SENATOR WALCZYK RETURNS HOME

Senator Mark Walczyk serves as a Captain in the US Army Reserve. He was mobilized in late January 2024 and deployed to the Middle East, spending 290 days in the Middle Eastern theater. Based out of Kuwait, Captain Walczyk served as construction Portfolio Manager and Facilities Contract Construction Management Engineer for Task Force Castle, overseeing construction projects in multiple countries. 

 

As a member of the 484th Forward Engineer Support Team - Advance (FEST-A), Captain Walczyk also participated in multiple engineer reconnaissance missions in various locations including sites in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iraq. 

 

In addition to supporting the mission overseas, Captain Walczyk completed the Camp Buehring Marathon, earned the Norwegian Footmarch badge, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. In Kuwait, he also took classes and earned his credential as a W8 Facilities Engineer. During his deployment, Captain Walczyk was awarded the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, the Overseas Service Bar, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

 

In order to facilitate smooth transition between rotating units, his team's deployment was extended beyond their original 9-months. After a brief demobilization at Ft. Bliss, TX, he returned to his family in Watertown.

 

"I've missed my family and I'm spending as much time as possible at home, reconnecting with my wife and two small boys this Christmas season," Walczyk said. "I have also really missed all the great people I'm honored to represent in the NY Senate. A special thanks goes out to everyone who wrote letters, postcards, and sent care packages - you probably have no idea how much it meant, and I'll never forget your kindness. I want to thank Assemblymembers Will Barclay, Ken Blankenbush, Scott Gray, Mary Beth Walsh, Bob Smullen, Matt Simpson, and Brian Miller - for covering down and representing our communities with pride and distinction in my absence. I'd also like to give a special thanks to my team of office staff who served the people of the 49th Senate District with unrelenting passion. I've been blessed by great staff who renew my faith in government daily and inspire hope for a bright future in New York." 

 

"As a Reservist, it was truly an honor to answer the Nation's call and I had the pleasure of working with some of our country's very best on some important missions in complex parts of the world. But, I'm very glad to be home. And, with the legislative session right around the corner, I'm excited to get back to my favorite job - fighting for Upstate New York communities."