Senator Michelle Hinchey Announces Induction of Greene County’s Michael Adrian into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

CAIRO, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) today announced that she has selected Cairo American Legion Commander Michael Adrian for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame — the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed by the Senate onto military veterans.

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Hinchey presented Adrian with a plaque at the Cairo American Legion Mohican Post 983 on Tuesday, December 14, to formally celebrate Adrian’s induction in the presence of family, fellow veterans, and local officials, including the Director of the Greene County Veterans Service Agency Michelle Romalin Deyo, County Legislators Harry Lennon and Ed Bloomer, County Legislator-Elect Sherry True, and Greene County Sheriff Peter J. Kusminsky.

“Cairo American Legion Commander Michael Adrian has protected our country with distinction, and still today, after a 22-year career in the Armed Forces, his service continues in Greene County as a dedicated advocate on behalf of our local veteran community and their families. It is my great privilege to nominate a veteran as deserving as Mr. Adrian into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “While we will never be able to repay Mr. Adrian for his service to our country or for all that he does to uplift our Greene County veterans, inducting this cherished community member into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame is one small way we can ensure that his service is forever remembered.”

After graduating from Coxsackie High School in 1983, Mr. Adrian began his military career in the U.S. Army as a cook and Battalion Mess Sergeant and later went on to join the National Guard. When he was called back to active duty in 2003, Adrian deployed and selflessly served in the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq until his honorable discharge in 2005. Today, Mr. Adrian serves and supports his fellow Greene County veterans as an American Legion Post Commander and has done so honorably for over ten years.

During his military tenure, Adrian achieved the rank of Army Sergeant First Class with the 2nd Battalion and received six Army Achievement Awards, seven Army Commendation Awards, State Defense Awards, Civil and Federal Awards, the Presidential Award, and Overseas Awards.

Under the leadership of Mr. Adrian, Cairo American Legion Mohican Post 983 actively volunteers to promote impactful causes to support American servicemembers. Among their work, the Legion has sponsored a floor in the Albany Stratton VA Hospital, providing televisions, blankets, and other items to veterans undergoing treatments. Additionally, Post 983 has volunteered with the Cairo Historical Society (CHS) to support CHS’ Hometown Heroes banner initiative, the first of its kind in New York State, which recognizes Cairo residents who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with banners in their honor displayed throughout the town. Each year, Mr. Adrian leads and organizes the annual Cairo Memorial Day parade, drawing hundreds of individuals to honor fallen soldiers.

Senator Michelle Hinchey represents the 46th Senate District, which includes Greene and Montgomery Counties and parts of Albany, Schenectady, and Ulster Counties. Senator Hinchey serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Energy and Telecommunications, Environmental Conservation, and Local Government Committees.

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