Senator Bonacic Announces Orange County Resident Michael Cody Has Been Inducted Into the NY Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) is pleased to announce that Orange County resident, and Army veteran, Michael Cody has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Mr. Cody was honored, along with other inductees, at a ceremony in Albany on Tuesday May 19^th.

 Michael P. Cody Jr, was raised in Suffern NY and in February of 1967 he entered into service with the United States Army.  While serving his country in The Vietnam Conflict, Specialist Cody was wounded in action and found himself in an army hospital in Japan.  Due to his wounds, Specialist Cody was returned to the states, and received an honorable discharge from active duty in 1969. Because of his actions, Cody was awarded the Purple Heart.

 Unfortunately for those who fought, the welcome home was not warm.  Mr. Cody has dedicated his life to not only getting the Vietnam Veterans the recognition they deserve, but also works tirelessly to make sure that no returning soldier every faces what he did. 

 Mr. Cody is the president of the American Soldiers’ Statue Committee.  This group has worked for over 20 years to get monuments built in the Middletown community honoring all who fought.  Mr. Cody was instrumental in the building of the beautiful memorial at the Town of Wallkill’s Memorial Park, that not only honors those killed in action, but all men and women who have proudly served.  Mr. Cody has also helped to raise money and purchase trailers that are taken from event to event as mobile museums.  One is dedicated to the events of 9/11 and the other serves as a Veteran’s Information Center.  He is currently working on creating another, dedicated to those who served.

 “Michael P. Cody, Jr. fought bravely in Vietnam, and continued to fight for his fellow veterans upon their return,” said Bonacic. “As such, he deserves recognition for his valiant efforts in promoting patriotism and supporting veterans – a legacy which he continues through his selfless and generous actions today.”