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1. CPT Darshan Subramian – Air Force 15. SGT Nathan M. Higginbotham – Army 31. MM1 Michael DellaRocco – Navy 2. PFC Eugene H. Gierka – Air Force 16. UE SGT Frederick D. Clark, II – Army 31. SGT Temu M. Gibson – Army & Navy 2. CPL David G. Hogben – Army 17. SGT Jerome W. DeBraccio – Air Force 32. SP4 Herman Farley – Army 3. 1st SGT Gordon R. Decker 18. SGT George E. Allard, Sr. – Army 32. EN3 Patrick J. O’Connor – Navy – Marine Corps 19. CMSGT Donald M. Legere – Air Force 33. SP4 Sheila E. Long – Army G BROADWAY 3. PFC Frank V. Czernicki N UYSLING20. AVEN AT3 Peter E. Pasternak, Jr. – Navy 34. S1 Louis D. Zampella – Navy VA – Army & Navy 21. COX Edward Wrubleski – Navy 34. SP4 William R. Harrison – Army 4. TSG Carmen R. Bradt – Air Force 22. SFC Kevin Lyons – Army 35. LCPL Michael D. Laymon 5. EM3 James P. Eagan – Navy 23. CPT Robert A. MacTaggart – Army – Marine Corps 6. PVT Dominick F. Tiscione – Army 24. LCPL Peter Nocerra, Jr. – Marine Corps 35. SGT Michael LeGere – Marine Corps 7. CPT Albert – J. DeMarco – Army 25. SPC John F. Lusk, Jr. – Army 36. MSGT Howard A. Ray – Air Force 8. SN Charles A. Diamond – Navy 26. SGT Douglas N. Ryan, Sr. 37. PFC Angelo C. Pedone – Army 9. SP5 Charles Legere – Army – Marine Corps 37. CPT Walter G. Ryon, II – Army 10. T4 Mario V. Farina – Army 27. PFC Richard M. LeGere – Army 38. CPL Victor R. Mavente 11. SP4 Donald B. Kearney – Army 28. T4 Philip H. Komp, Sr. – Army – Marine Corps 11. SGT Vincent J. Musco – Army 29. SGT Raymond W. Warlikowski, Jr. 38. SM3 Robert L. Wurster – Navy 12. SGT Keith E. Barney – Air Force – Army 39. TEC 5 Louis J. Wurster – Army 13. PFC Casimir F. Gwiazdowski – Army 30. SGT Daniel M. Behan – Army 39. Unified Military Affairs Council 14. PFC William McNab Hay – Army 30. SGT Raymond B. Chaires – Army – UMAC SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

1 CPT Darshan Subramian – AIR FORCE

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2 PFC Eugene H. Gierka – AIR FORCE

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2 CPL David G. Hogben – ARMY

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3 1st SGT Gordon R. Decker – MARINE CORPS 1st SGT Gordon “Gordy” Decker enlisted in the USMC on November 6, 1948 and was assigned to the 2nd Marines Aircraft Wing, flying supplies and troops between Japan and Korea. He was released from his first enlistment in the fall of 1952, but joined the reserves two years later in 1954 with the 46th Special Infantry in Albany. In 1958 Gordy re-enacted active duty, where he would remain until his retirement in 1974. During his 26 years on active duty, Gordy spent time with the First Marines Aircraft Wing aboard an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific and in 1964 when the Vietnam War broke out, he was among some of the first Marines to set foot in the country in Chu Li. He then returned to the states in Norfolk, VA, for two years. In late 1967, he returned to Vietnam with a Marine helicopter unit, and after a brief return back to the states deployed again in late ’69 to Thailand, with the helicopter unit in support of ground operations in Vietnam. In late 1970 he returned stateside and was stationed at Camp LeJeune, with the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines as a 1st SGT of a field artillery unit. In 1974, after 26 years of service, Gordy returned from the USMC and went to work for NYS Thruway Authority for another 20 years before retiring at 62 years of age. Since his retirement he has kept busy volunteering at the Veterans Miracle Center giving back to the local Veteran community and active with the Electric City Detachment, Marine Corps League. Gordy is married to his beautiful bride Gertrude, has four children and is blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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3 PFC Frank V. Czernicki – ARMY & NAVY PFC Frank V. Czernicki was born in 1932 to Francis & Anna Czernicki in Albany, NY. PFC Czernicki served his country honorably in both the Army and Navy during the Korean War era. After his service Frank worked as CAN for the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany. He was married to Emily Faas in 1958 and they had three children. Frank was Scout Master for Troop #35 in Schenectady for many years. He was active with both the VFW and American Legion in Schenectady. With the American Legion he enjoyed serving breakfast to veterans on Saturday mornings. He enjoyed fishing, camping and hitting people with his cane. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

