James A. Haggerty

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 citations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nations Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, New York State Medal for Merit and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

A veterans advocate for decades, Jim is the Co-Chair and one of the original organizers of the Capital Region Homeless Veterans Stand Down. He is the President of the Eastern New York Homeless Veterans Coalition, President of the Veteran Care Board at Stratton VA Hospital, Executive Vice President and Past President of the New York State Council of Veterans Organizations, representing 38 veterans groups. He is the Vice Executive Director of the Marine Coordinating Council and a member of the Columbia County Honor a Vet Committee. Jim is a life member of 15 veteran national service organizations including Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Jim has been a very active volunteer in his community, serving as a member of St. John’s Pastoral Council, Kinderhook Lake Corporation, Kinderhook Board of Assessment Review and the Kinderhook Zoning Board.

He retired from the New York State Department of Labor as the Assistant Director of Veterans Programs and Training. Jim currently holds the position 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.