Ralph J. Adams

Technician Fifth Grade Ralph Adams was an 18-year-old high school senior when he received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. He went to Fort Dix, New Jersey for basic training and was then sent to Walter Reed Hospital to be a surgical technician. Ralph later returned to Fort Dix where he served as a medic at Tilton General Hospital.

Ralph was selected to go to the Military Academy at West Point, where he was assigned to the hospital’s operating room as a scrub nurse, handling instruments and assisting in post-operating procedures. He was discharged from the Army in December 1946.

Ralph then went to Rochester Business School and received a degree in Business Administration, class of 1949. He began working as an assistant office manager at Curtice Brothers. With an active reserve status from the Army, Ralph was recalled in 1950 to serve in the , where he received an Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Korean Republic. Due to his previous , Ralph was sent to Fort Hood, Texas and was assigned to their operating room. He served there until 1952 and received his second discharge from the Army.

After retiring from Eastman Kodak Co. in 1991, Ralph worked as a deputy clerk for the Village of Clifton Springs. He joined the Clifton Springs Rotary Club and received two Paul Harris Awards. Ralph also volunteered for the local food cupboard and as a greeter at the south end of Clifton Springs Hospital. From a young age, he has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Clifton Springs, serving for many years on the church board as a deacon and trustee.

Ralph’s hobby is writing poetry about his community, family and friends. His “Homespun Poetry” book is available at the historical society and library in Clifton Springs.

Ralph and his wife of 61 years, Mable have three children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is well known for saying, “Keep smiling and the world will smile with you.”

TECHNICIAN FIFTH GRADE RALPH ADAMS, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY JEFFERY ADAMS)

James Donald Allen Jr.

James Donald Allen Jr. proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 26 years. He has committed his life to serving our nation and has made great sacrifices throughout his years of service. James is a former POW, survivor of Agent Orange, and survivor of multiple severe helicopter crashes. Many shy away from danger, but James always faced it head on.

James served several tours and duties in infantry, artillery and embassy guard. For his heroic and honorable service, he received a and a Bronze Star for Valor. After his many years in the Marines, James also spent time in the National Guard.

While he was stationed in , James met his wife, Benita. They have been married for over 36 years and raised two sons, Zachary and Benjamin.

James comes from a long line of military family members and continues to carry the baton for his family. He served many years with his local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. James continues to be a friendly face when visiting the VA for his appointments.

GUNNERY SERGEANT JAMES DONALD ALLEN JR., U.S. MARINE CORPS (NOMINATED BY BENJAMIN ALLEN)

John C. Bennett

Second Lieutenant John Bennett enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was sworn in on January 2, 1942. He always wanted to fly, and after much training, he became an aviation cadet. John was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October 1943 in Dalhart, Texas and was assigned as co-pilot of a B-17. He went overseas in December 1943.

On April 13, 1944, John took off from his base in Molesworth, England on a mission to a ball bearing factory in . Their planes came under fire by ME-109s. John’s plane was shot and he parachuted to the ground. He was taken prisoner and transported to a small village in Luxembourg. He was sent to a jail and the shrapnel wound in his leg was treated. The POWs were then put into the back of a truck. John was sent to Frankfurt where he stayed for several days and was interrogated for information.

John was put on a railroad car to Barth and ended up in a boxcar. The first night they were bombed by the British. The POWs were let out and put in circles, guarded by the Germans. John was marched from the railway station to the prison camp.

About the 2nd or 3rd of May 1945, the Russians arrived and liberated them. John and the other POWs were flown to France where they boarded troop ships headed for the United States. In Boston, John got on a train and headed home. He arrived home in the middle of June 1945, about 6 weeks after he was liberated from prison camp.

For his brave and dedicated military service, John received a Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Air Medal with Cluster, European Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, and World War II Victory Medal Ribbon. He earned the officer rank of 2nd Lieutenant, his Air Force Wings, and three Overseas Bars.

John’s four children are Judy Bennett, Janet Hillenbrand, John Bennett and Sarah Bennett Hincks.

SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN BENNETT, U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES (NOMINATED BY BILL FRASER)

John C. Bryan

At the age of 21, John C. Bryan enlisted in the U.S. Army hoping to join the Air Corps. He served in the New York State 27th Division and the 108th Infantry. John was shipped to Fort McClellan, on February 8, 1941. When the Japanese bombed the American Fleet in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, John was shipped to Maui. He served in Hawaii for over a year before returning to in May 1943 where he was asked to start a new division.

John returned to Fort McClellan, Alabama in September 1943, training individuals coming into the Army. He saw a notice for Air Cadets, applied and was subsequently shipped to Miami Beach, Florida where the government rented all the hotels on the beach.

On a weekend pass in September 1944, John traveled home to marry his sweetheart, Susannah Barrett. His commanding officer gave him an additional three-day pass to spend time with his wife before being shipped to England. John arrived in England on October 29, 1944. While climbing the White Cliffs of Dover, he was injured when a rope broke. He took an arduous 12-day journey back to the states and was admitted to Woodrow Wilson Hospital on December 26, 1944 for surgery.

Lacking one day of service to be discharged, John was sent to New Orleans to assist in shipping men home from service. Staff Sergeant John C. Bryan was officially discharged from the Army on September 29, 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Pacific Medal, and the European Theater Medal.

After returning home to New York State, John served as 3rd Vice of American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua, New York throughout the 1970s. In 2020, John celebrated his 101st birthday and proudly wore his uniform at a celebration at the Canandaigua Wegmans, remembering his time in service to his homeland, the United States of America.

STAFF SERGEANT JOHN C. BRYAN, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY MARIE BROWN)

Vincent J. Crudele

Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Vincent J. Crudele served three years in the U.S. Navy, from June 1974 to June 1977. He then went to work serving veterans as a Nursing Assistant (NA) at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, where he worked for 37 years until retiring in 2013.

For most of his years at the Canandaigua VA, Vinnie worked nights in the psychiatric unit. He received numerous recognitions for his service at the VA. Vinnie has always been a very giving and kindhearted person who would do anything to help others.

Vinnie is a member of the Canandaigua American Legion, and every year, he has made poppies for the Ladies Auxiliary. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, walking the trails in his hometown, and traveling.

Vinnie always calls the USS Fairfax County (LST-1193) the first love of his life, before his life was enriched by his children, grandchildren, and significant other.

BOATSWAIN MATE 3RD CLASS VINCENT J. CRUDELE, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY DORIS BACON)

Ronald J. DeYulio

Sergeant E-5 Ronald J. DeYulio enlisted in the U.S. Army when he graduated high school in 1965. He received his military training at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he also completed his basic training and advanced infantry training. Ron was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One, where he joined his unit in in 1966.

On February 22, 1966, while in the jungles of Vietnam, Ron was pointman for his unit when he came across an enemy bunker. He signaled back to his squad leader when the enemy tossed a hand grenade at their position. Ron and his platoon leader were injured, with Ron taking the brunt of it. Ron was airlifted to a field hospital and treated for injuries to his neck, both forearms, and his left leg.

Ron received a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal for his courageous actions. He has also been recognized with a Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State Conspicuous Service Star, and a Conspicuous Service Award.

Ron finished his one-year tour in Vietnam and then returned to the states, completing his service at Fort Knox, Kentucky with the rank of Sergeant E-5 in 1968. Ron is now retired and lives in Geneva, New York with his wife, Deborah DeYulio. Ron’s name is inscribed on the Purple Heart Memorial in Waterloo, New York.

SERGEANT E-5 RONALD J. DEYULIO, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY DEBORAH DEYULIO)

Rodney L. Dutton

Army Rodney Dutton served 44 years in the 194th Military Police Company before retiring in 2013. Rod has earned a number of distinguished awards and commendations, including the Army Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Rod has dedicated his life to his wife, Melanie, two children, Brian and Tammy, as well as his community. As an active member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 4 Canandaigua and Finger Lakes, and Lions Club International, he has found a multitude of ways to serve other veterans. That has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Rod has assisted veterans in need with financial aid, transportation, food and more.

