Hoosick Post #40 American Legion has announced that Hoosick Falls native Darren Schnoop will be the Grand Marshal of the 2017 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29, in Hoosick Falls.
[private]After graduating from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1993, Darren served active military duty in the Navy on the USS Curts as a Boatswain’s mate. In his time in the Navy he was deployed in support of NATO, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.
After completing his tour in the Navy, Darren left the military and pursued a civilian career in cabinetry. In 2004, Darren enlisted in the Vermont National Guard and became a member of Charlie Company 1/172nd out of Bennington, Vermont.
In 2005, Darren deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Task Force Saber; one of only a handful of soldiers deployed to Iraq from the Bennington Unit. While in country, he served on the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) as a tank crewman stationed in Ramadi, known as the deadliest city in Iraq. Task Force Saber came home being one of the most decorated units in Vermont’s history. Upon returning from deployment Sgt Schnoop continued his training with the Vermont National Guard, becoming certified as an instructor in the Javelin and the Raven. In 2009, Sgt Schnoop deployed again, this time to Afghanistan with Task Force Morgan Bravo Troop 2/172nd out of Bennington, VT in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Deployed as a Cavalry Scout, his platoon completed missions with ANA (Afghani National Army) and worked with IED teams doing route clearance.
In his civilian life, Darren and his wife Tammy, also a veteran, reside in the village with their three daughters; Kaila, Taylor, and Emily. Previously a bus driver at Hoosick Falls Central School, Darren is now employed by Adirondack Trailways out of Albany, NY. He serves as the Sergeant of Arms with The American Legion Hoosick Post 40, and continues to serve in the Vermont Army National Guard, Bravo 1/172nd Cavalry working as an armorer. [/private]