominated by: Judy LaMay
A native of Palermo, SSgt. Trevor Loomis has served our country in both Iraq and Afghanistan on three tours. On his last tour as a Cav 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Paul Mitras
Nominated by: Helen Mitras
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 ofcial in New York State. In this role, he visited Legion Posts throughout the state, encouraging them to support both their communities and our troops.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Stephen Mizgala
Nominated by: Cindi Giovo
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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 in Japan 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Herbert Pelton
Nominated by: Robert Lyons
A resident of Central Square, Herbert Pelton enlisted in the US Navy 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 ofcer positions at various local American Legion Posts. Mr. Pelton and his wife have 12 children, ve of whom also have served their country, including one daughter who is currently serving in the Air Force.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Isaac Perkins
Nominated by: Andrea Duvall
Isaac Perkins is 92-years-old. He served in World War II, entering the US Army when he was 20, and serving for ve 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, the Veterans 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Laurence Rector
Nominated by: Thomas Cleveland
Laurence Rector graduated from Mexico Academy and Central School 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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Paul Riordan
Nominated by: George Hoffman, Jr.
Paul Riordan enlisted in the US Navy during WWII. After completing 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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Patrick Rourk
CMSGT, USAF
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is 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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Arnold Shaw
Nominated by: Christine Shaw
Serving in WWII from 1944 to 1946 as a member of the US Armys 178th Lightning Division, Arnold Shaws European conicts include the Battle of the Bulge, Hurtgen Forest and Normandy. Prior to his discharge, Mr. Shaw earned the Bronze Star, European Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantrymans Badge, European Theater Medal with three Stars and President Unit Citation. After being discharged, Mr. Shaw returned home to West Monroe where he and his wife Liz raised their family. He continues to serve his community as a member of the Constantia Scriba Lodge #414 F&AM. In addition, Mr. Shaw is co-founder of the West Monroe Boy Scout Troop 735 and is a Charter Member of the West Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. One of Mr. Shaws proudest contributions is compiling, from memory, all North Shore residents who served in WWI and WWII for the record at the West Monroe Historical Society.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Charles Solar
Nominated by: Mr. Solars grandchildren
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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 the rank 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 rst-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.
The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Leonard Yablonski
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The State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie