Senator Gipson Honors Local Veterans, Service Fair Draws Hundreds of Veterans & Families

Terry Gipson

September 29, 2014

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2014
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIPSON HONORS LOCAL VETERANS, SERVICE FAIR DRAWS HUNDREDS OF VETERANS & FAMILIES

FISHKILL, NY – On Saturday, September 27, 2014, New York State Senator Terry Gipson’s (D-Dutchess, Putnam) 2nd Annual Veterans and Families Fair at the Ramada Inn in Fishkill drew hundreds of local veterans and family members to learn about services available to them in the Hudson Valley. The event featured service providers and exhibitors that offer services such as health care, housing, employment, education, business support and much more, specifically for veterans and their families in Dutchess and Putnam Counties.

Senator Gipson also honored local veterans in the 41st Senate District’s 2014 Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nineteen veterans were nominated by their local veterans organizations for the work they do supporting their fellow veterans and their communities. In addition to the 41st District’s Veterans Hall of Fame, all Korean War veterans and Vietnam War veterans in attendance received a special recognition.

“I’m proud that we were able to hold this important event again this year. Today, we are able to help veterans and their families in our community learn about services and support they may not have known about that are available in Dutchess and Putnam Counties,” said Senator Gipson. “I strongly believe that is it also important to include the families of veterans, because often by helping a family member, we can help a veteran.”

Senator Gipson, a member on the State Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, formed the 41st Senate District’s Veteran’s Advisory Committee when he was first elected to hear and best address the concerns of veterans and their families in our community. Hearing from his advisory committee about the lack of comprehensive information about veteran services, Senator Gipson was inspired to organize the first Veterans and Families Fair last year. Senator Gipson’s Veterans and Families Fair was made possible by the support of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Health Quest, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union and Bridgeway Federal Credit Union.

“I’m proud to represent a community with such a great tradition of service,” said Senator Gipson. “Every veteran deserves recognition for their service to our great nation, and it is an honor to recognize these local veterans who have gone above and beyond to continue their service in our communities.”

The 41st Senate District’s 2014 Veterans’ Hall of Fame honorees are:

James R. Stone, III (Posthumously, July 20, 1947 – November 18, 2012) - Nominated by American Legion Post 429 and VFW Post 9255 of Rhinebeck

John Ochs - Nominated by American Legion Post 429 and VFW Post 9255 of Rhinebeck

James E. Davis - Nominated by American Legion Post 37 of Poughkeepsie

Joseph M. Colletti - Nominated by American Legion Post 427 of Wappingers Falls

Peter W. Dowley - Nominated by American Legion Post 1303 of Hyde Park

James Reynolds - Nominated by American Legion Post 1758 of Hopewell Junction

James “Jimmy” Metrando - Nominated by VFW Post 170 of Poughkeepsie

Willie Lee Reed - Nominated by VFW Post 666 of Beacon

Anthony Esposito - Nominated by VFW Post 1286 of Fishkill

Robert K. Cahill, Sr. - Nominated by VFW Post 5519 of Pine Plains

Jan Milles - Nominated by VFW Post 7765 of Red Hook