Mahopac, N.Y. – (3/16/12) – The students at Mahopac High School welcomed Senator Greg Ball’s (R, C – Patterson) traveling Veterans’ Wall of Fame on Friday afternoon in Mahopac, NY. The wall pays tribute to the twenty-seven veterans from throughout the Hudson Valley, including Mahopac resident Retired Corporal Josef Tschinkel. Each city, town and village within the Senator’s district was asked to nominate a Veteran and they were all honored at a Veterans’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony back in November
“The Veterans whose faces grace this wall were nominated by their communities, hand-picked because they chose a path of courage, honor, integrity and bravery,” Ball said. “It is wonderful that the students in those communities now have the opportunity to learn about each of these Veterans and their amazing stories.”
Retired Corporal Josef Tschinkel was born on March 19, 1922 in Yugoslavia. Tschinkel joined the United States Army on March 16th, 1944, and served for more than two years in the 357th Regiment, L Company. For his service during World War II, Ret. CPL Tschinkel earned the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He has also been recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #5491, with the Buddy Poppy Award.
Ret. CPL Tschinkel is co-owner of a construction company, a member of the AARP, the Town of Carmel Senior Citizen Drop In Program, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Mahopac, New York.
“The wall is very nice. I’m very happy that they chose me,” Tschinkel said. “I think it’s very important for the children to see the wall. It’s history.”
For Mahopac High School Principal Adam Pease, that history will make a great lesson for his social studies students.
“I think it’s great, especially for teenagers these days. It’s important for them to have that perspective and understand that a lot of people made a lot of sacrifices so they can enjoy the freedom they enjoy. It will be here for a week and we’re going to make sure we get our social studies classes up here, so they can read about all of the people outlined on the wall.”
And students like junior Andie Barry are welcoming the learning experience with open eyes.
“It’s really awesome because a lot of the times in history class you hear about the Veterans, but you don’t hear the true stories,” Barry said. “You just hear the text book stories, so I think a lot of people are going to take this to heart and really appreciate it.”
The wall will tour local municipalities throughout the 40th district. The wall will be on display at Yorktown High School for a week before it moves to Haldane High School on February 16th. Other future stops include:
- March 23rd Webutuck High School
- April 10th Somers High School
- April 20th Brewster High School
For a full list of the Veterans that were honored please click here.
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Joe Bachmeier: (845) 200-9716.
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