Senator Farley Inducts Malta Veteran into Senate Hall of Fame

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) had the pleasure of inducting David T. Wallingford of Malta into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame on May 20th at a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

“As a Marine Corps combat veteran during the Vietnam War, Captain Wallingford fought bravely for our Country,” Senator Farley said. “The State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. I am pleased to honor David Wallingford who, in addition to his honorable military service, has worked tirelessly to support his fellow veterans as a former employee of the Division of Veterans Affairs and through his involvement in organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the Stratton VA Medical Center.”

Captain Wallingford served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1970, serving in combat in Viet Nam. He earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” Purple Heart Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with Four Stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation Cross Gallantry Medal with Palm, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with One Device, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

Captain Wallingford earned a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med/Classics from the College of the Holy Cross. His civilian career included serving as Special Assistant to the Director and as Deputy Director for the Northeast for the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, and as Regional Administrator for the Division of Employment Services for the State Labor Department.

In addition to helping others through veterans organizations, he is a member of the Friends of the NYS Military Museum and the Town of Malta Veterans Committee. He also serves on the SUNY Adirondack Foundation Board of Directors. Captain Wallingford and his wife, Helene, are the parents of four children and six grandchildren.

He recently went to Washington, D.C., with other veterans as part of the Honor Flight program. The program honors military heroes by taking them to the Nation’s Capitol to connect with other veterans and view monuments dedicated to our military.

"We all know and appreciate our veterans for keeping our country safe and free," Senator Farley said, "but we need to take the time to tell them. This Hall of Fame is the Senate’s way of saying 'thank you' -- that all of your sacrifices were worth it."