Freeport Native Receives New York State Conspicuous Service Cross From Senator Fuschillo

Air Force Staff Sergeant Timothy Russer, a native of Freeport, recently received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross from Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District).

Staff Sergeant Russer, who is also a prior recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, is currently serving on active duty as a military training instructor. As a member of the 106th Rescue Wing, he was deployed to Ground Zero after the September 11th attacks to directly provide security to the city residents. He later facilitated a letter writing campaign for children to communicate with National Guard members at Ground Zero. In addition, he helped establish a local Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

The Conspicuous Service Cross is offered by New York State to acknowledge recipients of various military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, or those who were prisoners of war, at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, directly participated in the D-day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, or have been declared MIA or killed in Action by the Department of Defense.

"Throughout his career, Staff Sergeant Russer has served our state and our country with distinction and dedication. He continues to demonstrate his unique leadership abilities by serving as a military training instructor, helping mold young men and women into the leaders of tomorrow," said Senator Fuschillo. "I am certain that I speak for the entire community in saying that we are all extremely proud of this hometown hero, who is most deserving of this prestigious honor."