Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston) today honored a Saratoga County resident who was just appointed to serve as the National Historian for the American Legion during the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Tedisco presented the New York State Senate Commendation Award and a Proclamation to U.S. Army veteran David W. Lockhart of the town of Hadley for his advocacy on behalf of veterans.

Lockhart was appointed to a one-year-term as National Historian of the American Legion on Aug. 28, 2025, at the 106th National Convention in Tampa, Fla. 

“David Lockhart is an outstanding and dedicated veteran who has served his country with honor and continues to serve as a strong voice for his fellow veterans.  It is quite the honor for Saratoga County and the 44th Senate District which is where the turning point of the American Revolution is located, to have one of our outstanding veterans serve as the National Historian for the American Legion as we prepare to begin the 250th anniversary of the birth of our great nation,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.  “I’m proud to honor David who is always there for our veterans at countless events and programs, with a NYS Senate Proclamation and the Commendation Award for all he does in service to our state and nation.”

Lockhart was born and raised in Corinth. N.Y. After graduating Corinth High School in 1981, he joined the U.S. Army as a food service specialist. His first duty station was Ft Jackson, S.C., and later served in Germersheim, Germany. While in Germany, Lockhart met his future wife, Celia. They have been married since 1984. They have three adult children and a granddaughter. While in the Army, Lockhart earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army service ribbon and Overseas service ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1984 as a specialist 4th class.

Lockhart worked for the International Paper Company in Corinth from 1984 until its closure in 2003. He also worked as a wastewater treatment plant operator in Glens Falls, N.Y.

After retiring in 2013, Lockhart was active in his community coaching little league teams for 16 years and Babe Ruth teams for three years. He is a trustee of the friends of the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga and has participated in Saratoga County’s Deceased Veterans Program since 2008.

Lockhart joined Horace D. Washburn American Legion Post 533 in Corinth in 2002.

He served as sergeant-at-arms, adjutant, vice commander and commander at the county level. At the department level, he served on the membership team and as department National Cemetery Chairman. He was also president of Department Press Association in 2021.

Since 2022, Lockhart has been chairman of the Department Media Alliance Committee. He has also been a member of the National Media & Communication Council since 2021.

A 2008 American Legion College graduate, Lockhart enjoys fly fishing, strumming his guitar and traveling with his wife and his border collie to Fenway Park. He resides along the Hudson River in Hadley, N.Y.

Founded by an act of Congress after World War I, the American Legion advocates for veterans and active-duty military personnel.