Catharine Young's posts related to Veterans

AMITY HIGHWAY & BRIDGE REDEDICATED IN HONOR OF LOCAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

Posted by Catharine Young on Thursday, August 25th, 2011

AMITY – On Thursday, Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Jason Dunham was honored by over a hundred family, friends, elected officials, military personnel and veterans during a special road and bridge dedication ceremony spearheaded by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

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JAMESTOWN WWII VET INDUCTED INTO SENATE’S VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME

Posted by Catharine Young on Monday, September 19th, 2011

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown resident Anthony “Tony” J. Costanzo has earned a special place of distinction in recognition of his meritorious military service during WWII and his tireless advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans.

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) hosted a special ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Chapter #865 in Jamestown on Friday to induct Tony as a member of the 2011 New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

"It is my honor to recognize Tony who has lived a life of service not only to his country but to his community as well. He embodies the definition of a true American hero and is the exact type of individual this Hall of Fame was created to honor," said Senator Young.

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HINSDALE VETERAN RECEIVES LONG-DESERVED MEDALS POSTHUMOUSLY

Posted by Catharine Young on Monday, November 21st, 2011

PHOTO CAPTION: Senator Young presented the New York State Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star posthumously recently to the family of Hinsdale U.S. Navy veteran Loreen Briggs at a special ceremony at the American Legion Post in Hinsdale. Serving aboard a tank landing craft, Petty Officer Briggs participated in some of the most grueling fighting in the Pacific Theater including “Operation Iceberg,” the assault and occupation of Okinawa-Gunto.

Pictured from left to right are: Roger & Carol Snyder (son-in-law and daughter), Senator Young and Donna & David Briggs (daughter-in-law and son).

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FORMER GREEN BERET HONORED WITH MEDALS

Posted by Catharine Young on Thursday, December 15th, 2011

OLEAN – A former Green Beret who served for two tours in the U.S. Army was honored on Thursday with long overdue awards he never received.

Sgt. Mark Close of Olean was surrounded by friends and family at a special ceremony held at Senator Catharine Young’s office where he received the Korea Defense Service Medal, the New York State Medal For Merit, and the Cold War Recognition Certificate.

“It always is a tremendous privilege to present medals to deserving veterans like Sgt. Close. As a Green Beret, Sgt. Close went through intense training in order to better protect our country. Like all veterans, he is deserving of our respect and gratitude and it is my honor to thank him for his outstanding service,” said Senator Young.

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Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department Annual Installation Banquet

Senator Catharine Young and Assemblyman Joe Giglio (left) joined Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Raiport (right) for the department’s annual installation banquet on Saturday, January 21. During the banquet, Arnold Andolsek (2nd from left) and Julius Szymanski (center) were recognized for providing over 50 years of service to the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department.

American Legion Testimonial Dinner

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I - 57th District) honored American Legion Department of New York Commander W. Michael Bowen (right), American Legion Auxiliary Department of New York President Ann Geer, and Sons of the American Legion Detachment of New York Commander Greg "Doc" K. Gibbs at the Cattaraugus County American Legion's Testimonial Dinner on Saturday, February 4 at the Randolph American Legion Post 181 in Randolph. The American Legion is our nation's largest advocacy group for veterans.

Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department 2.11.12

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) recognized Pete Dawson (left) for his 50 years of service to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department at the department’s annual banquet on February 11. Mr. Dawson is a past chief of the department and currently serves as the department's Fire Chaplain. His wife, Linda Dawson (right), attended the event, which was held at the Lakewood Fire Department Training Grounds. Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department is one 42 fire departments serving Chautauqua County.

OLEAN WWII VET AND FORMER POW INDUCTED INTO SENATE’S VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME

ALBANY – WWII veteran John J. Maroon has one piece of advice for students in Western New York – never give up.In honor of his dedicated service, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) named Private First Class John J. Maroon an inductee to the 2012 New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.Private Maroon served in the U.S. Army, participated in combat operations in Italy during 1944 and spent time as a Prisoner of War (POW). He often shares those experiences with school children.    

BOLIVAR ARMY VETERAN RECEIVES KOREAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL AND COLD WAR RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE

Posted by Catharine Young on Thursday, July 12th, 2012

BOLIVAR – Specialist 5 Thomas Jordan had no idea he deserved medals for his service in the Army until he spoke with long-time friend and recent medal recipient Boatswain’s Mate (BM), Third Class Daniel Little. “Dan Little, who already received medals from Senator Young, was in the Navy and said something about the Korean Defense Medal. He thought I might be eligible to receive it, told me to send my DD-214 to the Senator’s office and they would research it. That’s how it all began,” Spec. 5 Jordan said. “I would have never pursued the medal if it hadn’t been for Dan. He started it, and that’s how this all took place,” he added.

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OLEAN AIR FORCE VETERAN HONORED WITH OVERDUE MEDALS

Posted by Catharine Young on Thursday, July 12th, 2012

OLEAN – When Sergeant First Class Glenn Treaster stopped by Senator Catharine Young’s office in Olean to inquire about military medals, he had no idea he would be receiving so many awards. “When I learned about the medals, I thought, ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ To me, this is awesome. I am getting something I didn’t know I had coming. I’m being honored. I’m on top of the world,” Sergeant Treaster said.

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