Senator Helming Honors Ontario County Veterans During Canandaigua Event

CANANDAIGUA – Senator Pam Helming recognized 37 veterans who live in Ontario County during a veterans recognition ceremony at Canandaigua American Legion Post 256 on Wednesday, November 28. The veterans were nominated by family, friends, and community members for the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, and they were among a total of 120 nominations Senator Helming received for this prestigious award across the six counties that she represents.

The Ontario County veterans honored at this event included 1st Lt. Donald Barton, of Canandaigua; Master Sgt. David Bell, of Gorham; Cmdr. Joseph V. Bridgeford, of Canandaigua; Cpl. Ralph Calabrese, of Canandaigua; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edward J. Campbell, of Hopewell; Petty Officer 3rd Class James Cayer, of Canandaigua; Sgt. John Church, of Geneva; 2nd Lt. John Cleveland, of Canandaigua; Sgt. Edward F. Devaney, of Geneva; Capt. Karl W. Fuge Jr., of Canandaigua; Quartermaster 1st Class Eugene Gerrard, of Canandaigua; Sgt. Kenneth Graham, of Canandaigua; Capt. George W. Hamlin IV, of Canandaigua; Spc. 4th Class Robert Hayward, of Hall; Master Sgt. John H. Hovey, of Geneva; Cpl. Alfred A. Liberio, of Geneva; Sgt. 1st Class Rocco Maio, of Canandaigua; Master Sgt. Charles Maney, of Canandaigua; Technician 5th Grade Donald P. McGloon Sr., of Geneva; Spc. 4th Class Alan G. Merklinger, of Hopewell; Spc. Robert J. Miller, of Farmington; Lt. Col. Geraldine Narendorf, of Clifton Springs; Yeoman 3rd Class Rena M. Nessler, of Geneva; Col. John Norvell, of Canandaigua; Staff Sgt. John C. Norwalk, of Geneva; Lt. James B. Outhouse, of Canandaigua; Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Kevin D. Owens, of Phelps; Quartermaster 1st Class Joseph R. Post, of Canandaigua; Pfc. Kermit Schwartz, of Canandaigua; Sgt. 1st Class Stephan A. Sciarabba, of Geneva; Cpl. Loren Shaw, of Gorham; Cpl. Francis E. Sherry, of Canandaigua; Pfc. Ronald W. Swartwood, of Rushville;  Sgt. Henry A. Trickey Jr., of Hopewell; Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Mark A. Watts, of Clifton Springs; Lt. Col. Norma Weissend, of Gorham; and Seaman Apprentice Merle Woodworth, of Geneva.

“Among our nominees, some of them served during World War II, others in Korea or Vietnam, others in more recent conflicts, and still others served during peacetime on home or foreign soils. They represent the five branches of the U.S. military – the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard – and they are male and female veterans. What they all have in common is that at one point, they signed a contract, committing themselves to our country and saying they would lay down their lives to protect freedoms. And for that, we are all eternally grateful. It was a privilege to recognize our veterans and extend to them our heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude for their bravery, personal courage, and selfless service to our great nation, the United States of America. Thank you to Canandaigua American Legion Post 256 for hosting us, and thank you to the Canandaigua Academy Chorus for your patriotic musical performance,” Senator Helming said.