Wood Brothers Among Newest State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame Inductees

Albany, N.Y. – Thomas R. Wood Sr. and William Charles Wood III have been selected– by State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer– as New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductees for the 61st District.  The Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves in military and civilian life.  

“I am very proud to be honoring Thomas and William for their service during the First Gulf War,” said Ranzenhofer.  “Like so many of our service men and women, they returned home to continue serving their community when their military service was completed.  For over two decades, they have been firefighters for the LeRoy Fire Department, and they continue to be active in coaching youth sports.”   

The Wood brothers entered the United States Marine Corps. in 1988, attending boot camp together at Parris Island, South Carolina.  Later, in 1990, the twin brothers would be called upon to serve their country in the First Gulf War.  Thomas served as part of an amphibious task force aboard the USS Nassau, and William served with a forward combat unit, Romeo 5/11.

Both men received many awards for their exemplary service, including:  Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and Liberating Kuwait Medal.  William also earned the Southwest Asia Service Metal with 2 Stars; National Defense Service Award; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge.  In addition, Thomas was awarded a Meritorious Mast for his actions during a helicopter crash in South Korea, as well as an Oversea Ribbon with 4 Clusters.

“It is a true honor just to be nominated let alone awarded such a prestigious honor.  I am very humbled to be in the presence of other veterans.  I wish to thank Senator Ranzenhofer for the award and recognize my two children, Chelsie and Tommy, for always being there along with my parents, Ann and Billy.  God Bless America and Semper Fi,” said Wood Sr. 

“I'm honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thank you to Senator Ranzenhofer for nominating me, as well as my loving wife, Kathy, my kids, Riley and Alyssa, and my parents for their continued support. In closing, I am very humbled about this award because there are more deserving veterans. Semper Fi,” said Wood III.

These two distinguished Marines were honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal in 1992. They have been involved for years with youth sports and as members of the American Legion.  They have been firefighters for the LeRoy Fire Department for more than two decades, serving in many leadership positions.  William has been named Firefighter of the Year twice.  More recently, Thomas received the Department’s highest honor, Medal of Valor.  

Currently, Thomas is an officer at the Federal Detentions Facility in Batavia, while William works at the Thruway Authority.  William and his wife, Kathy, have two children, Alyssa and Riley.  Thomas has two children, Chelsie and Thomas.

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