Rod has held numerous leadership positions in the local Lions Club and at the district level. He created the annual “Lions Roar for Veterans” project, bringing together several area Lions Clubs to raise money and purchase and package personal care items to distribute to veterans at the local VA hospital. Additionally, he was instrumental in the Club’s continued activities with Blue Star Mothers and with the Veterans Club in Canandaigua. Rodney has earned multiple awards at the local and district Lions Club level for his community service.

SPECIALIST RODNEY DUTTON, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY DIANE SEWARD)

William J. Eddinger

Specialist William J. Eddinger enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was then stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Specialist Eddinger was deployed to Vietnam where he traveled on a troop ship with the 7th and 8th Artillery. He served in Vietnam for a year during the Tet Offensive, then returned home and was stationed at Natick, Massachusetts in the Natick Labs. There, he researched military equipment and worked on the development of combat products.

After his three years in the Army, Bill returned home to Manchester, New York. He used the GI Bill to attend St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York and was hired to teach social studies at Sodus High School. Bill retired from the Sodus Central School District after teaching there for more than 30 years.

Bill and his wife, Betty Jo, raised their two children in Manchester. He spent 36 years in public service to the Town of Manchester, first elected to the Town Board and then elected Town Supervisor. Bill has dedicated his life to making a difference in the community he loves.

SPECIALIST WILLIAM J. EDDINGER, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY MICHAEL BUTTACCI)

Jason Frost

Specialist Jason Frost joined the U.S. Army immediately after graduating high school in 2003. He completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and advanced individual training at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Jason was deployed to Iraq and served there for 15 months. Shortly after his return to the United States, he re-enlisted and reported to West Point under permanent change of station (PSC) orders. At West Point, Jason worked on the dean’s staff providing cadet technical support and enterprise services support. It was there that Jason worked with Lt. Colonel Christopher Hartley, who instilled in Jason the knowledge and skills he would eventually use in the civilian world. Jason completed his Army enlistment in February 2012.

During his time in the military, Jason received a Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and two Army Achievement Medals.

For three years, Jason has served as Commander of VFW Post 7962 in Honeoye, New York, where his grandfather and father were both members and past . He resides in Clifton Springs with his wife, Amanda and two children, Lane and Hartley. He works for Paychex as an enterprise security manager. Jason enjoys using his enlistment and real-life experience to guide and educate people who are considering future military endeavors.

SPECIALIST JASON FROST, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY AMANDA FROST)

Frederick H. Goodnow

Lieutenant Frederick Goodnow served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1967 following his graduation from Michigan State University. During those five years, Lieutenant Goodnow served three tours of duty in Vietnam where he was assigned to anti-submarine warfare as a communications officer aboard the USS Jenkins with a top secret security clearance. He also attended and completed Officer Candidate School in order to better serve his country.

After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, Fred returned to New York and worked for Eastman Kodak Co. After a successful career in international sales, Fred decided to retire to enjoy life with his wife and three sons. An avid outdoorsman, Fred became an Outward Bound Instructor and is Wilderness First Responder certified.

Born and raised in the hamlet of Cheshire, Fred has been involved in the restoration of Grange Hall in Cheshire and has assisted in organizing and running various fundraising events. Fred and his family have been members of the Cheshire community for over 100 years and the Grange Hall holds a special place in Fred’s heart. His father, whom he lost to leukemia when Fred was 5, was a regular at the Grange Hall on Sundays.

Fred is an accomplished folk guitar player and has routinely volunteered to perform for several assisted living communities in the Canandaigua area. He appreciates his community that helped shape him into the man he is today. For Fred, serving his community is truly a labor of love.

LIEUTENANT FREDRICK GOODNOW, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY JOHN GOODNOW, JAY GOODNOW, AND JOSEPH GOODNOW)

Lloyd M. Griffin Jr.

Lloyd Griffin was born in Waterloo, New York. He grew up in Geneva and graduated from DeSales High School in 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1966 and attended boot camp at the Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. Lloyd went on to Hospital Corps School, and in 1968, was ordered to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California for six weeks of field medic training.

Lloyd was sent to Okinawa, for jungle training before being deployed to Vietnam, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. He went on to Golf Co. 2nd Platoon Combat Med. HM2 where he participated in search and destroy operations in Quang Tri.