4 TSG Carmen R. Bradt – AIR FORCE

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5 EM3 James P. Eagan – NAVY

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6 PVT Dominick F. Tiscione – ARMY PVT Dominick F. Tiscione was born in Schenectady on July 13, 1913, one of seven children born to Italian immigrants, and was a lifelong resident of Schenectady County. He entered service in the US Army on May 15, 1943, where he served as a military policeman, and was honorably discharged on December 2, 1944. He believed in God, his country, and family. Dom was a member of St. Gabriel’s Church in Rotterdam, where he was an usher for 35 years. He was also a 60 year member and past commander of DAV Post 88. He was most proud of his serving as a two time Grand Marshall of the Rotterdam Memorial Parade. Dom, and Adelaide, his wife of 60 years, were devoted to their one son, Frederick. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew and Marcus, and the proud great-grandfather of Matteo and Lorenzo. He was a letter carrier for the USPS for many years, retiring in 1975. Dom passed away on June 22, 2010, three weeks shy of his 97th birthday.

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7 CPT Albert J. DeMarco – ARMY CPT Albert J. DeMarco was born in Schenectady, January 1916 to Italian immigrants. He had six brothers and three sisters. At a very young age he went to work for his brother Joseph’s business, Pine Grove Dairy Farms. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1934. From 1938-1939 he attended Cornell University under the Agriculture and Dairyman’s Program. In December 1942 he entered the US Army with the 101st Cavalry. After numerous training schools he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was sent to the Pacific Theatre for 22 months. On April 6, 1945 he arrived on the Japanese island of Okinawa with the 81st Ordnance Division/Tank Maintenance Company, five days after the initial invasion. He spent over a year on the island and was released from duty in March of 1946 at the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and a Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. Albert later returned home to the family business, he married and raised four children. Albert passed away while at work August 10, 1971 and is interred at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna NY.

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8 SN Charles A. Diamond – NAVY Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

9 SP5 Charles Legere – ARMY SP5 Charles Legere grew up in Rotterdam. He earned his pilot’s license at the age of 17 and after graduating from Draper High School in 1962, he enlisted in the US Army. There he continued to develop his aircraft skills. Upon completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he went on to Aviation Maintenance School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, graduating first in his class. He then joined the 11th Air Assault Division – Fort Benning, Georgia as a Helicopter Crew Chief and worked with his unit to develop the weapons and tactics necessary to use helicopters in combat situations. In 1965, Charles was re-assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Division, where he trained air crews in helicopter combat tactics prior to the division’s deployment to Vietnam. After discharge in 1965, he entered Hudson Valley Community College and graduated in 1967 with an Engineering Science Degree. He joined the GE Plastics Research Department and enjoyed a 40 year career before retiring in 2007. During his career at GE he was recognized for numerous technical achievements and is named on two U.S. patents for scientific discoveries.

