SENATOR HOYLMAN INDUCTS LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTO THE NYS VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) on Tuesday, presented this year’s NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of fame award to Local Post 1 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Held each year by the New York State Senate, the Veterans’ Hall of Fame ceremony honors “outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.”Accepting the award on behalf of the Jewish War Veterans were Jerry Alperstein, a resident of Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and Gerard Petitte, a US Army veteran of the Cold War who served with distinction in Germany.

Formed in 1896, the Jewish Veterans of the United States of America, which includes more than 100 veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the War on Terrorism, is the oldest active veterans organization in the nation. The members of Local Post 1, whom Senator Hoylman nominated for today’s event, represent the oldest active veterans echelon in the United States. Jewish War Veterans USA Post 1 is still active at the Manhattan VA Medical Center where it runs a Bingo game for patients, organizes Jewish religious services, and hosts an annual Fleet Week reception for sailors and Marines.

State Senator Brad Hoylman said: "Each year we honor outstanding veterans for their service and sacrifice. This year, I could not think of anyone more deserving than Post 1 of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA. In their steadfast commitment to country and community, Jerry Alperstein, Gerard Petitte, and the entirety of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA Post 1 represent the very best of our state and our nation. I am truly honored to nominate them to the NYS Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”