Tedisco Honors “Yellow-Ribbon Lady” as a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction”

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate in Albany tonight honored Clifton Park resident Carol Pingelski Hotaling, affectionately known as the “Yellow Ribbon Lady,” as a 2019 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction to represent the 49^thSenate District.

Hotaling has made tens of thousands of hand-crafted yellow-ribbons with bows on them over the past 29 years to distribute to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and family members of U.S. service members stationed around the world as a symbol for people to keep our nation’s active duty troops at the top of their minds and in their thoughts and prayers.

“Carol Pingelski Hotaling of Clifton Park is a tremendous patriot and has been a fierce and tireless advocate for our active duty service men and women. Although Carol has always desired to put the needs of our troops first and foremost and avoid the spotlight, it’s time our state take a moment to thank and recognize her love of country and steadfast support for the best, brightest and most compassionate fighting force for good on earth: the men and women of the United States Military,” said Tedisco. 

Thanks to Hotaling’s dedication to our troops, in 2006, the New York State Legislature began to commemorate Yellow Ribbon Day on April 9^thof each year with passage of a resolution co-sponsored by Senator Tedisco, to recognize that the freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a very high price for those serving in the military. The event was originally organized in honor of Matt Maupin, the first prisoner of war captured in the Iraq War, and all U.S. service members -- those stationed overseas as well those not stationed in combat theaters. 

Yellow Ribbon Day honors the service and sacrifice of the everyday American heroes who wear our nation’s uniform to put their lives at risk for our safety and security, and it serves to thank the families they leave behind.

Hotaling says she champions Yellow Ribbon Day and creates yellow ribbons to “make a difference in the world” so people will always “remember all our troops.”  She has been known to visit airports to present yellow ribbons to returning service members and has made thousands of ribbons for patriotic parades, homecomings as well as memorials and funerals for those who served. 

Ms. Hotaling, a Shenendehowa High School graduate and Halfmoon native, has also helped Yellow Ribbon Day be commemorated nationally by the U.S. House of Representatives. Yellow Ribbon Day is commemorated every year at Halfmoon Town Hall.

Hotaling, a former state Senate employee, has received many accolades for her efforts to support our troops. In 2006, Hotaling received the prestigious Commander’s Award for Public Service from the U.S. Department of the Navy for helping to establish the first family readiness group in support of a National Guard division deployed during wartime.  She also earned the National Guard Community Purple Award for her service to Guard members overseas and their families.