Ritchie: Local Military Heroes Share Their Stories Through “Veterans Voices” Program

As Veterans Day approaches and our nation pauses to honor former service members, State Senator Patty Ritchie is sharing video interviews with local heroes, collected through her “Veterans Voices” program. 

Senator Ritchie has collected the stories of six local veterans, who were involved in WWII, the Vietnam War and other historic conflicts and has shared them on her website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov. In addition, the videos will be made part of the archives at the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. In past years, Senator Ritchie has submitted dozens of interviews with area veterans to the museum.

“Our local veterans are heroes, and so many of them have very moving stories to tell,” said Senator Ritchie.

“From surviving intense battles to taking part in historic moments that have shaped our country, not only are these stories inspiring, it is critically important that they are captured and that we ensure their wartime memories live on forever. As Veterans Day approaches, I encourage you to take a moment to watch their interviews and pause to remember the heroism of all the men and women who have served this great nation.”

For the “Veterans Voices” program, Senator Ritchie is sharing the stories of these six local heroes:

SSgt. (ret.) Clarence “Bud” Randall, Baldwinsville, NY – US Army (World War II) - SSgt. (ret.) Randall recounts his service in the United States Army during World War II and how he survived a number of close calls and learned how his experiences can help others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDe4It1pIKs&t=40s

Major (ret.) Glenn Dodge, Chaumont, NY – US Army (World War II) - Major (ret.) Dodge recounts his service in the United States Army during World War II and the Battle of the Bulge. He also speaks to the importance of veterans sharing their stories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwELVbnbhI4&t=40s

P.O.3. (ret.) Robert Flavin, Ogdensburg, NY – US Navy (Vietnam War) - P.O.3. (ret.) Flavin recounts his service in the United States Navy and how he was on board an aircraft carrier during one of the biggest carrier explosions in our nation's history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FALCK9zrSE&t=161s

Sgt. (ret.) Richard Smith, Oswego, NY – US Air Force (Japan) - Sgt. (ret.) Smith recounts his service in the United States Air Force and how he became a small part of one of the most historic moments in our history.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mAGrnhLXMw&t=241s

C.P.O. (ret.) Ron Day, Ogdensburg, NY – US Navy (Operation Deep Freeze) - C.P.O. (ret.) Ron Day shares the story of how he decided to enter military service, his time with the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Thomas Gary and how after leaving the Navy, he found himself right back in the reserves 16 years later.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq3z3mfmjuI&t=4s

P.O (ret.) Roland Van Deusen, Clayton, NY – US Navy (Iceland) - P.O. (ret.) Van Deusen looks back on his decision to join the United States Navy, and why a decision that kept him out of Vietnam, ensured he'd find another way to serve his country and protect his brothers in arms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EknYz0TwTc&t=120s

CLICK HERE for more information about the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.