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10 T4 Mario V. Farina – ARMY

T4 Mario V. Farina was born in Schenectady, and has worked all his life, from age 18 to 90. He worked for the American Locomotive Company, served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a Radio Operator in the China/Burma/India Theater, and was employed at . In 1973, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. He retired from GE in 1982 and accepted a position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) as a microcomputer consultant. After leaving his position with RPI, he became employed with the State Labor Department of New York. He’s a car buff, a pun creator, and a computer enthusiast. He wrote textbooks for the programming languages COBOL and FORTRAN and wrote a book of puns and short stories called, “A Little Light Reading,” as well as over 20 other books. Several of his books were translated into other languages. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

11 SP4 Donald B. Kearney – ARMY

Donald B. Kearney served in the Army from September 14, 1967 until April 4, 1968. During his time in the Army, he did a tour in South Vietnam and received many honors and awards including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and Military Merit Medal. Banner Sponsored By: George, Bernard, Connie & Lois

11 SGT Vincent J. Musco – ARMY SGT Vincent J. Musco was assigned to the 11th Light Infantry Brigade, American Division, near Duc Pho, Vietnam. SGT Musco was awarded the Sharpshooter and Pistol Expert Medals. He was twice given the Purple Heart Medal and received the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Efficiency Honor Fidelity Medal, and Conspicuous Service Medal from New York State. Banner Sponsored By: Rosann Musco, Tony Musco, John Musco, & Paul Pakan

12 SGT Keith E. Barney – AIR FORCE SGT Keith E. Barney enlisted in the USAF on November 20, 1965. He was in boot camp at Lackland AFB from November 1965 to March 1966. During his time in the USAF he served at Holloman AFB, New Mexico from March 1966 to April 1967 where he was an aircraft weapons systems mechanic on the E4D Phantoms, involving weapons systems research and development. In April 1967 he married Patricia Kennedy at St. John the Evangelist Church, Schenectady. From May to July of 1967 in he was stationed at England AFB in Louisiana and was transferred to Vietnam in July 1967 and stationed at Bien Hoa, AFB where he survived the 1968 Tet Offensive. His primary responsibility in Vietnam was performing aircraft weapons systems maintenance for the A37 aircraft and twin engine close air support jet. He was then transferred to Westover AFB in August 1968 where he performed weapons systems maintenance for B52 bombers until his honorable discharge in February 1969. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. Upon his discharge he returned to Schenectady and has lived in both the city of Schenectady and Niskayuna since then. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

13 PFC Casimir F. Gwiazdowski – ARMY

PFC Casimir F. Gwiazdowski was inducted into the Army on April 14, 1943 and served during World War II as a Fuel Cell Repairman. During the war he was in Northern France, The Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and Central Europe. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with four bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. Banner Sponsored By: His Loving Family

14 PFC William McNab Hay – ARMY PFC William McNab Hay entered into service on January 27, 1955 at nineteen years old. He served in the Army as a radar operator, stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. He was an expert Carbine sharpshooter. William was honorably discharged on January 25, 1957. He was well known for his pride of having served our country. Banner Sponsored By: The Hay Family

15 SGT Nathan M. Higginbotham – ARMY SGT Nathan M. Higginbotham entered into service to his nation in 2010. He joined the US Army and rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5, holding significant training and leadership positions. He was part of the Troop B, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 1st BCT at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. SGT Higginbotham served in Lancer Platoon for over two years before moving to headquarters. During his time in Lancer Platoon, SGT Higginbotham served as a team leader and the platoon javelin trainer. He deployed with the platoon to NTC 15-03 and conducted numerous dismounted reconnaissance operations in support of the brigade. He took an active role in the squadrons MACP and assisted in certifying over 100 soldiers in combative level 1 and 2. SGT Higginbotham was responsible for coordinating and running the squadrons 2014 combative tournament which had the largest participation of any previous tournament. As the troop BOSS representative, SGT Higginbotham boosted the morale of the single soldiers by always encouraging them to travel and take advantage of MWR trips. He served in the capacity of a Cavalry Scout while serving in Iraq in 2011. An avid football and Falcons fan, Nathan was a volunteer at Northeast Parent and Child Society when home, and a friend to everyone he met. Banner Sponsored By: His Loving Family SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

16 SGT Frederick D. Clark, II – ARMY SGT Frederick D. Clark, II entered in the USAF on August 13, 1964. During his time in the USAF he served in Vietnam. For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Banner Sponsored By:

