Senator Nozzolio Announces Members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, in conjunction with the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, today announced the names of several business and community leaders who have agreed to serve as members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee, including two former Admirals, a former Air Force General, a former University President,  and the chairpersons of two statewide veterans’ organizations.  The purpose of the Committee is to augment the efforts of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association in identifying and securing both public and private funds to support the ongoing operations of the cemetery.

“The members of this Committee bring their vast experience in business, military affairs and the private sector together to help support one of the most important projects in our region's history,” said Senator Nozzolio “The establishment of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery honors those men and women who have served our Country with honor and dignity.  Over 750,000 naval recruits trained at Sampson during its years of operation and over 300,000 airmen received their basic training at the Sampson Air Force Base during the Korean War.”

“I thank all of the members of this new Committee for their commitment to ensuring that the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be a lasting testament in honor of the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women,” said Senator Nozzolio.

The current members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee are as follows.  It is also anticipated that additional members of the Committee will be named in the future.

Admiral Robert Rosen, USN., RET.

Admiral Rosen served as Commanding Officer of the New York Naval Militia, which is comprised of 4,500 Naval, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Active Reservists and volunteers. He commanded the Naval Militia through the difficult and uncertain times immediately following the 9/11 attacks. Admiral Rosen is currently the Chairman of the Division of Military & Naval Affairs Military Facilities Commission, Advisor to the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, and Naval Aide to the Governor.

Admiral Rosen retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Captain, having served more than 31 years in the Reserve Forces of the United States. He is a former member of the President's Private Sector Survey on Cost Control (The Grace Commission), the Navy Task Force, and Chairman of YPO Navy Presidents Advisory Board on Acquisition, Budgeting and Procurement. Admiral Rosen also served as Chairman of the Department of Defense and Congressional Stars and Stripes Advisory Task Force.  RADM Rosen is Chairman-CEO of Rosen Associates Management Corp.

Rear Admiral Richard West, USN., RET.

Rear Admiral Richard West served as President/CEO of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE) and was the first President of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, serving from 2002 to 2008. Admiral West testified several times before the U.S. Congress on marine and research related policy issues and has addressed the United Nations on Safety of Life at Sea. He is a member of four non-profit governing boards and continues as a consultant on national and international maritime issues for both public and private organizations.

Admiral West was a career Surface Warfare Officer and was Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI.  He had three tours in the Pentagon, has served on several Navy combatants and has commanded three ships, two during hostilities in the Arabian Gulf.

Admiral West has a personal interest in the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  He was born while his father was stationed at Sampson where his father was a chief petty officer and trainer.  Admiral West graduated from the University of Rochester and has strong ties to the Finger Lakes area.  He is a lifetime member of the Waterloo V.F.W. and his family intends to bury Admiral West's father at the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Lt. General Charles P. McCausland, U.S.A.F., RET.

Lt. General McCausland served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1992. He served in a variety of capacities throughout his Air Force career, including Chief of Staff  of the Air Force Logistics Command. Lt. General McCausland received a number of honors while serving his Country, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars. Lt. General McCausland currently serves as a Trustee of the Finger Lakes Community College.   

Mike Bowen

Mike will be inducted later this year as Commander of the New York State American Legion statewide organization. He currently serves as the Department Membership Chairman for the American Legion.  He is also the owner of Mike Bowen Contracting.

Dr. Richard Rose

Dr. Rose served in the United States Marine Corps before starting a career in education as Assistant Provost at the University of Pittsburgh. He has served as President of Alfred University and the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he helped launch the Institute’s first Ph. D program.  Dr. Rose served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the United States Department of Defense for the training and education of our Armed Forces.

Jane Shaffer

Jane is the co-owner of Sessler Companies.  She is a co-publisher of "The History of Waterloo, NY", celebrating the nationally-recognized birthplace of Memorial Day and is the co-chair for the Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day events in Waterloo where she helps to organize volunteers to coordinate activities honoring our veterans. Jane is active in a number of community organizations including, the Seneca County American Red Cross, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Kime

As the Vice President and COO for Lyons National Bank, Tom was named 2011 Geneva Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Tom is President of the Seneca County Industrial Development Corporation and also serves on the Board of Directors for the New York Bankers Association, Finger Lakes Regional Health Systems, the City of Geneva Revolving Loan Committee, Jobs for Geneva, Inc., Friends of Sampson State Park and numerous other community organizations.

Cindy Campbell

As President of New York State’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Cindy has worked tirelessly to ensure that our veterans will not be forgotten and to make certain that they and their families receive the assistance they need. She previously served as the President of the Finger Lakes Council VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was honored as District President of the year in 2003. She is an active member of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, a member of the Friends for Sampson Veterans.  Cindy serves on the Waterloo Memorial Day Committee, is an honorary member of the Korean War Veterans Association, a volunteer at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and a  life member of the National Home for Children.

Peter Lawatsch

Following a distinguished career in the New York State Police, Peter served as Undersheriff of Seneca County. He is currently President of the Canoga Cemetery Association. Peter and his wife Shirley are active in search and rescue work in Seneca County.  Peter proudly served his Country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.  

“I look forward to working with the members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee to continue our efforts to pay tribute to those members of the military who have served their Country with honor and distinction." said Senator Nozzolio.