Steven “Whiskers’’ Oliver

Steven “Whiskers’’ Oliver was born in the City of Albany and moved with his family at an early age to the Town of Knox, where he graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1979.

Upon graduation, Mr. Oliver joined the United States Navy Seabees and was stationed in Port Hueneme, California, where he was an EO2 (Heavy Equipment Operator). He served in active duty for seven years and then returned in 1990 and joined the Naval Reserve unit during Operation Desert Storm and served there for three years, totaling 10 years of Naval service. Upon his time of discharge, Mr. Oliver achieved the rank of E-5 Second Class Petty Officer and received five Awards, including the Marksmanship Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, the Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Oliver continues to serve the community today in his role as the President of the American Legion Riders Post #977 (ALR #977) in Altamont. The ALR #977 works with the Albany County Housing Coalition to regularly donate needed items to veterans served by the organization, such as furniture, televisions and handicapped ramps. Each year, Mr. Oliver and the Legion Riders manage a portion of the New York State Run for the Fallen, an event where runners stop to greet and honor Gold Star families across the State.

In August 2017, Mr. Oliver received the “American Legion Rider of Honor” award from the national American Legion organization, an award given out to a select few riders nationwide who “go above and beyond the call of duty for the American Legion Riders." 

Mr. Oliver also served as the Guilderland Highway Superintendent for seven years. During his tenure, Mr. Oliver always went the extra mile to take on several projects to honor local veterans, including naming several roads within the town in honor of community members who were killed in action. He also collaborated with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce to inaugurate a Hometown Heroes Banners project in Tawasentha Park.

After a decade of military service, Mr. Oliver continues to support the veterans of Albany County through his work with ALR #977. Mr. Oliver lives in Altamont with his wife, Leah, and enjoys spending time with his three daughters and eleven grandchildren.