17 SGT Jerome W. DeBraccio – AIR FORCE SGT Jerome W. DeBraccio, born in Schenectady, NY, on December 18, 1921 to Michael and Henrietta DeBraccio. Jerry and his two sisters, Norma K. Falque and Eleanor L. DeLuke, attended and graduated from (Nott Terrace) Mont Pleasant High School. Jerry graduated with a Voc-tec Machine Shop degree in 1940, as did his daughter in 1972. Two generations of Schenectady City School district grads. In 1942 Jerry enlisted in the US Army/Air Force and was stationed in Ft. Dix, NJ, Ft. Monmouth and in Florida as a clerk/ typist. He was honorably discharged on February 20, 1946. In 1953 Jerry married Arlene Francis Blair and had one child, Dawn. Jerry lived and worked in Schenectady, still at his family home on 11th Street and his daughter even attended the same schools as her father, which included Van Corlaer Jr. High School and Mont Pleasant HS.

After leaving the Army/Air Force in 1946; he worked at GE for a short time. He then became owner and operator of Savage’s Bar and Bowling Alley on Albany Street until the early 1960’s, when he sold to the Scambulleri brothers and it became Paramount Lanes, then Paramount Lounge. He owned several other small businesses in Schenectady and also worked as a salesman for Kivort Steel and Kasson & Keller aluminum products in Fonda, NY for many years. He was the number one salesperson many years in a row and because he refused to fly in an airplane never took the luxury trips he won to the islands. He traveled around the Northeast selling for Kasson & Keller and also installing aluminum siding, windows, doors and awnings in his spare time. He set up business in Scotia, NY with Charlie Sullivan and sold and installed aluminum products for some years. After he retired in the early 70’s, he invested in a few local businesses most notably, Luigi Subaru on upper State Street, Schenectady, where he was the General Sales Manager with the highest record of sales awarded in the area. Consequently, Jerry made sure his daughter, Dawn, always drove a brand new Subaru every year thereafter. He preferred to drive a Cadillac himself! In 2003 Jerry and Arlene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Canali’s Restaurant in Schenectady with many of their longtime friends and relatives and were married 59 years at his death on March 21, 2012. His wife Arlene is still living in the family home on 11th Street and turns 94 on May 28, 2018. Arlene and Jerry have two grandchildren, Jeremy B. DeBraccio, Kayleigh DeBraccio-Schaus. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

18 SGT George E. Allard, Sr. – ARMY SGT George E. Allard, Sr. was inducted in the Army on September 7, 1942 and served during World War II as an airplane and engine mechanic until September 1945. During WWII he was part of the air offensive in Europe, The Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. For his service he was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Banner Sponsored By:

19 CMSGT Donald M. Legere – AIR FORCE CMSGT Donald M. Legere served in the Air Force during World War II, Korea, and the Cuban Missile Crisis and retired from the Schenectady Air National Guard as Chief Master Sergeant. Born in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Charles and Margaret (Savage) Legere. He was a graduate of Draper High School. Donald served his country in the Air Force during World War II and was employed for over 38 years in the Schenectady Air National Guard as a Chief Master Sergeant, acting as a supervisor prior to his retirement. A member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady, Donald had a great passion for fixing things and making old things new again. He also enjoyed going camping with his family, music, and playing the organ. Banner Sponsored By:

20 AT3 Peter E. Pasternak, Jr. – NAVY AT3 Peter E. Pasternak, Jr. served in the Navy and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Award. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

21 COX Edward Wrubleski – NAVY

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22 SFC Kevin Lyons – ARMY

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23 CPT Robert A. MacTaggart – ARMY

Dr. Robert A. MacTaggart was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1890 and moved to 427 Smith Street, Schenectady in 1895 with his parents William and Gertrude MacTaggart. Robert attended Schenectady High School and and graduated from Albany Medical School in 1917. He enlisted in the Army Medical Corps during his internship at Albany Medical. Dr. MacTaggart served in various hospitals throughout England, France and Germany during World War I. He was promoted to Captain in 1918 with his commanding officer stating that, “Lt. MacTaggart at all times displayed initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to a marked degree.” After World War I, Dr. MacTaggart moved back to Schenectady and opened up his practice on Nott Terrace. He was a member of the Schenectady County Medical Society, appointed to the Schenectady Board of Education, and was heavily involved in the community until his death on June 21, 1970. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

