Senator Michelle Hinchey Inducts Altamont Navy Veteran Steven Oliver into NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

ALTAMONT, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced that she has selected Steven Oliver, a U.S. Navy Veteran and the President of the American Legion Riders of Helderberg Post #977, for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame — the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed by the Senate on a military veteran.

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 in both military and civilian life. Hinchey presented Oliver with a plaque today at The Altamont Fair’s Armed Services Day to celebrate his induction in the presence of family, fellow veterans, and local officials, including Albany County Veterans Service Bureau Director Ken Secor, Commander of the American Legion Helderberg Post #977 James Gaige, Altamont Mayor Kerry Dineen, Town of Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber, Altamont Fair President Brian Forte, and Altamont Fair Manager Amy Anderson.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “It is my honor and privilege to induct decorated U.S. Navy Veteran and American Legion Post #977 President Steven Oliver into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Mr. Oliver has served and protected our country with valor and, after a decade of service in the Armed Forces, has devoted his life to assisting area veterans and strengthening our Albany County community. Inducting Steven Oliver into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame is our opportunity to express our collective gratitude and ensure that his legacy of service will be remembered for generations to come.” 

After graduating from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1979, Mr. Oliver joined the United States Navy Seabees and was stationed in Port Hueneme, California, where he served as an EO2 (Heavy Equipment Operator). When he was called back to Active Duty in 1990, Oliver deployed with the Naval Reserve Unit during Operation Desert Storm.

During his military tenure, Mr. Oliver achieved the rank of E-5 Second Class Petty Officer and earned five awards, including the Marksmanship Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, the Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After a decade of military service, Mr. Oliver continues to advocate for his fellow veterans and servicemembers through his work as the President of the American Legion Riders of Helderberg Post #977 and as the former Highway Superintendent for the Town of Guilderland. Under Oliver’s leadership, the Legion Riders regularly partner with the Albany County Housing Coalition to secure donations of essential household items for veterans in need, including furniture and accessibility ramps. Mr. Oliver has also supported efforts to organize community events like the New York State Run for the Fallen and the Annual Poker Run, which benefit veterans and their families.

As Highway Superintendent, Mr. Oliver led several projects to honor local veterans, including an initiative to posthumously name streets after community members killed in action. He also collaborated with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce to inaugurate a Hometown Heroes Banners project in Tawasentha Park. For his extraordinary contributions to Albany County’s veteran community, Mr. Oliver was recognized by the National American Legion Organization as one of the few “American Legion Riders of Honor'' from across the nation.

A devoted husband and proud father, Mr. Oliver lives in Altamont with his wife, Leah, and enjoys spending time with his three daughters and eleven grandchildren.

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