Griffo honors Redmond for military service with induction into New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced today that Richard “Rick” Redmond, a U.S. Army veteran from Utica who served his nation for 20 years, has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.   

Sen. Griffo recognized Redmond during a special ceremony prior to the start of a recent Utica Comets game at the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica. Redmond, who is chief operating officer of Mohawk Valley Garden, received a plaque, poster and book to commemorate his induction.   

“It is an honor to recognize Rick and all the other men and women who have been inducted this year into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” Sen. Griffo said. “Rick is a consummate leader who selflessly and courageously served his country for more than two decades and earned a Purple Heart during his first combat tour in Afghanistan. He has been a passionate advocate for and active supporter of Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star Families and other veterans in the region and has worked tirelessly to ensure that their service and sacrifice is never forgotten."

A bio of Redmond is below:   

Richard Redmond enlisted in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Major. 

He courageously served his Nation for over 20 years, deploying to combat on several occasions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He served in all duty positions, including as Rifleman in an Infantry Squad to Operations Officer and Chief of Staff of an Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Early in his career, while stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he was selected as the 18th Airborne Corps and 82nd Airborne Division Soldier of the Year. His dedication to leadership continued as he graduated with honors and leadership recognition at all major professional development schools he attended. 

During his first combat tour, Mr. Redmond heroically earned the Purple Heart after being wounded on April 28, 2008. While on patrol in Afghanistan, his vehicle was hit and completely disabled by a double-stack anti-tank mine. Immediately following, he moved to another vehicle and radioed in a close air support request while under attack. Despite having a concussion and spinal injury, Mr. Redmond continued to exercise command and control. He led his soldiers as they defended against a three-pronged attack and ultimately repelled the enemy’s efforts to overrun their position. Mr. Redmond’s efforts led to a successful mission. 

For his valor and service, Mr. Redmond earned numerous recognitions, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Army Parachutists Badge and the Army Air Assault Badge. 

Following his retirement from the Army, Mr. Redmond made it a priority to help veterans in his community. As the Chief Operating Officer of Mohawk Valley Garden, Mr. Redmond developed the Utica Comets Hometown Hero initiative, which honors and recognizes an area veteran at every hockey game. He also spearheads the Utica Comets and the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium’s annual Veterans Day ceremony that honors and remembers the local veteran community, including all Gold Star families and Purple Heart recipients. 

Mr. Redmond, and his wife, Amy, are passionate and actively involved with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 490 and the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center in Utica. They are residents of Utica and the proud parents of two daughters, Kaela and Ciana. They are expecting their first grandchild in November 2023. 

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