submitted by Chris Meyer, Deputy County Executive
The late Jay E. Arnold, whose cumulative service in the United States Air Force, Guard and Reserve spanned more than three decades including during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, was recognized by Rensselaer County’s Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Committee and County officials on Monday, August 12, during services at the County Office Building.
[private]Arnold was born and raised in Hoosick Falls and enlisted in the United States Air National Guard in his hometown at the age of 14. In just under a year and-a-half after his discharge from the Air National Guard on February 8, 1951, Arnold enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a weapons maintenance supervisor and crew chief during the Korean War.
He continued performing in a similar capacity during the Vietnam War prior to retiring from the Air Force on August 30, 1972, at Plattsburgh Air Force Base as a Technical Sergeant. For his service to our nation, Arnold was authorized to receive the Air Force Longevity Service award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters and the National Defense Service Medal.
Immediately upon his retirement from the Air Force, Arnold enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and served through September 22, 1980.
Having married Elizabeth Tift on July 1, 1955, Arnold helped to raise a family that included daughters Robin and Tina and sons Barry and Jay, Jr., while active in the military and through civilian employment with Griffin Brothers Auto, Reynolds Tool and Die and Columbia Box Corporation.
“Jay Arnold was a true patriot…He was trusted to help maintain some of the most advanced U.S. fighters and bombers, both during the war and during the Cold War, at leading Air Force strategic air bases in America, Europe and Asia,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Stan Brownell.
In addition to Jimino, Brownell and Legislator Thomas Walsh Sr., Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee, the ceremony honoring Jay E. Arnold was attended by U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, NYS Senator Kathleen Marchione, NYS Assemblymen John McDonald, County Legislator Lester Goodermote, former Congressman Mike McNulty and Hoosick Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly.
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