Hinchey Inducts Vietnam Veteran Patrick Wemitt of Chatham into the 2025 NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame
June 30, 2025
Senator Michelle Hinchey and Patrick Wemitt at the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame Ceremony in Albany on Tuesday, May 27, 2025
ALBANY, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey honored Vietnam Veteran and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant (E-5) Patrick Wemitt on Tuesday, May 27, at the New York State Capitol, inducting him into the esteemed New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Established in 2005, this prestigious accolade celebrates exceptional veterans from New York who have excelled in both military service and civilian endeavors.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “It is my honor to induct Vietnam veteran and Marine Corps Sergeant (E-5) Patrick Wemitt into the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Mr. Wemitt has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and then to his community as an educator, a firefighter, and a civic leader. His commitment to giving back at every stage of his life speaks to the depth of his character and sense of duty. Inducting Mr. Wemitt into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame ensures that his contributions are celebrated not just at home in Columbia County, but throughout the Empire State for generations to come.”
Patrick Wemitt, a Vietnam War Veteran, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 after graduating from Chatham High School. He served in Vietnam as an electronic repairman with a cryptography clearance and was honorably discharged four years later with the rank of Sergeant. His exemplary military service earned him numerous awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge, and Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.
After returning home to Columbia County, Wemitt devoted 30 years of his life to public education, including 20 years as an elementary school teacher at Taconic Hills Central School District and a decade as the principal of Catskill High School. Known for his steady leadership and compassion, Wemitt brought patience and a genuine belief in every student’s potential to every role he held before his retirement in 2012.
Wemitt has been a pillar of his community, and his commitment to service has extended well beyond the classroom. He serves as President and Chaplain of the Sanford W. Smith Hook and Ladder Co. of the Chatham Fire Department and is an active member of the American Legion VFW Post 42. Wemitt has also held roles as a director of the Columbia County Agricultural Society and Columbia County Fair, as well as a Village of Chatham Trustee and youth sports coach, including soccer, football, track and field, tennis, and pickleball.
Wemitt credits his wife of 53 years, Joan, for all of his success and cites her unwavering love and support as the reason he survived Vietnam and every chapter since.
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Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “It is my honor to induct Vietnam veteran and Marine Corps Sergeant (E-5) Patrick Wemitt into the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Mr. Wemitt has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and then to his community as an educator, a firefighter, and a civic leader. His commitment to giving back at every stage of his life speaks to the depth of his character and sense of duty. Inducting Mr. Wemitt into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame ensures that his contributions are celebrated not just at home in Columbia County, but throughout the Empire State for generations to come.”
Patrick Wemitt, a Vietnam War Veteran, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968 after graduating from Chatham High School. He served in Vietnam as an electronic repairman with a cryptography clearance and was honorably discharged four years later with the rank of Sergeant. His exemplary military service earned him numerous awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge, and Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.
After returning home to Columbia County, Wemitt devoted 30 years of his life to public education, including 20 years as an elementary school teacher at Taconic Hills Central School District and a decade as the principal of Catskill High School. Known for his steady leadership and compassion, Wemitt brought patience and a genuine belief in every student’s potential to every role he held before his retirement in 2012.
Wemitt has been a pillar of his community, and his commitment to service has extended well beyond the classroom. He serves as President and Chaplain of the Sanford W. Smith Hook and Ladder Co. of the Chatham Fire Department and is an active member of the American Legion VFW Post 42. Wemitt has also held roles as a director of the Columbia County Agricultural Society and Columbia County Fair, as well as a Village of Chatham Trustee and youth sports coach, including soccer, football, track and field, tennis, and pickleball.
Wemitt credits his wife of 53 years, Joan, for all of his success and cites her unwavering love and support as the reason he survived Vietnam and every chapter since.
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