by Bea Peterson
On May 4 a celebration was held in the lounge of the Danforth Adult Care Center with refreshments and a special ceremony honoring resident military veterans. The program, established a year or so ago by Long Term Care Ombudsman and American Legion member Richard Haldeman, honors resident veterans living in facilities throughout Rensselaer County. Haldeman commended the veterans for their service and said it was a privilege on behalf of the County and the Legion to honor them in this way. Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino thanked them for their service. She told them it was because of their efforts that we have the way of life we do. As a new grandmother she thanked them for preserving America for her children and her grandson. County Veterans Service Director Robert Reiter also expressed his appreciation to the veterans. He asked his customary questions… how many were veterans, how many had veterans in their families. About every hand in the room was raised.
Kathy Jimino presented each veteran with a military insignia pin, a certificate of appreciation and an American flag.
Veterans honored at the Danforth were Gene Axeline – Marines, John Barnet – Army, William Bittner – Marines, Conrad Mercier – Air Force, Thomas Murray – Air Force, Lawrence O’Sullivan – Navy, Mary Smith – Army, John Stefanak – Navy, Robert Stevens – Navy and Richard Topham – Navy.
Honored in a similar ceremony at the Hoosick Falls Health Center were Hazel Bennett – Army, Arba Brenenstuhl – Air Force, Roswell Bullard – Marines, Alfred Ferrannini – Army, Paul Frank – Army, Gwendolyn Hendrickson – Air Force, Tom Rickert – Army, Robert Shiland – Navy, Stanton Tate – Army Air Force, Arthur Wilson – Army, Charles Williams – Army and Anthony Wirmusky – Army
