Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55) inducted Betsy Crumity into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame awardee at VFW Post 8495, and was joined by local political figures, community leaders, friends and family.

Betsy Crumity served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve and achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, in addition to her service in the Armed Forces, including the Signal Corps, Reserve Officers Training Corps, and active duty. Betsy worked in communication and electronics at the Signal Corps, with most of the work being done outdoors in the field.

In 1984, due to Ms. Crumity’s mother’s health decline, she returned to Rochester to care for her. Her mother passed away nine months later. Initially, her hope was to return to service, but instead, she remained in Rochester to care for her aunt’s three grandchildren. The three boys eventually came under her care and lived with Ms. Crumity until they graduated from high school and attended college.

In addition to her military life, Ms. Crumity has served on the boards for Anthony L. Jordan Health Center and William Warfield Scholarship Fund, Inc. Currently, she is an integral member of the Breast Cancer Coalition’s Advocacy Committee, advocating for the breast and gynecologic cancer survivor community.

Crumity has integrated herself into the faith community after graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology and Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University, going on to serve as the Interim Pastor of the Little Lighthouse MBC; Youth Pastor in Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Buffalo, and Senior Pastor at Brights Chapel AME Church in Syracuse.

For the past seven years, she has hosted a Saturday morning radio show, Crumity’s Corner, where members of the community share their life’s journey. Her mantra is, “Never give up, never quit, and never surrender, because on the other side of failure is success.”

Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55): “Today, I was honored to celebrate Betsy Crumity’s induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedication, commitment, and service to our community. With her unwavering commitment to family, faith, and country, Betsy has touched the lives of countless individuals and continues to inspire and uplift our neighbors in need.”

Betsy Crumity: “ There are some things in life you do not prepare for or set goals or are your objectives. Things like: Throwing out the first pitch at a minor league baseball game in the city you grew up in. Pinning the gold bar that is the rank of 2nd Lieutenant on a SUNY Brockport ROTC Cadet. Finally, having the honor bestowed upon you by New York State Senator Samra G. Brouk as the 2025 Veteran Hall of Fame recipient. In times like these, I not only feel okay but have been embraced and loved by this community. [To quote] Maya Angelou, ‘This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.’”