DISTINGUISHED LOCAL VETERAN HONORED AT CAPITOL

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced today that Philip Schatzle of Cold Spring has officially been inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Veterans Hall of Fame was established to recognize veterans from across the state who have distinguished themselves throughout their time in the military and beyond. Every year, each State Senator takes the opportunity to recognize and thank an individual or group from their home district at the event. This year’s event featured inductees from each branch of the military.

Mr. Schatzle and members of his family were in Albany on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 to accept the award at the prestigious induction ceremony.

“Phil Schatzle has dedicated his life to honoring other veterans, going above and beyond to ensure that their legacies live on,” said Senator Serino. “Today, I am honored to be able to turn the tables and give him the recognition he deserves for a lifetime of dedicated service and commitment to his country, and our local community. With a smile that lights up a room, it was an absolute pleasure to welcome him and his family to the Capitol as we inducted him in to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.”

About Philp Schatzle (biography below was published in the program from today’s ceremony):

The middle of five sons, Philip Schatzle came from a household that put ‘family’ and ‘country’ above all else. Born and raised in Cold Spring, Schatzle joined the armed forces in 1956, when he was 22 years old. A Sergeant in the U.S. Army, his overseas service took place in Germany where he was stationed during the Korean War at the same camp as Elvis Presley.

After his time in the service, Schatzle went on to become a local science teacher at Briarcliff High School for over thirty years.

Like many of our veterans, Schatzle’s service to his community and his country did not end with his time abroad. He joined the local American Legion and the VFW—for which he served as a member and a commander. 

Upon his return to the States Schatzle had one goal: to never let the memory of our soldiers be forgotten. To this end, he has organized countless events to ensure that those who served are constantly reminded that they have a grateful community behind them.   

As VFW Commander for over a decade, Schatzle was responsible for coordinating the Memorial Day Parade and the placement of over 1,000 flags on gravesites of area veterans as a way to highlight the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. At 82 years young, Philip Schatzle is still active in both the American Legion and the Veterans of War Post in Cold Spring and he spends his free time encouraging young people and community members to continue honoring the nation’s veterans and those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.  

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