Senator Farley Names Schenectady Veterans Advocate to State Hall of Fame

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady) is pleased to announce James A. Wilson of Schenectady was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Flag Day, June 14th, in Albany.

 “I had the pleasure of nominating Jim, a person who has dedicated himself to assisting fellow veterans time and time again through multiple causes and organizations,” Senator Farley said. “I appreciate Mr. Wilson for keeping our country safe and free during his military career. I also truly respect him for his community service and dedication to our fellow citizens.”

 The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

 Mr. Wilson enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class. He was honorably discharged on July 14, 1949, and received the Good Conduct Medal, Eurpoean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Navy Occupation Medal.

 He has contributed his time to countless veteran organizations and causes. Since 1995, he has been Chairman of the V.A. National Cemetery Saratoga Support Committee. He has been a 35-year volunteer at the Samuel S. Stratton Medical Center, and for the past 30 years has coordinated the decoration of veterans’ graves at 31 cemeteries in Schenectady County.

 Mr. Wilson served for many years as Director of the Schenectady County Veterans Service Agency. He also served seven terms as president of the Schenectady County Council of Veterans Organizations, and has been honored as an All American VFW District Commander. He has been a member of numerous organizations, such as the New York State Veterans Advisory Committee, AMVETS, 369th Veterans Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, American Legion, Navy Memorial, USS Little Rock Association, Sampson Navy World War II Association and Polish American Vets.

 He has also been active in many other civic organizations, including the United Way and Ingersoll Home. He was also the longtime Flag Day Chairman for the Rotterdam Elks.

 A family man, Mr. Wilson and his wife Antoinette, are the proud parents of five children and have 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

 The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, containing biographies of veterans across our State who have been nominated by their Senators, can be viewed online by visiting the New York State Senate’s website (http://www.nysenate.gov/veterans-hall-of-fame).