Walter Kittle

In 1981, at the age of 17, Walter Kittle entered the Navy. He has since distinguished himself with more than 30 years of service to the United States, both on active duty and in the reserves with the Navy, Army National Guard and the New York Air Guard.

From 1981 to 1989, Mr. Kittle served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the United States Navy, and from 1989 to 2003, he was a member of the New York Army National Guard, 101 Cavalry A Troop. Kittle served as a Commissioned First Lieutenant in the Army National Guard from August 1991 to September 2003, and during that time, he attended Officer Candidate School and received a commission. In 2003, Mr. Kittle transferred to the New York State Air National Guard at Stewart Air National Guard Base, where he served until 2013.

Mr. Kittle took the call to duty seriously, volunteering for three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. In 2006, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; again, in 2007, he volunteered and was sent to Sather Air Base/Baghdad International Airport. Mr. Kittle volunteered for two additional deployments: in 2008, he went back to Baghdad; in 2010, he joined the the 200th Red Horse Squadron in Afghanistan.

A retired Detective from the New York Police Department (2005), Kittle served 18 years in the Department, and was on duty the morning of September 11, 2001. He spent many months assisting at ground zero, where he lost a sister-in-law in the attack.

Walter Kittle has not only dedicated a great deal of time to his country, but is also extremely active as a volunteer in his Greenwood Lake community. A member of American Legion Post 1443, Kittle has served as its Commander, and is also a Legion Rider, with the distinction of serving at military funerals. Mr. Kittle has organized fundraisers for local organizations, raising $25,000 for the 1st Lt. Lou Allen Scholarship Foundation and $10,000 for the Castle Point Veterans Food Pantry. As Commander of Legion Post 1443, Mr. Kittle found shelter for residents of his community affected by two massive hurricanes and widespread power outtages.

Mr. Kittle and his wife have raised two children, Tracy and Christopher, and the couple presently lives in Warwick, New York.

In his three decades of unyielding devotion to our country, Walter Kittle has indeed earned this New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognition.