Honored by Ranzenhofer at induction ceremony in State Capitol
Albany, N.Y. – United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant (retired) and Genesee County Veterans Service Agency Director Harry “Hal” Kreter has been selected – by State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer – as a New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame Honoree for the 61st District for his gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces and service to the community.
“Hal Kreter entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 and never looked back. For over four decades, he has provided exceptional service to our country, the military and its veterans,” said Ranzenhofer. “As a one-man army at the Veterans Service Agency, Hal has helped hundreds and hundreds of Genesee county veterans every year. His diligence to serve as a staunch advocate for veterans is equivalent to the strength of an entire army. Clearly, Hal is a distinguished veteran deserving of a special place among elite veterans of New York State.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be considered with my fellow veterans who have contributed their lives to serving their country. I congratulate all of the veterans on their nominations and thank them for their service to this country. I also want to personally thank Senator Ranzenhofer for nominating me for this honor,” said Kreter.
Kreter began has service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps in June of 1971, serving on active duty for 24 years until he was honorably discharged in 1995. Since then, he has served as a Service Officer and Director at Genesee County Veterans Services.
Among his many duties, Hal has made a commitment to assist the transitions of veterans returning to college after having been deployed overseas. Hal is also the Mentor Coordinator for the Batavia Veterans Court, and a board member and consultant for the Genesee Veterans Support Network on a volunteer basis.
During his career as a Vietnam era veteran, Hal’s journey in the Marine Corps took him to Vietnam and Okinawa. He served almost two years of Foreign Service, as well as six months of sea service. Sixteen years of Hal’s military service were devoted to career recruiting duties in various areas of New York State – Albany, Batavia, Binghamton and Syracuse. During this time, he received numerous awards as an outstanding recruiter and as the Non Commissioned Officer In Charge of recruiting sub stations.
Hal has served as Vice President for the Western New York Veterans Service Officers Association.
His contributions have continued with positions of responsibilities in the Marine Corps League, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.
In 1996, Hal received the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. He has also received numerous awards for distinguished service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, Rifle Expert badge, Pistol Expert Badge, and Sea Service Ribbon.
Hal and his wife, Cindy, live in Corfu and have two children, Stephen and Melinda.
The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished careers, both in military and civilian life. Other inductees into the Hall of Fame upon nomination by Senator Ranzenhofer for the 61st District include: U.S. Marine Corp. Sergeant (ret.) Patrick Welch of Amherst in 2010; and U.S. Army Commissioned Second Lieutenant Ronald J. Pilozzi of the city of Tonawanda in 2011.
For more information about the Veterans Service Agency in Genesee County, visit
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/veterans/index.html [3]
PHOTO: Ranzenhofer presents a certificate recognizing Kreter’s induction into the Veterans' Hall of Fame at a reception Tuesday morning in Albany.
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