Senator Larkin Honors Local Veteran

Joseph R. Farina Nominated to the Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame

 Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) has nominated Joseph R. Farina to the Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame at a ceremony today held at the National Purple Heart Hall of
Honor in New Windsor.  Mr. Farina served in the United States Army and attained the rank of Sergeant serving with distinction in the Southwest Pacific and the Philippine Islands. 

 "Joe Farina is one of the finest people I know," said Senator Larkin.  "His service during World War II was exemplary with four battle stars and two Presidential Citations among the numerous decorations he received for his valor.  Joe has been just at dedicated to the military since he left the Army and was instrumental in creating what is now known as the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor," said Larkin.  "Without his perseverance and drive to make the Hall a reality, we would not be able to point to this beautiful establishment with the pride we feel today and I thank him for everything he has done for veterans in the Hudson Valley."

 After graduation from Newburgh Free Academy, Mr. Farina joined the 156th Field Artillery, New York National Guard.  His unit was called into Federal Service on September 16, 1940 and when war was declared he volunteered to go overseas.  During his service, Mr. Farina attended the U. S. Army Morse Code School and as a high-speed Morse code operator, he was assigned to a secret mission to the Philippine Islands. 

 Mr. Farina was reassigned to the Southwest Pacific Theatre of Operations under the command of General Douglas MacArthur.  His first assignment was as radio operator at General MacArthur's Advanced Headquarters.  From there he was assigned to Biak Island and then on to Leyte and Luzon in the Philippine Islands. 

 Mr. Farina has been active in several veterans' organizations since leaving the Army and has received numerous awards for his service and dedication to others.

 "It is an honor to nominate Joe Farina to the NYS Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame," said Senator Larkin.  "He is truly deserving of this award and I thank him for all he has done for our country."

 The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.  Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.