24 LCPL Peter Nocerra, Jr. – MARINE CORPS

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25 SPC John F. Lusk, Jr. – ARMY

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26 SGT Douglas N. Ryan, Sr. – MARINE CORPS Douglas N. Ryan, Sr. left Draper High School in 1953 to join the United States Marine Corp. He saw active duty in Korea from 1953-1956 in the 3rd Battalion 4th Marine, 3rd Marine Division. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the UN Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Doug was honorably discharged in 1961 with the rank of sergeant. Upon his return home from military service he went to work for General Electric becoming a Satellite Hard Surface welding specialist, retiring in 1993. After retiring from GE he traveled to Korea as a Satellite Welding Consultant for GE. Doug and his wife Patricia have been married 61 years, have 6 children, 14 grandchildren & two great grandchildren. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

27 PFC Richard M. LeGere – ARMY

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28 T4 Philip H. Komp, Sr. – ARMY

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29 SGT Raymond W. Warlikowski, Jr. – ARMY SGT Raymond W. Warlikowski, Jr. entered the U.S. Army in January 1994 and served until January 2014. During his time in the Army SGT Warlikowski served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, Macedonia, Kosovo and the Persian Gulf. For his service he was awarded five Army Commendation Medals, received eight Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, received six Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, received four Iraq Campaign Medals with Campaign Star, received two Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, received four Overseas Service Ribbons, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, NATO Medal, UN Medal, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

30 SGT Raymond B. Chaires – ARMY SGT Raymond B. Chaires served in the Army in the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. For his service during the Vietnam War, SGT Chaires was awarded two Bronze Stars. The first Bronze Star was for his meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from March 1969 to March 1970 due to his rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in combat environment that greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. The second Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster was awarded for meritorious achievement in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from January 7, 1970 to January 11, 1970. For this award he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. Banner Sponsored By:

30 SGT Daniel M. Behan – ARMY Daniel M. Behan enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 at the age of 17. He attended Air Corps training at Niagara University and later served as radio mechanic (Corporal) and quartermaster supply tech (Sergeant) as a member of the 47th Liaison Squadron, 9th Air Force Occupation Forces in Germany and in France. Behan was graduated from Nott Terrace High School and Albany College of Pharmacy. He was Chief Pharmacist at St. Clare’s and Bellevue Hospitals, and proprietor of Behan’s Pharmacy from 1962-1994. He was a lifelong resident of Schenectady and Bolton Landing until his death April 22, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Janet Leonard Behan; their daughters, Eileen Sweet (Herb), Colleen Jerwann (Kevin), and Kathleen Gallagher (Joseph); son, Daniel M. Behan, Jr. (Maryrose Turi), and was predeceased by son, Patrick Behan (Linda Cowan). He was proud grandfather to Cara, Rose, and Thomas Gallagher, Benjamin and Michael Sweet, Sarah and Hawley Behan, and Kathryn Jerwann. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

31 MM1 Michael DellaRocco – NAVY

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31 SGT Temu M. Gibson – ARMY & NAVY

SGT Temu M. Gibson served in both the Navy and Army. SGT Gibson served in the Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class from 1989 to 1995 and in the Army as a Sergeant 1st Class in the 10th Mountain Infantry Division from 1997 to 2012. For his service SGT Gibson has received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, received two Army Achievement Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, received four Army Good Conduct Medals, USN Good Conduct Medal, received two National Defense Service Medals, South West Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, received two Commissioned Office Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, received three Overseas Ribbons, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Gold Recruiter Badge with Three Star Sapphires and Silver Basic Recruiter Badge with Three Gold Achievement Stars. Banner Sponsored By:

32 SP4 Herman Farley – ARMY

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32 EN3 Patrick J. O’Connor – NAVY

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33 SP4 Sheila E. Long – ARMY SP4 Sheila E. Long served in the Army Security Agency, in Frankfurt, Germany. SP4 Long served from February 1955 to February 1957 and again from December 1958 to December 1959. Banner Sponsored By:

