SENATOR MARCHIONE NAMES JAMES HAGGERTY AS THE 43rd SENATE DISTRICT’S INDUCTEE TO THE 2013 NEW YORK STATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2013

Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, fitzpatr@nysenate.gov 

SENATOR MARCHIONE NAMES JAMES HAGGERTY AS THE 43^rd SENATE DISTRICT’S INDUCTEE TO THE 2013 NEW YORK STATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME

James Haggerty is a United States Marine, a veteran of the Korean War, recipient of numerous awards, citations and recognitions for his service and bravery, is a tireless advocate for veterans, also serves as District Veteran Director for United States Congressman Chris Gibson 

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today announced that James A. Haggerty, a distinguished member of the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of the Korean War, a decorated combat veteran, and a resident of the Village of Valatie in Columbia County, is her inductee from the 43^rd Senate District for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. Mr. Haggerty presently serves as the District Veteran Director for United States Congressman Chris Gibson and has long been a tireless advocate for veterans and their families. 

Senator Marchione honored Mr. Haggerty during a special public luncheon in Albany today as part of the State Senate’s 2013 “Veterans Hall of Fame” induction ceremony where each of the 63 State Senators installed their district’s nominee to the Veterans Hall of Fame. The nominees also will be recognized and honored on the State Senate Floor during today’s Session. 

The Veteran’s Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute and honor the selfless service and personal sacrifice of New York veterans whose courageous service in America’s Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community. The State Senate honored Mr. Haggerty, and all Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, during today’s special recognition ceremony where each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions, heroism, service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans.

The New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame – www.nysenate.gov/report/2013-veterans-hall-fame-award-recipients – was created in 2005 to honor outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in the military and in civilian life. Their meritorious service to a grateful state and nation deserves special public recognition that only a Veteran’s Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of gratitude and admiration. 

            James Haggerty served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954, and is a Combat-Disabled veteran of the Korean War. His awards and citations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Navy Presidential Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars; United Nations Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; New York State Medal for Merit; and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star. 

Mr. Haggerty has served as an advocate of veterans for decades, and is the Co-Chair and one of the original organizers of the group Capital Region Homeless Veterans Stand Down. 

Mr. Haggerty is the President of the Eastern New York Homeless Veterans Coalition; President of the Veteran Care Board at Stratton VA Hospital; and Executive Vice President, and Past President, of the New York State Council of Veterans Organizations, representing 38 veterans groups. He is the Vice Executive Director of the Marine Coordinating Council and a member of the Columbia County Honor-a-Vet Committee. Mr. Haggerty also is a life member of 15 veteran national service organizations including Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  

Mr. Haggerty has been an active volunteer in his community as a member of St. John’s Pastoral Council, Kinderhook Lake Corporation, Kinderhook Board of Assessment Review and the Kinderhook Zoning Board. He retired from the State Department of Labor as the Assistant Director of Veterans Programs and Training, and currently holds the position of District Veteran Director for Congressman Chris Gibson. He has been married to Norah Haggerty for 59 years; they have four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Haggerty’s name – and impressive military service and veterans advocacy credentials – was submitted as a candidate to the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame for the 43^rd Senate District by Thomas Rielly. A total of 14 veterans were nominated for consideration. 

Assisting Senator Marchione in selecting Mr. Haggerty as the inductee for the 43^rd Senate District – which includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County – was an Advisory Panel of local veterans. Serving on the Advisory Panel were: United States Air Force Sergeant Allen Ayotte of Halfmoon; United States Army Colonel Charlie Johnson of Troy; and United States Army Specialist Vince Grimaldi of Taghkanic. 

            “With so many terrific nominees from the 43^rd Senate District, I truly appreciate Senator Marchione selecting me as her nominee for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. This is a tremendous honor and something I will forever remember. Serving our veterans and meeting their needs has been, and continues to be, my personal mission,” Mr. Haggerty said. 

“Just as a veteran’s service does not end when they take off the uniform, the needs of our veterans also continue. We need to keep assisting veterans with effective services, programs and policies that honor their service, support their families and help them make the transition back home. Senator Marchione is already doing this through her support for the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Counseling Program, as well as the ‘Hire a Vet’ tax credits that were part of this year’s State Budget,” Mr. Haggerty stated. 

            “There were so many wonderful candidates for consideration as my inductee for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame; choosing just one person from a whole host of heroes was far from an easy choice. However, James Haggerty’s bravery and service to America – during wartime and peacetime – truly signaled that he was the right choice, the best choice, to serve as my inductee to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. James Haggerty is a true advocate for veterans, their families, and their specialized needs and I was so very proud to name him as our inductee for the 43^rd Senate District,” Senator Marchione said. 

“I thank James Haggerty, and all the nominees who were considered, for their service and sacrifice. America truly is a great and blessed nation because of the courage of the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. We say ‘thank you’ so much to veterans like James Haggerty, and to all of his fellow 2013 Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, because we can never, ever say it enough,” Senator Marchione concluded.

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