Senator Helming Seeking Nominees For Veterans Hall of Fame

GENEVA – Senator Pam Helming today announced that she is inviting people to nominate local veterans from the six-county Wayne-Finger Lakes region that she represents for the prestigious New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The Veterans Hall of Fame honors outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves and made significant contributions in their military careers, professional endeavors, and community service. Their meritorious service to our nation, state, and community deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.

“As the daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran and the mother-in-law of a current U.S. Army soldier, I have the utmost respect and appreciation for everything that the men and women of our nation’s military have done and continue to do to protect our freedom and our way of life as American citizens. As a New York State Senator, I want to show my thankfulness for our veterans by seeking nominations for the 2019 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, honoring the nominees around Veterans Day, and selecting an inductee for the Hall of Fame. Our veterans contribute so much to our society both in and out of uniform, and they make our communities better places to live and work. We are fortunate that many of these extraordinary service members make their homes here in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region, and they help strengthen our communities and serve as pillars of our region. I strongly believe it is our duty to pay tribute to these men and women for their service and sacrifice, and I look forward to recognizing their commitment and dedication on behalf of all of us,” Senator Helming said.

Senator Helming will accept nominees for the Veterans Hall of Fame now through Friday, October 5. Nominators do not have to live within the 54^th Senate District, but nominees must live in the area that includes all of Seneca and Wayne Counties, parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties, and the Towns of Lansing and Webster. Nomination forms are available on Senator Helming’s website, helming.nysenate.gov, and may be submitted electronically. People may also print a paper version of the form and mail it to Senator Helming’s District Office at 425 Exchange St., Geneva, NY 14456. For questions or more information, people may contact the District Office at (315) 568-9816.

Senator Helming will recognize all of the Veterans Hall of Fame nominees during veterans recognition events slated for November to coincide with Veterans Day. In May 2019, Senator Helming’s inductee will join other inductees from Senate Districts around New York State for a ceremony in Albany. The honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special online exhibit that highlights the contributions of these exemplary New York State veterans.

Earlier this year, Senator Helming recognized the late Edward L. Butts Jr., of Union Springs, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, as the 54^th District’s 2018 inductee into the Veterans Hall of Fame. Achieving the rank of master gunnery sergeant by the time of his retirement, Mr. Butts served in a variety of roles in the Marine Corps both stateside and overseas. He also contributed to his community through the American Legion Walter T. Conley Post 1107 in Union Springs.