Senator Helming Honors Veterans from Cayuga County and the Town of Lansing

AUBURN – Senator Pam Helming recognized 20 veterans who live in Cayuga County and the Town of Lansing during a veterans recognition ceremony at Memorial City Hall in Auburn on Friday, November 30. 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 veterans from Cayuga County and the Town of Lansing honored at this event included Sgt. Danny Baker, of Lansing; Tech. Sgt. Franklin Bower, of Throop; Pfc. Gerald I. Burger, of Auburn; Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Philip Caci, of Auburn; Petty Officer 3rd Class Thomas E. Crawford Jr., of Auburn; Pfc. Phillip E. Cuddeback, of Throop; Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd R. Fischer, of Union Springs; Airman 2nd Class Leman F. Glimpse, of Montezuma; Staff Sgt. Jeffrey S. Girvin, of Port Byron; Spc. David Gould, of Fleming; Cpl. George Isaac, of Lansing; Sgt. 1st Class Karen Macier, of Auburn; Petty Officer 1^st Class Stephen Rusin, of Auburn; Sgt. G. William Ryan, of Union Springs; Staff Sgt. Bruce Sharpsteen, of Venice; Senior Airman Paul E. Stryker, of Scipio Center; Pfc. Albin R. Tichensky, of Victory; Staff Sgt. Donald G. Wells Jr., of Port Byron; Tech. Sgt. Dana F. Wilbur, of King Ferry; and Sonarman 2nd Class John W. Wishart, of Lansing.

“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.