Serino Names Kathie Freston to Veterans Hall of Fame

SERINO NAMES KATHIE FRESTON TO VETERANS HALL OF FAME 

ALBANY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced that earlier today, at a ceremony in Albany, Kathie Freston of Kent Lakes was named to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves in both military and civilian life. Kathie was one of only eight women inducted into the Hall of Fame this year.

“I am in awe of the varied accomplishments of Kathie Freston,” said Senator Serino. “To say she has lived a big life would be an understatement—she’s played a direct role in one of our nation’s greatest historic achievements and she utilizes her unique skill set each and every day to improve life throughout our local communities.”

According to her biography, having earned Top Secret security clearance in 1953 during the McCarthy Era, the Marines were able to train Ms. Freston to run the Enigma Machine at the communications center of the USMC Atlantic Command Headquarters at Norfolk, VA during the Korean War. There, she used her ingenuity and integrity to accurately decode, re-code, and deliver the messages that were coming and going. In essence, she was responsible for the safe delivery of the most sensitive of information, operations, equipment and troop movements and was constantly accompanied by armed guards on base. 

“Ms. Freston is a true trailblazer,” noted Serino. “To be a female Marine during that time was a small victory in and of itself. To then excel at such a critical role in the War is even more impressive—what’s more, is that Ms. Freston’s commitment to service didn’t end with her military career.”

Ms. Freston was honored as a 2014 Emerging Trailblazer by the Putnam County Chambers of Commerce and she was named the 2011 Town of Kent Volunteer of the Year. She earned her Masters of Arts from NYU and went on to teach for over thirty years. She’s also engaged her passion for the theater throughout her life—acting herself and starting the charity H. G. Fairfield, to use arts and culture to promote economic development and environmental stewardship.

“I am not only honored, but humbled, to nominate Kathie Freston for the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame,” concluded Serino. “She has truly lead an outstanding life, both in the military and beyond. On behalf of the NYS Senate, I thank Ms. Freston for her selfless service and dedication to our nation and our state.”

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