Senator Sean Ryan Announces Induction Of Wayne Baumgartner Into New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall Of Fame
November 11, 2021
SENATOR SEAN RYAN ANNOUNCES INDUCTION OF WAYNE BAUMGARTNER INTO NEW YORK STATE SENATE VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME
Tonawanda Native And Vietnam Veteran Has Been Inducted As A Member Of The Veteran’s Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021
BUFFALO – Today, November 11, 2021, New York State Senator Sean Ryan announced that his nominee, retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Wayne Baumgartner, has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Baumgartner is a veteran of the Vietnam War and an active member of the Erie County American Legion.
*Click here for full bio and induction video*
Baumgartner joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school in July 1961. He reenlisted in 1965 and was deployed as an administrative specialist to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam in 1966. During his eight years of service, Baumgartner received several honors, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Medal.
A Tonawanda native, Baumgartner is a 52-year member of the American Legion and has served in several leadership positions, including Post Commander, Post Adjutant, 1st Vice Commander, and 3rd Vice Commander. He currently serves as 2nd Vice Commander. He was recognized as Erie County Legionnaire of the Year in 2019, and 8th District Legionnaire of the Year and Department of New York Legionnaire of the Year in 2020.
A proud veteran, Baumgartner was the coordinator and Marshal of the Kenmore/Tonawanda Memorial Day Parade from 2009-2020 and the Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade at the County Fair from 2009-2018. He also visits veterans at local hospitals and nursing homes, participates in monthly programming at the VA hospital, and participates in wake services for members of the Post.
The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.
Senator Sean Ryan said, “I am grateful to Mr. Baumgartner, not only for his service to our country as a veteran of the Air Force, but also for his dedication to the Tonawanda community in the decades that followed. The commitment he has shown to his fellow veterans for more than 50 years is commendable, and the awards he has received through the years speak for themselves. On this Veterans Day, I am proud to add to that list of honors as he becomes a member of the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”
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