Lloyd returned stateside to Quonset Point Naval Air Station, Rhode Island and was honorably discharged on May 1, 1970. During his time in the service, Lloyd received a National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, Fleet Marine Force Combat Insignia, and a Vietnamese Campaign Medal.

Lloyd is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Knights of Columbus. He also serves his community as a member of the Shortsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad.

Lloyd lives in Shortsville, New York and has great support from his two sons, Patrick and Brian.

HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SECOND CLASS LLOYD M. GRIFFIN JR., U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY PATRICK GRIFFIN)

George E. Herren

Lieutenant Colonel George E. Herren began his career in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1956 with the 83rd Infantry Division, Cleveland, Ohio where he served in logistics executive development. From there, he was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Benning, Georgia and attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He later transferred to Knoxville, Tennessee and the 81st Infantry Division where he attended the Command and General Staff College. He then attended and completed the Infantry Officer Career Program with 1st Army Headquarters, Fort Meade, Maryland.

In 1994, George finished out his 38-year active/reserve career with the 98th Training Division in Rochester, New York, retiring honorably with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Throughout his time with the Reserves and in his professional career, George has held himself to the standard of the seven Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. He and his wife, Carin worked hard to instill those values in their sons, Galen (deceased) and Keven as they grew up.

From his service with Rotary, the Ontario County Traffic Safety Board, Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Academy, George has placed the needs of others above his own and has been a role model for his family.

George has received many awards and recognitions for commitment to his community, including the Canandaigua Rotary Club Paul Harris Award (three times) and Perfect Attendance and Faithful Participation Award for 47 consecutive years; Greater Rochester Sr. Softball Hall of Fame Inductee; Ontario County Traffic Safety Board Community Service Award; NYS Board of Real Estate Property Tax Services Governmental Service Award; and, Canandaigua Knights Hockey Conference Good Skate Club Inductee - Greater Canandaigua Civic Center.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE E. HERREN, U.S. ARMY RESERVE (NOMINATED BY KEVEN HERREN)

Walter Frank Hill

Second Lieutenant Walter Frank Hill served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew A-20s and B- 25s over Philippine airspace, completing over 25 missions and 180 hours in combat during his time as a pilot.

For his dedicated service and bravery, Second Lieutenant Hill was awarded the Silver Star for Conspicuous Service by Governor George Pataki and the Army Air Force Air Medal.

Second Lieutenant Hill’s service and achievements were proudly celebrated by his wife, Helen Hill and continue to be celebrated today by his four children, Leon, Daniel, Marvin and Judith.

SECOND LIEUTENANT WALTER FRANK HILL, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY MARVIN D. HILL)

Donald Henry Lincoln

Donald Henry Lincoln was one of eight children born to Ira J. and Mary Jane Makey Lincoln of Canandaigua, New York. He was born on October 1, 1914. He grew up in Canandaigua working on the family farm and later worked as a truck driver.

On February 6, 1940, Donald traveled to Syracuse where he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He became a serviceman with the 27th Infantry Division (The Express). He was deployed to the Pacific area where he became a veteran of two major campaigns during World War II: the Battle of in the Mariana Islands and the Battle of Okinawa in Ryukyu Islands.

Donald later spent time in the Hawaiian Islands defending his country. TEC5 Lincoln was awarded the Good Conduct medal, the American Defense Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Bar. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army on October 6, 1945 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

After his military service, Donald returned to Canandaigua where he married Dorothy G. Miles on February 2,1947. They raised four daughters, and had nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Donald worked for many years at Rochester Gas & Electric before retiring from the company. Donald passed away on August 16, 2000 at the age of 85. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors.

TECH CORPORAL DONALD HENRY LINCOLN, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY PATRICIA MONDORE)

Matthew S. Martin

Petty Officer Third Class Matthew S. Martin served in the U.S. Navy from 2002-2008. He supported aviation units and participated in the Hurricane Katrina response with the Navy Mobile Dive Team. After being an active and reserve member of the Navy, Matt was honorably discharged as a service-disabled veteran for PTSD.

