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Ritchie Honors 27 Local Heroes At Veterans Hall Of Fame Ceremony
July 17, 2017
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State Senator Patty Ritchie honored 27 veterans from Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties at her annual “Veterans Hall of Fame” ceremony at the Dobisky Center in Ogdensburg on Monday.
“It’s so humbling to be able to honor these brave veterans and simply put, we cannot thank them enough for their dedication to protecting the freedoms of this great nation and its people,” said Senator Ritchie. “From storming the beaches of Normandy during WWII, to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, these brave individuals embody what it truly means to be a hero. Without their selflessness and sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we have today.”
Joining Senator Ritchie during this special ceremony was the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, Major General Walter Piatt.
“The veterans who were honored at today’s ceremony are the definition of heroes and their bravery is truly an inspiration,” said Major General Walter Piatt. “On behalf of the entire 10th Mountain Division, thank you for your unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms and our country.”
Members of the Heuvelton AMVETS Color Guard posted the colors during the ceremony and Sloane Ryan, a high school student from Ogdensburg Free Academy, sang the National Anthem.
These Central and Northern New York veterans were nominated for induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame by family, friends, co-workers and comrades-in-arms for their military service to our nation, and their continuing work and involvement in causes that benefit and improve our local communities, especially for soldiers and veterans.
Senator Ritchie honored the following veterans at Monday’s ceremony:
Ronald Ralph Bauter of LaFargeville: Air Force
Richard L. Berghorn of Tylerville: Air Force
David Bulterman Sr. of Alexandria Bay: Navy
Joseph Scott Chrisman of Watertown: Army
Dr. Robert J. Kasulke of Watertown: Army
Thomas F. LaClair of Clayton: Air Force
Shon Lynn Montgomery of Adams: Army
Joseph Morisette of Cape Vincent: Air Force
Dr W. Barton Van Slyke of Watertown: Army
David W. Waite of Carthage: Army
Howard A. Waite of Castorland: Army
James Gioia of Phoenix: Army
Daniel M. Hunnicutt of Oswego: Army
Nicholas J. Mansfield, formerly of Volney: Army Air Corps (deceased)
Charles H. Alexander Jr. of Canton: Navy
Darrell L. Dailey of Massena: Army
Roy B. Forsythe of Gouverneur: Army
John F. Freego of Canton: Army
Richard Heffron of Gouverneur: Army
John McCullough of Ogdensburg: Army
David Pearson of Ogdensburg: Army
Tracy Lee Sheesley of Canton: Army
Robert Shelato, formerly of Massena: Army
Robert C. Sheridan of Canton: Army
William R. Swafford of South Colton: Navy
Robert K. Wilson of Potsdam: Navy
Alan J. “Doc” Winney of Lisbon: Navy
To learn more about the 2017 Veterans Hall of Fame Honroees, please click the above attachement.
(Attn. photo editors: Senator Ritchie is joined in the above photo with Major General Walter Piatt, Chaplin Booth and the 2017 Veterans Hall of Fame Honorees)
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