Distinguished Local Veterans Honored by Senator Nozzolio at Induction Into State Veterans Hall of Fame

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio recently honored distinguished local U.S. Army veterans’ and founding members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, Don Linborg of Walworth and Carm Pascarella of North Rose into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. They were inducted during a special ceremony at the State Capitol for their service to our Nation and for their efforts to help establish the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Seneca County.

Pictured from left to right: Carm Pascarella, Senator Mike Nozzolio and Don Linborg.

DISTINGUISHED LOCAL VETERANS HONORED BY SENATOR NOZZOLIO AT INDUCTION INTO STATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME

Distinguished local U.S. Army veterans’ and founding members of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, Don Linborg and Carm Pascarella were recently nominated for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by State Senator Mike Nozzolio. They were honored during a special ceremony at the State Capitol for their service to our Nation, as well as their dedicated efforts working alongside Senator Mike Nozzolio, in helping to establish the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

“As State Senator, I was pleased to work closely with Don Linborg and Carm Pascarella as we fought to establish the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Their commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans is outstanding and I thank them for everything they do on behalf of our local veterans. I look forward to working with Don and Carm as we continue our efforts to honor our brave servicemen and women.”

The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located on the hallowed ground of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force bases, where over one million sailors and airmen trained in preparation for battle to defend the United States of America. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated on July 30, 2011 and is the final resting place for over 100 veterans and their family members. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located in Romulus, New York, a tremendously beautiful setting on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, and within the shadow of the nationally recognized birthplace of Memorial Day in Waterloo.

U.S. Navy and Army Reserve veteran Rick Connors of Seneca Falls, the former Chairman of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association was inducted in the Veterans Hall of Fame and honored by Senator Nozzolio at a prior ceremony.

Donald “Don” Linborg joined the United States Army in 1959 and served as an Intelligence Clerk in the S-2 section of Headquarters VII Corps Artillery in Stuttgart, Germany. He was chosen to attend the United States Army Intelligence School in Oberammergau, Germany, where he became a photo interpreter and map coordinator. Don served in the United States Army for a little over 3 years and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Department of Defense Cold War Victory Medal and the New York State Liberty Medal.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Don became a strong advocate and supporter of veterans’ issues, holding many key positions within the American Legion locally and statewide. He has served as Monroe County Commander and Commander of Cottreall-Warner Post 942 in Webster. Don has also served in many different capacities for the Monroe County American Legion. Don also worked with Senator Nozzolio on legislation designating State Route 96A as the Sampson Memorial Highway. Don currently serves as President of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association. Don currently lives in Walworth with his wife Mary. They have two sons and four granddaughters.

Carmen “Carm” Pascarella Jr. entered the United States Army in 1954, one year after graduating from high school. Carm served with the 594th Field Battalion in Giessen, Germany, specializing in the operation of the 155 mm howitzer, at the time, one of the Army’s largest pieces of artillery. He served two years in the United States Army and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal as well as the Army of Occupation Medal of Germany. Upon being honorably discharged, Carm entered Mansfield State Teachers College on the G.I. Bill where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree.

In 1961, Carm began his teaching career at North Rose Central School where he taught History and coached boys basketball, baseball, girls softball and bowling. Carm retired in 1990 after teaching for 29 years. Carm was also selected to the North Rose-Wolcott Sports Hall of Fame. Carm has been a member of the North Rose Volunteer Fire Department since 1964. He is also a member of the Wolcott Elks Lodge, the North Rose American Legion and the Clyde VFW. Carm served as the Supervisor for the Town of Rose and spent 14 years as a member of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors. Carm currently lives in North Rose with his wife Margaret. They have two children and two grandchildren. Carm has served as the Secretary of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association.

“Don Linborg and Carm Pascarella are American patriots who not only risked their lives serving our Nation overseas but, upon returning home, continued to dedicate themselves to helping other servicemen and women who did the same,” said Senator Nozzolio. “It is an honor to recognize these distinguished veterans for all they have done to establish the cemetery as a world-class final resting place for the many veterans who served with honor and dignity and for their commitment to serve others.”

The New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is an annual program highlighting the exceptional service of a veteran from each Senate District. For more information on the Hall of Fame or to look up past inductees, visit the State Senate website HERE.

For more information on the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery contact Bill Yale, executive director of the Sampson Cemetery at (607) 379-0197 or visit the website at www.sampsonveteranscemetery.com

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