Since leaving the Navy, Matt has served the Canandaigua community in numerous capacities. He was elected to the Canandaigua City Council and was integral to the city’s revitalization. He supports youth organizations like the Boy Scouts where he has helped and contributed to Eagle Scout projects.

Matt is actively involved with supporting the Veteran’s Court. His passionate and personally rewarding outreach helps struggling veterans get back on their feet and integrated into society. Matt truly understands the struggles of veterans and has provided housing and financial support to those facing depression, drug addiction, and PTSD-related issues.

Matt knows firsthand how a veteran can fall into the abyss, because about 10 years ago, he and his daughter were homeless. Since then, with the support of Lisa, Matt started a service-disabled veteran-owned construction business, Tactical Construction, where he hires, supports and advocates for veterans. This multimillion-dollar business has expanded from its roots in Rochester to Syracuse and Albany.

Matt’s focus is honor, integrity, and community service. Just when you think you know him, someone will share a unique personal experience that clearly shows Matt is far more a humanitarian than you realized.

PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS MATTHEW S. MARTIN, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY TIMOTHY OWENS)

Anthony Muscolino

Army Specialist Anthony Muscolino has dedicated his entire life to serving others. After serving as a medic during the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict, Anthony returned home to continue his lifetime commitment to volunteerism.

Anthony received numerous honors, including the New York Conspicuous Service Star, the New York Medal for Merit, and the 1990 Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce William J. Mitchell Award for being an outstanding friend of the Chamber.

Starting in 1964, Anthony spent over 50 years as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. His dedication to his community continued at the Canandaigua Ambulance Corp, the Rochester Eye and Human Parts Bank, and the Knights of Columbus. He passed on his knowledge to future generations as a FEMA-certified mass care coordinator and New York State EMS instructor. He was also a part of disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Sandy.

Anthony is president of his company, FJ Truck World, and is a member of the Manchester Rotary Club.

As his service shows, Anthony Muscolino has always put his community first and is willing to help anyone in need. He has said, “We never run out of people to help; hopefully we will never run out of volunteers to help them.”

SPECIALIST ANTHONY MUSCOLINO, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY JANICE ADAMS)

James F. Reidy Jr.

Airman Second Class James F. Reidy Jr. was born on November 15, 1943 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962, at the age of 19. Three years later, in 1965, James was deployed to Vietnam. He returned to the United States and was discharged from the military in April 1966. James earned four service medals.

On Memorial Day in 1966, James met his beautiful wife, Janice. They married in 1967 in Penn Yan, New York. In October 1969, they moved to Geneva, New York where they raised their three daughters.

Following his military service, James worked for Eastman Kodak Co. for 29 years. He then worked in Ontario County driving buses until 2013, when his disabilities worsened. James retired with several awards.

He took care of his ailing wife who passed away on August 23, 2017, after James and Janice celebrated 50 years of marriage. Today, James still wears his wife’s wedding band around his neck.

Airman Second Class James F. Reidy Jr. is a very patriotic man. He loves his country and is proud of his service to our great nation.

AIRMAN SECOND CLASS JAMES F. REIDY JR., U.S. AIR FORCE (NOMINATED BY MICHAEL PINCO)

Timothy Gaynor Riley

Commander Timothy Gaynor Riley began his service to America as a Naval ROTC candidate at the University of Rochester. He served as an active duty Surface Warfare Officer from 1982- 1986 before becoming a Naval Reserve Officer.

In 1991, Tim volunteered to return to active duty and served his country in the Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, and Bahrain. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve and Inactive Ready Reserve until last year.

Tim, a third generation service member, received numerous awards for his dedicated and tireless work in the Navy and Reserve, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was also honored with the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal during his 36 years of service.

Tim currently volunteers his time with the Town of Canandaigua as a member of the Town Agricultural Committee, ensuring the preservation of the rural character of his community.

Tim and his wife, Mary Watson Riley, reside in Canandaigua where they raised their children, Shawn, Oliver, Henry and Thea.

COMMANDER TIMOTHY G. RILEY, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY MARY WATSON RILEY)

John Schlesing

John Schlesing joined the U.S. Air Force in March 1960, just one year after he graduated from Avon High School. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and then completed 10 weeks of training to become a Security Police Officer. John was sent to New Hampshire for one year, and was then sent overseas to England where he served for three years.

