ARMY SERGEANT JOHN MARTINKO NAMED TO NYS SENATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME

ALBANY, NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I, - Hyde Park) announced today that John Martinko of Poughkeepsie has officially been inducted into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame.

The Veterans Hall of Fame was founded to honor veterans from across the state who have distinguished themselves during their time in the military and beyond. Each year, every State Senator recognizes and honors an individual from their home Senate District and highlights their accomplishments at a ceremony and reception at the Capitol.

Mr. Martinko and members of his family were in Albany on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 to accept the award at the esteemed induction ceremony.

“There are never enough ways to thank our American heroes for their service, as they have dedicated their lives to fighting for our freedoms.  I am grateful that today’s ceremony allowed us the opportunity to recognize these phenomenal veterans for their selfless sacrifices,” said Senator Serino. “I was especially honored to have the opportunity to welcome John Martinko to the Capitol, and recognize him for his service to our country and his continued service here at home throughout our local community.”

About John Martinko (biography below was published in the program from the event’s ceremony):

John Martinko was born on December 12, 1945 in Poughkeepsie, NY to John and Margaret Martinko.  John enlisted in the US Army as an Infantryman after graduating from Poughkeepsie High School in 1964.  John completed basic training in Fort Dix, NJ and advanced infantry training in Fort Jackson, SC.  He was assigned to the 27^th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds” of the 25^th Infantry Division “Tropic Lightning”. 

John deployed to Vietnam in January of 1966.  In November of 1966 then a squad leader in 1^st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1^st Battalion, 27^th Infantry he participated in Operation Attleboro.  On November 3, 1966 John was leading his squad on a UH-1 “Huey” air assault insertion for a search and destroy mission, during the Battle of Dau Tieng John sustained injures by hostile enemy forces where he was hit by gunfire and sustained burns.  John later was medevacked and recovered at the MASH station in Cu Chi.  John left Vietnam December 24, 1966 and received an honorable discharge in August of 1967.  John attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5).  He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

John returned to Poughkeepsie where he graduated from Dutchess Community College and SUNY New Paltz. John served in the United States Postal Service where he delivered mail to the Poughkeepsie community for 30 years.  John also officiated high school and recreational sports for Dutchess County until he retired from the post office in 1997.

John is a member of the Vail-Wolff McKenna-Frye Post 170 VFW in Poughkeepsie, NY and the Disabled American Veterans. John and his wife Sabina have four grown children and fifteen grandchildren.

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