Olean Air Force Veteran Honored WITH Overdue Medals

OLEAN – When Sergeant First Class Glenn Treaster stopped by Senator Catharine Young’s office in Olean to inquire about military medals, he had no idea he would be receiving so many awards.

“When I learned about the medals, I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ To me, this is awesome. I am getting something I didn’t know I had coming. I’m being honored. I’m on top of the world,” Sergeant Treaster said.

Senator Young presented Sergeant Treaster with medals during a special ceremony at Central Baptist Church, where he serves as a substitute minister. The awards Sergeant Treaster received for his service, included the United States Army Achievement Medal with Device, New York State Medal for Merit, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Cold War Recognition Certificate.

He also earned the United States Army Achievement Medal with Device, New York State Medal for Merit, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, United States Army Career Counselor Badge, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Professional Development Ribbon with Device (3), Army Reserve Overseas Service Ribbon, United States Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, United States Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

“Sergeant Treaster’s service to the military is inspiring. He dedicated more than seven years to the U.S. Air Force and then re-enlisted with the Army Reserves to serve approximately 20 years with that branch. Our veterans deserve the utmost respect and I am thankful for the opportunity to show my appreciation to Sergeant Treaster for his courage, enthusiasm for and devotion to the military,” she said.

Sergeant Treaster said, “Sometimes I don’t know what to say, but I am proud. Receiving these medals lifts my pride. It’s an honor to me to have Senator Young present me with them, not only because of my service but because of her service. It’s a wonderful thing to have a Senator who cares so much about people.”

David Treaster, one of Sergeant Treaster’s brothers, said, “This hasn’t happened often in our family. Glenn did a lot I didn’t know about, and I’m proud of him. It’s quite something to see your brother honored like that.”

Sergeant Treaster’s oldest brother Mahlon Treaster, added, “I’m so proud of him. He’s a good Christian man, and a good testament for this country.”

Reverend Alan Yates, pastor of Central Baptist Church, added, “I’ve known Glenn for 10 years. I’m very proud of his service and what he’s done, not only in the military but for our church. This is very special for him.”

Sergeant Treaster, originally from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, became a Civil Air Patrol Cadet while a student in the 1950s. He joined the U.S. Air Force in April 1960, just after graduation.

After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he went to Amarillo, Texas, for technical school.

Sergeant Treaster moved to Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina and served with the 507th Communications and Control Group of the Tactical Air Command for more than three years. He later was reassigned to Detachment 1 of the 507th Communications and Control Group at Auxiliary Field 3 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida where he performed the same tactical support function as his unit with the 507th at Shaw Air Force Base.

During the Vietnam War, Sergeant Treaster spent over eight months in the Dominican Republic before he received orders to serve as a records clerk with the 1933rd Communications Squadron at Harmon Air Force Base from October 1965 until its closure in 1966.

Sergeant Treaster then took an assignment at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts, where he joined the 4305 Support Squadron, Eighth Air Force – Strategic Air Command until his discharge from the Air Force.

From 1980 until September 2000, Sergeant Treaster served as a part of the Headquarters 3rd Battalion under the 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade of the 98th Division with the Army Reserves. This was a combat-ready infantry reserve unit during the Cold War, which was started in World War I. They were nicknamed the “Iroquois.”

Following his discharge, he attended the Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1971 and worked as a pastor for a few years. He also accepted employment at Dresser-Clark, AVX, First Presbyterian Church in Olean, and the Olean City School District. He retired from Ivers J. Norton in 2002, after having worked there for 21 years

Veterans with questions about medals or other issues should call Senator Young’s office at (800) 707-0058 or email cyoung@nysenate.gov.

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