John spent 21 years in the Air Force and lived on 13 different stations. He was assigned to several stateside bases, including Montana, Indiana, New York, Texas and New Hampshire. He also served at overseas bases in England, Germany, Goose Bay, and .

During his time in the service John earned many awards and honors. These included the Bronze Star-Republic of Vietnam, Gallantry Cross with Device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Presidential Unit Campaign Award, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and 2 New York State Medals.

After two decades of service, Technical Sergeant E-6 John Schlesing retired in May 1981. He has three daughters, Jackie, Wendy and Julie.

TECHNICAL SERGEANT E-6 JOHN SCHLESING, U.S. AIR FORCE (NOMINATED BY JOHN SCHLESING)

Michael Tucker

Staff Sergeant Michael Tucker served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and New York Army National Guard, from August 1993-February 2015. He was deployed multiple times. Michael was assigned to security duties at Ground Zero during 9/11. He also served in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Bosnia as part of IFOR, and a mission in Gambia, West Africa. He was medically retired in 2015. During his military career, he received numerous military commendations and medals.

Michael implemented a weeklong veterans event at Finger Lakes Community College, which incorporated Jeopardy- style trivia to engage the students. He was instrumental in helping to make FLCC a veterans-friendly school, assisting veterans with navigating financial aid and coordinating with a veterans education representative. Michael became the veterans liaison for the Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and was a member of the Veterans Advocacy Council (VAC).

Michael has also been an Armed Forces recruiter, and has been involved with the FLCC Armed Forces dinner and dance, the Armed Forces 5K Walk/Run, Veterans Administration, Veterans Outreach Center, and other veteran organizations. He is a member of American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua, New York.

With the support of his wife and children, Michael is a successful artist and photographer who has exhibited his work bringing awareness to PTSD, including the exhibit “Veteran to Artist, Overcoming PTSD.” Michael’s photography and art has helped him cope with his PTSD.

STAFF SERGEANT MICHAEL TUCKER, U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (NOMINATED BY TIFFANY TUCKER)

John Vesco

Private First Class John Vesco served in the U.S. Army. For his dedicated and honorable service, he received multiple awards, including: the United Nations Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; New York State Conspicuous Service Medal; Republic of Korea War Service Medal; National Defense Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Cold War Victory Commemorative Medal; U.S. Army Commendation Medal; Overseas Service Medal; 50th Anniversary Korean War Combative Service Medal; and the Korea Presidential Unit Citation 50th Anniversary, Korean Defense Medal.

On September 6, 1952, John was honored to receive the Purple Heart, his proudest accomplishment.

After his time in the Army, John was employed at the Manufacturers Trust Company, International Banking and at Westinghouse as an international project coordinator.

John and his wife, Jean raised three children. He volunteers at the Canandaigua VA Hospital, working in the mail room, library, or woodworking shop, driving patients to appointments, or filing for the nurses. John was excited and honored to be included in Honor Flight Mission 64 in 2019.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN VESCO, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY AMY DONK)

Russell E. Wixson

Machinist Mate First Class Russell E. Wixson joined the U.S. Navy in September 1954. During his service, Russell served on the USS Putnam stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. There, he started as a messenger in the forward engine room. Russell worked his way up the ranks and advanced to Machinist First Class in charge of the forward engine room. He was also in charge of the Red Cross drive and the ship’s party in the Navy.

During his service, Russell was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the European Occupation Medal. He was honorably discharged in August 1959.

Russell and his loving wife, Carrol have two children, Cathy and Allen. Russell has been an active member of his community, as a volunteer for the Palmyra Little League, an assistant scout leader for the Palmyra Sea Scouts, a deacon and past trustee of the First Baptist Church of Palmyra, and as leader of the Palmyra Baptist Youth Fellowship. Russell is also a member and past master of Masonic Lodge #248.

Machinist First Class Russell E. Wixson has served both his country and his community with great pride.

MACHINIST MATE FIRST CLASS RUSSELL E. WIXSON, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY CATHY MAIORANO)