34 S1 Louis D. Zampella – NAVY

Seaman 1st Class, Louis D. Zampella was born on April 5, 1928, in Schenectady, NY. Louis Zampella enlisted in the U.S. Navy, February 22, 1946. Seaman Louis Zampella served on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, which was commissioned in Boston in 1945. The new destroyer sailed its maiden voyage that February to the Caribbean for training and is currently preserved as a floating museum in Fall River, MA. After his service in the Navy, Louis returned to Schenectady and married his wife of 62 years, Pauline Kornacki, and together they had three children. Louis worked for the City of Schenectady for 39 years in Public Works and later for the Police Department. He passed away in 2011 and is buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Banner Sponsored By: Art, Eileen & Graham SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

34 SP4 William R. Harrison – ARMY

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35 LCPL Michael D. Laymon – MARINE CORPS LCPL Michael D. Laymon was born in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Linton High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1965. He completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina and advanced infantry training at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Private Laymon received Aviation Mechanic training, Basic Helicopter Mechanic training, and CH-46 Sea Knight Mechanic training at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee. His first assignment was as a CH-46 Engine Mechanic, Crew Chief and Gunner with HMM-262 at Marine Corps Air Facility New River, North Carolina. In January 1967, he was deployed to Southeast Asia aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and based in South Vietnam. During a med-evac mission on August 31, 1967 LCPL Laymon and the entire crew were killed in the crash of their CH-46 in Quang Tri Province. LCPL Michael Laymon is buried at the Saint John the Baptist Cemetery in Schenectady, New York. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

35 SGT Michael LeGere – MARINE CORPS SGT Michael LeGere was born in Rotterdam, NY and graduated from Draper High School in 1965. Reporting for duty in the U.S. Marine Corps in August, he completed basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and advanced infantry training at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. LeGere received Aviation Electronics training at the Naval Air Technical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. His first assignment was as an Avionics Control Systems Technician with VMCJ-2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. In October 1967, he was deployed to DaNang, South Vietnam to serve with Marine Aviation Squadron VMCJ-1 in support of EA-6A Electronic Countermeasures aircraft. In July 1968, he volunteered for a second tour of duty in Vietnam. During his two tours of duty, SGT LeGere’s ability to keep specialized Electronic Countermeasures equipment operational, contributed to a high sortie rate and the destruction of five enemy aircraft over North Vietnam. In recognition of his accomplishments, SGT LeGere was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal in addition to his Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals. Banner Sponsored By:

36 MSGT Howard A. Ray – AIR FORCE MSGT Howard A. Ray was born in Auburn, NY to Nelson and Mabel Ray on September 18, 1932. Howie served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and he retired with over 20 years of service. After his military service, he went on to work as a district manager for the Friendly Ice Cream Corp. Howie was a hard worker his whole life, and was working for the South Colonie School District when he passed away in April 2018. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

37 PFC Angelo C. Pedone – ARMY PFC Angelo C. Pedone served in the Army during World War II. He was in the Army 36th Combat Engineering Regiment and was a Purple Heart recipient. He also received the Good Conduct Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Banner Sponsored By:

37 CPT Walter G. Ryon, II – ARMY CPT Walter Gohring Ryon, II was born in Ogdensburg, NY, May 16, 1908 the son of Isabel Hall Ryon and Dr. Walter Gohring Ryon I. His father was one of countries best known authorities on mental illnesses at the time. His father interned at Manhattan Psychiatric Center, Wards Island, in New York City. He took positions at Central Islip State Hospital, St. Lawrence Hospital and Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane. His father then became Medical Inspector of NYS Hospitals, Albany, NY and was then appointed Superintendent of the Hudson River State Hospital the position he held until his untimely death at the age of 51. Walter Gohring Ryon II graduated Poughkeepsie High School 1926, attended Union College in Schenectady, NY graduating in 1930 with a BA Degree. He married Helen Fitzgerald in 1931 and went to work for New York Telephone and Telegraph. Following in his fathers footsteps, in 1937 he entered Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, MD, graduating in 1938 to return to Schenectady, NY to complete his residency at Ellis Hospital. He purchased a home on Glenwood Boulevard in Schenectady, NY. After Pearl Harbor he made an incredible sacrifice to give up his new practice and entered the United States Army Medical Corps in July of 1942 leaving behind his wife and four children. He served with the 12th Infantry Division Medical Corps in the Philippines, treating and healing the wounded of the Pacific theater. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain. He returned home to rejoin his family and resume practicing medicine, he served the residents of Schenectady, was the Physician for Van Antwerp School, Niskayuna and donated his services to the Schenectady Children’s Home and Schenectady Housing Authority until his untimely death in a boating accident on Lake George, NY, October 1, 1960. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSOR RECOGNITION & AVAILABLE BIOS PRESENTED BY: DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT CORP. & THE CITY OF SCHENECTADY

