U.S. Army Veteran from Cheektowaga Awarded State Service Medals 44 Years Overdue

Senator Kennedy presents Walter Casheba with honors he earned during Vietnam War

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. – U.S. Army Veteran and Cheektowaga resident Walter Casheba served during the Vietnam War as an Army Security Agent. In this critically important assignment, Mr. Casheba was charged with the dangerous mission of intercepting enemy intelligence on the front lines.

For his distinguished service, Mr. Casheba earned prestigious honors from New York State, but he has waited 44 years to receive his medals. After contacting Senator Tim Kennedy’s office for help in securing his medals, Mr. Casheba will finally be awarded the state medals he bravely earned in Vietnam.

Senator Kennedy, D-58th District, presented Mr. Casheba with the distinguished state service medals, which he earned in Vietnam, Monday at the Town of Cheektowaga’s Memorial Day Service.

Mr. Casheba received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross – the highest N.Y. State honor bestowed upon a U.S. Military Veteran. In addition to this great achievement, Mr. Casheba also earned the New York State Conspicuous Service Star, in recognition of heroic deeds during combat with the enemy.

“On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died securing our peace and freedom; those who served in conflict to protect our country, and those who have sacrificed everything to preserve our nation. To all of our Veterans and active-duty service members, we owe our deepest gratitude and respect,” said Senator Kennedy. “I was honored to have the opportunity to specifically recognize the heroic service of U.S. Army Veteran Walter Casheba. After waiting 44 years, Mr. Casheba has finally been presented the New York State Veterans Service medals he bravely earned while serving during the Vietnam War.”

As an Army Security Agent, Mr. Casheba had years of high-level communications training and Top Secret Clearance. He served in Vietnam during the infamous Tet Offensive – which was the largest military operation conducted by either side, up to that point in the war.

Following his service, the federal government awarded Mr. Casheba the Bronze Star Medal, awarded to Veterans for combat heroism and meritorious service in a foreign conflict.  He has also received the Vietnam Service Medal and four Bronze Service Stars.

Like many Veterans, Mr. Casheba deals with challenges stemming from his service to our nation.  He was exposed to Agent Orange and lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr. Casheba courageously advocates for his fellow Veterans who fight through similar difficulties in their own lives.

“Mr. Casheba works hard everyday to overcome obstacles he has been forced to face in post-service life,” Senator Kennedy added. “It is because of veterans like him that our state and nation, as well as every American citizen, must remain committed to helping Veterans secure the benefits – and the respect – that they’ve earned and deserve.”

Many Veterans may not be aware of their eligibility for state honors in recognition of distinguished service to our nation. If you have been awarded high distinctions from the federal government, you may be eligible for state service medals. Please contact Senator Kennedy’s office at 716-826-2683 or kennedy@nysenate.gov, and they can help you gain access to state honors you may have earned.

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.