38 CPL Victor R. Mavente – MARINE CORPS CPL Victor R. Mavente was born in 1938 and grew up on Nott Street in the Goose Hill portion of Schenectady. CPL Mavente first joined the Marine Corps in 1957 and was discharged in 1963. He then rejoined military service for the Air National Guard as a PV2 until 1988, as a Tank Mechanic. He lived his entire life in Schenectady except for when away on military duty. Banner Sponsored By:

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38 SM3 Robert L. Wurster – NAVY SM3 Robert L. Wurster was born in the Town of Niskayuna on November 1, 1945. He attended Schenectady Public Schools and graduated from Linton High School in 1963. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1967, before Selective Service could draft him. Robert served on a destroyer and eventually transferred to a Guided Missile Cruiser homeported in the Mediterranean Sea in Gaeta, Italy, in 1969. Being on the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, Admiral’s Staff was very lucky for Robert, as he remained on board until he was discharged in 1971. He met his wife in 1971 and was married in 1972, and raised two daughters. His first job after his time in the Navy was in 1971 with Link and Cullen, Architects. In 1973 he went to work with the NYS Dept. of Transportation in the Bridge Design Unit as a Principle Drafting Technician. He remained there until his retirement in 2003. He now keeps busy with four grandchildren all under the age of 10. Banner Sponsored By:

39 TEC 5 Louis J. Wurster – ARMY TEC 5 Louis J. Wurster was born in 1921. Before his time in the service, Louis graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1941 and was employed by Wurster’s Food Market on McClellan Street. TEC 5 Wurster was inducted into the Army on November 5, 1942 and was honorably discharged on February 14, 1946. He served in the 98th Division and 389th Infantry as a truck driver and served 20 months overseas in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After his time in the service he worked for East End Lumber Co., Schenectady Railway Co., and finally was a custodian and bus driver for the Niskayuna School System until his retirement. He married Marion Mann in 1943 while still enlisted in the Army. He and Marion raised three children together in Schenectady. Banner Sponsored By: SPONSORSPONSOR RECOGNITION RECOGNITION & & AVAILABLE AVAILABLE BIOS BIOS PRESENTED PRESENTED BY: BY: DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY SCHENECTADY IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT CORP. CORP. & & THE THE CITY CITY OF OF SCHENECTADY SCHENECTADY

39 Unified Military Affairs Council – UMAC UMAC’s mission is to highlight the importance of the military presence in the Capital Region and Tech Valley. Its number one goal is to ensure the long term viability and success of Stratton Air National Guard Base and the Navy Operation Support Center in Glenville, NY, as well as other military units in the Capital Region which have a profound effect on our local economy. UMAC strives to facilitate a symbiotic partnership between the community and military by increasing public knowledge of the contributions made by local military units in the Capital Region, all of which impact our global, national, state, and regional economy. UMAC highlights positive partnerships that the military has already formed with State and Federal agencies so all parties understand the vital role our Capital Region military units play in securing our nation. UMAC also brings attention to the wide community support and pride for our local military units, as well as their significant local volunteer contributions, such as: • Mentorship Program at Yates Elementary School • Educational Partnership with Proctors • Schenectady Holiday Parade Marshals • Schenectady Inner City Ministries Summer Lunch Program • Salvation Army Holiday Food Basket Delivery • Naval Sea Cadet Corps • Capital District Construction Career Days • American Red Cross Blood Drives • Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair • Caps for Kids Program Banner Sponsored By: