The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY –  A person familiar to hundreds of Peru and area residents will soon depart from the institution she’s led for the past 21 1/2 years. Becky Pace,  Director of the Peru Free Library, is retiring effective September 25, 2024. Becky considered retiring last spring, but she delayed for a few months. She commented, “I wanted to leave the library when it’s as good as I can take it. We needed to build back after the pandemic, and we did it. We’ve had a lot of new families join. More people are coming in now than there’s ever been.”

The Library’s Board of Directors posted a statement online that read in part, “Under Becky’s leadership, solar panels were installed on the roof, professional theatre, storytellers and musicians performed for the children of Peru, art shows were curated that featured local artists; thousands of dollars were raised for the library through various fundraising events, and so much more.”

Becky is proud of those accomplishments but measures her success by how many people enter the library or order books online. During the course of our interview, she commented several times, “I’ve done things, yes, but it’s the people.”  Later, she stated, “Our library tagline is ‘It feels like home.’ The library is a haven. It’s comfortable. We provide space for people.”  We sat in comfortable Queen Anne chairs in the library’s spacious front room for this interview. Nearby, two patrons were viewing paintings that were part of an ongoing art show. They purchased one of the paintings; a portion of their payment will go to the library.

Fundraising is one of a library director’s many responsibilities, accounting for about one-third of the library’s income. Becky successfully applied for grants to fund art and theatrical shows and building upgrades.  A $52,000 grant funded the solar panels on the library’s roof. Some of her other duties include advocating for the library, developing new programs, working with the volunteers whom the library relies on, reading book reviews, ordering books that she believes will appeal to patrons, and interacting with anyone doing business with the library. Chores like cleaning the bathroom and caring for the garbage also fall in her purview. 

What has she liked most about her job? Becky responded, “You never know who will walk through the door. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with people.”  Becky is an empathetic listener, always striving to serve the patrons. As Becky said repeatedly, “It’s about the people.”

Stacey Bousquet, who has been assistant library director for the past eight years, will be the new library director. Becky recommended her for the position. That’s another reason for Becky’s retirement; she’s confident the library will be in good hands.

Becky Pace doesn’t plan to leave Peru. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, she said, “I will be doing dedicated art studio time.” Patrons will undoubtedly hope that Becky’s artwork will be featured in an art show at the Peru Free Library.

BEE Award Nikki Catlin (L) and Nicole Reil

Nikki Catlin Honored for Care Provided to Elderly Patient 

PLATTSBURGH, NY – A meal shared together fills the soul as much as the stomach, and that’s exactly what Nikki Catlin enjoyed with one of her patients.

The kindness and care she provided to a 92-year-old man in need is why she was honored this week with the BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award. Catlin was recognized during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).

She was nominated by Nicole Reil, RN, one of her colleagues who works in the CVPH Heart Center. Reil explains in her nomination that the 92-year-old gentleman comes to the hospital multiple times a month. And he can be difficult to understand, as he speaks with a thick accent.

“Nikki always jumps in to help him,” Reil writes. “It took a while to figure out what he needed. This time, she found out he had not been eating because his teeth hurt.”

Catlin immediately acted, going to the hospital cafeteria to buy soup, a soft sandwich and a drink for the patient for lunch. She sat with him in the breakroom and made sure he ate what he could. And Reil says after Catlin and the staff worked to make sure the elderly patient could receive the additional care he needed, she took him out to his car at his request.

“Nikki went above and beyond to make sure this man was cared for,” Reil adds.

Rebecca Duquette, Practice Supervisor for Interventional Cardiology at CVPH, notes that Catlin previously helped this patient get heat restored to his home and find money that he lost.

“No matter what a patient needs, if Nikki can do anything to help, she will go out of her way and find answers,” Duquette says. “Nikki is truly a very kind person and has a huge heart! She took very good care of this patient, and that is how she is with all of them.”

During the award presentation, Catlin was presented with a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. She, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

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Spaghetti

Salad

Bread 

Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972 

All are invited and welcome!

Eligible New Yorkers can get vaccinated at any pharmacy without a prescription

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Food/baby item collection date: Oct. 11 at the Strand

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Regular Monthly Meeting September 2024

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 10^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Contracts for Special Education Services
• Personnel Actions
• Academic Calendar

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

The Board is also scheduled to convene prior to the meeting for a brief retreat, for the purpose of gaining education and training.

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1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Reports from all Departments (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 26, 2024.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: RFQ for Engineering Service for the WWTP Upgrade Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Reappointment of Deborah Witherwax to the Board of Assessment Review.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Daniel Spada, Environmental Consultant for the Wescott Road Culvert Replacement Project for Wetland Delineation Services.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Machabee Land Surveying for the Wescott Road Culvert Replacement Project for Topographical Survey.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Resolution to Pass Local Law to Exceed Tax Cap.

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Set Date for Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget Oct. 3 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Set Date for Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget Nov. 4.

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Set Date for Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget Nov. 14.

15. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Use of Heyworth-Mason Park for the Clinton County Youth Bureau Trick or Trot Fun Run.

16. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

17. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay August/September 2024 Bills.

19. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

21. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:       To Open the Public Hearing.

5. DISCUSSION:  PROPOSED Local Law#1 of 2024 – “A Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.

6. MOTION:      To Close the Public Hearing.

7. MOTION:        Adjourn

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of  August 2024 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:
7. Z2024-093 Approval of a Flag Lot

                                                           Brian Bernard

                                                               267.-4-8

                                                               119/121 Clark Rd

2. Z2-2024-094  Relief of 15 feet from Side Yard Setback for Shed

       W Group at Valehaven Prop LLC

        280.1-9-23

        2989 Main St

7. CEO REPORT
8. ADJOURNMENT

Christine Crawford

Codes & Zoning Secretary

Town of Peru

3036 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

Email:    zoningsecretary@perutown.com

Phone:  518-643-2745 Ext. 106

Fax:         518-643-0078

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Fire Station Expansion-Improvements Approved

September 3, 2024 – Robert Akey, Peru Fire District Treasurer, reports that voters approved the proposition to borrow up to $5 million to expand and improve the fire station. There were 121 Yes votes and 70 No votes. 

Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Oval, Veterans Park, August 31, 2024 – Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey introduced each veteran to the many well-wishers at 7 a.m. Send-Off Ceremony

Oril Bashaw, U.S. Army, 1967-1997 – Vietnam

Oril had recruiter training at Fort Benjamin Harris and was one of the first Army Reserve Recruiters assigned to the Albany Recruiting District serving Plattsburgh 962nd Ordinance Company and the 309th Reserve Unit in Elizabethtown.  Next, he was reassigned to Army Reserve Advisor and Administrative Personnel.  Assigned to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Oril was the Army Reserve Readiness and Training Center Instructor and Supervisor of the Education and Library Learning Center.  Oril served our country for 30 years.  Oril and Sharon will soon celebrate 56 years of marriage. 

Lawrence Bashaw, Veteran  Guardian for his uncle Oril, U.S. Army, 1979-1985 – Granada      

Larry had basic training at Fort McClelland.  Being stationed and working at Fort Drum was the dream of Larry’s lifetime.  Larry served with the 306th Military Police in Chester, Vermont, and a Platoon at Fort Ethan Allen with a Deuce and half Unit.  Larry is proud to be part of the military, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncles.

Robert Corbett, U.S. Air Force, 1955-1977 – Vietnam

Bob served with the Massachusetts National Guard in high school and earned a Ham Radio License.  Arriving at Sampson Air Force Base, Bob became an Airborne Radio Operator. Bob was sent to Dreux Air Force Base, France. Stateside at Lincoln Air Force Base, Bob trained as a Boom Operator refueling in flight KC-97 and KC-135 planes. Assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Bob was the ‘go-between guy’ between enlisted personnel and squadron commander, a job he enjoyed tremendously. Bob received many commendations for his 22 years of service. Bob and his wife Pauline have been married 66 years.

Carl Ezero, U.S. Navy 1969-1973 – Vietnam

Carl had basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station.  Carl boarded the LCU-1475 cargo ship that carried 160 tons through 12-foot seas as they returned from Panama.  Carl transferred to the USS Charleston LKA-113, an amphibious cargo ship. Carl was in charge of the helicopter pad as two choppers delivered supplies daily.  Carl wore his Mickey Mouse ears to bring the helicopters in. One night, a car pulled in front of Carl as he rode his motorcycle.  The collision broke his back; he was in traction and unable to return to the ship for a year.  Carl enjoyed his time in the service and would do it all over again. 

Keith Hazen, U.S. Army 1968-1981 – Vietnam

Drafted, Keith had basic and advanced training in Airborne and Green Beret Schools. In Thailand with the 46th Special Forces Company, Keith was an advisor to the provisional governor overseeing the military actions along the Laos and Cambodian borders.  The mission included training indigenous soldiers to support the Air Bases with operations to rescue downed pilots in Laos and Cambodia.  During Snake Handling Training, Keith was spat in the eye by an Asian Cobra.  He was medevacked to recover at a base hospital.  Keith completed 106 jumps during his military career.  

Thomas Karkoski, U.S. Air Force  1954-1958 – Cold War

Tom enlisted and had basic training at Sampson Air Force Base.  Sent to the Azores Lajes (Loges) Field, Tom was assigned to headquarters.  From there, the Army, Navy, and Air Force refueled as they crossed the Atlantic.  Tom was with the Information Division Military Station.  Tom was a reporter for television and newspapers and a cameraman.  Once a month Tom sent out mimeographed sheets to inform everyone of what was happening. In September, Tom will play at the 160th golf course he’s been playing on. He’s made 4 holes-in-one. 

Mark Karkoski Veteran Guardian for his dad Tom, U.S. Air Force, 1977-1984 – Cold War

Mark enlisted and had training as a Medical Services Specialist at Lackland and Shepard Air Force Bases.  Returning to Lackland, Mark worked at the Wilford Hall Trauma Unit.  Assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Mark was Assistant Head in the Emergency Room at the base hospital.  Mark also worked in several clinics in the area until his discharge.  At a benefit at Wilford Hall, a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader was injured.  Mark got to stitch her up.  

Gary Lebak, U.S. Air Force 1972-1992 – Cold War

Gary had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. Gary traveled to Air Force Bases Holloman, Korea, Seymour Johnson, Turkey, Plattsburgh, Altus, and back to Turkey.  Gary retired from Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

Gary, an experienced swimmer, heard screams, saw a man sinking underwater. Without considering his own risk, Gary dove 20 feet to pull the man up.  He was fighting so Gary knocked him out and performed CPR on shore. Gary received the Airman’s Medal for his valor saving the man’s life. Gary was awarded many commendations for his 20 years of service.

Bradley Leno, U.S. Army 1966-1972 – Vietnam

Brad enlisted and had basic training at Fort Dix.  In Maryland, Brad trained on ¼,3/4,  2 ½, 5-ton, and M88 tanks. Brad was deployed to Germany with the 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery Regiment.   The soldiers were housed in an old World War II barracks for a year until a new barracks was built.  Brad supervised the maintenance of the light and heavy vehicles and tanks.  Brad received badges for his marksmanship in M14 rifles, M60 machine guns, pistols, and hand grenade launches.  Returning stateside, Brad was discharged at Fort Dix.

Billy Joe Leopard, U.S. Air Force 1962-1967 – Vietnam             

Billy Joe enlisted, had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, and transferred to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Billy Joe served with the Civil Engineers, driving heavy equipment and plowing lots of snow.  After four years, Billy Joe was assigned to Thailand and joined the Red Horse Squadron driving dump trucks. A Panda Bear slapped a British soldier and was bleeding, so Billy Joe rescued and cleaned him up. Billy Joe said he’d do it again as it was a good education, and he made many friends.  But, when asked to re-enlist, he said NO WAY! Billy Joe also served 32 years with the Plattsburgh Fire Department.                                                         

Edward McCasland, U.S. Air Force  1959-1963 – Cold War

At Lackland Air Force Base, Ed trained Sentry Dogs. Sent to Turner Air Force Base, Ed and his dog Rocky, a German Shepard, became partners. Ed and Rocky worked 3-day shifts, 3- evening shifts, and 3 days off.  They worked Alert Pad and Flight Line posts.  Ed and Rocky were alerted should anyone try to penetrate the base.  During the Cuban Crisis, they moved the KC-135 and B-52 planes inland, guarded by six men and six dogs.  Troops carried 45mm pistols during their watch. Ed and his wife Kay have been happily married for 66 years. 

Norman Moak. U.S. Navy, 1962-1966 Vietnam

After basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Norm reacted to penicillin, got sick in the hospital, and was home for Christmas.  Due to his illness, Norm missed Aviation Training, so he bought his books and learned on his own.   Norm, an Electronic Technician, flew all over the Pacific with views of countries and all the Islands.  Norm was on an old World War II ship for five long days with 2,000 soldiers aboard the old, slow, oily, stinky, crowded ship. Norm flew on the C-118 leftover Air Force 4-engine prop on 13 flights in a row, losing at least one engine per flight.

Clifton Phaneuf, U.S. Air Force 1968-1971-  Vietnam

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Cliff was sent to Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base. Cliff did Photo Interpretation of enemy activities covering Laos and North Vietnam areas near the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  He found 1st Anti-Aircraft 100mm guns in Laos with weapons targeting our B-52 planes. Going to Vietnam, Cliff was in the back of a MAC aircraft full of soldiers that stopped in the Philippines to refuel. The plane was warm, and a stewardess in a short skirt gave out cool towels for soldier’s necks. They dropped the towels; the stewardess went down to pick them up. She caught on; soldiers clapped.

Gerald Ryan, U.S. Army 1965-1967  – Vietnam

Jerry completed Transportation Supply Training School.  Sent to Vietnam, Jerry was among the men who had to go on test flights after the helicopters were repaired. In Saigon, Jerry waited for a duty assignment to Da Nang. On cleaning duty, General Westmoreland walked into his office.  He asked Jerry where he was from and Jerry said Chateauguay, New York.  The General asked how far it was from St. Lawrence University and Jerry said about 60 miles.  The General said his daughter was a student there and he had stopped to eat at Mill’s Diner on Main Street, Chateauguay.  In Da Nang Jerry was having a cocktail when John Wayne walked in and shook his hand.

Dennis Scott, U.S. Air Force, 1963-1983 – Vietnam

Dennis, a Propeller Technician, maintained the C-123 aircraft.  Dennis had two involuntary tours of duty in Vietnam with the 315th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.  Sent to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Dennis ran the electrical shop and planned and ordered the jobs.

Going to the shower, the towel wrapped around him as the North Vietnam mortar fire began.  Dennis ran for a bunker, no room for him.  In the dark, Dennis ran into a clothesline, fell to the ground, and lost his towel.  Running from mortar fire with no towel, Dennis ran down a busy road and found a bunker.  It’s hard to beat this story! Dennis received many commendations for his 20 years of service. 

William Wyant, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps 1973-1975  – Vietnam

Bill had basic training at Parris Island and trained at Camp Pendleton as a Machine Gunner.  Bill participated in Operation Eagle Pull, Cambodia.  During Operation Frequent Wind, Saigon, Bill was inserted into the first wave of the Ground Security Force.  Bill calmly disregarded threats of intermittent small arms and artillery fire to complete his duty. Bill is proud of his Certificate of Commendation for exceptional performance as a Team Leader of the Machinegun Section, Weapons Platoon, Company H, and Battalion Landing Team. Bill’s devotion to duty and personal sacrifice were in keeping with the 3rd Marine Division.

Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Oval, Veterans Park, August 31, 2024 – Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey introduced each veteran to the many well-wishers at the 7 a.m. Send-Off Ceremony

Thomas Allen, U.S. Navy, 1963-1967  – Vietnam

Tom enlisted and had basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station.  Sent to Maryland, Tom trained as a Communication Radio Operator.  With 4500 men, Tom boarded the USS Independence CVA-62 aircraft carrier. Crossing the equator, the crew experienced a Navy tradition of initiation from pollywog to shellback.  They issued a card, and Tom kept it on him to avoid another initiation.  In Vietnam, they operated the Yankee and South Dixie Stations.  Tom traveled to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the Mediterranean, France, Italy, Malta, Sicily, Turkey, Beirut, and Lebanon.  For his service, Tom’s awards include the Navy Unit Commendation.

Robert Bomba, U.S. Air Force, 1961-1965 –                                                              Vietnam

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Bob went to Denver Air Force Base and trained as a Bombing and Navigation Systems Technician.  Bob spent 4 years at Pease Air Force Base. Bob worked on the ground with the navigation system to help the pilots get where they needed to go and to help the navigators release the weapons on target.

Bob enjoyed the beaches of New England, especially when they were full of women in bikinis.  On his way back from the beach, Bob learned President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  They expected to be on alert, but that didn’t happen.

Richard Dabrowski, U.S. Army, 1973-1995 – Vietnam

Rick enlisted and received basic training at Fort Dix. At Fort Knox, Rick was a Special Assignment Trainer. After leaving Fort Knox, Rick started an extensive military career, being assigned to Alaska, Germany, Fort Carson, Korea, Fort Carson, and Fort Meade.

During an R&R trip, Rick and two buddies drove on the movie Lawrence of Arabia railroad beds, swam in the Red and Dead Seas and rode on camels.

Rick received several commendations for his 22 years of service to our country.  On October 26, Rick and Kathy will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bobby Enfinger, U.S. Air Force 1968-1988 – Vietnam

After basic training, Bobby was sent to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Ordered to Vietnam, Bobby was assigned to the 12th Supply Squadron as a truck driver carrying aircraft parts and many essential supplies. After being run over by an inexperienced driver and fracturing his leg, Bobby kept working to avoid desk duty.

Trading a pallet of plywood for a case of steaks, the platoon enjoyed the steaks. Vietnam refugees from Saigon arrived as Bobby and their Unit reopened base housing, cleaned homes, and completed their mission. Bobby received several awards for his 20 years of service. Bobby and Donna are enjoying 54 years of marriage.

Jack Harrsch. U.S. Air Force, 1965-1986 – Vietnam

After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Jack trained as an aircraft structural repair technician at Amarillo Air Force Base. Jack reported to Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  Working on the runway, he was sent to a plane with no warning, no bags, and no time to call his wife. He flew to Okinawa. Twhn sent to Guam for typhoon support. Jack returned to Plattsburgh and then to Thailand.  On a day off, fishing on the pier, Jack spotted a two-year-old girl floating in the water.  Jack couldn’t swim but saved the girl and returned to fishing.  Jack received the Airman’s Medal for saving the girl’s life, adding to the many medals he received for his military service. 

Ricky Lecuyer, U.S. Navy, 1974-1977 – Vietnam

After finishing basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, Ricky boarded the USS Bolster ARS-38-Salvage Ship, landing in Hawaii. Sent to Guam to salvage two tugboats and a floating drydock, a typhoon caused the loss of one tugboat. A British cargo ship, Lindenbank, got stuck on a coral reef, calling on the Bolster to rescue the British sailors as the ship was sinking.  Transferred to the USS Sperry AS-12, Ricky, a submarine tender, directed the Crane Crew to remove 40-foot-long periscopes to adjust and repair them using cranes to move 10-foot-long wrenches. 

Louis ‘Pete’ Lefort, U.S. Air Force, 1959-1979 – Vietnam

At Stead Air Force Base, Pete trained as a Fighter Pilot. Sent to Pease Air Force Base, Pete joined the 100th Bomb Wing as one of the last B-47 wings.    At Tinker Air Force Base, Pete joined the 141st Flying Squadron, putting in over 4,000 hours on the planes.  Sent to Guam, Pete was the senior controller in command of receiving Vietnamese refugees. Pete worked 7,000 hours total flight time on the C-141, C-5, C-118 and B-47.  In civilian time, Pete received his Airline Transport Pilot’s License. Louis received many commendations for his 20 years of service. 

Clifford Matott, U.S. Army, 1965-1991 – Desert Storm

Drafted, Cliff had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT at Fort Knox in Armor, M-45, and  M-60 tanks.  Joining the Vermont National Guard, Cliff changed his MOS to Redeye Missile training and studied Aircraft.  Transferred to the 962nd Ordinance Army Reserve Unit, Cliff was in charge of the Motor Pool.  Activated for Desert Storm, the Motor Pool transported ammo to Holland, assisting the Ammo Company in loading rail cars.  Cliff received many commendations for his 26 years of service. Cliff and Barb have been happily married for 58 years.

Roger Miner, U.S. Marine Corps, 1956-1980 – Vietnam

At Quantico, Communications Officer Roger Miner requested duty in Japan with the Naval Security Group’s top-secret coding.  Roger’s work used only code words; only commanding and executive officers knew the codes.  Roger’s electronic and radio communication unit listened to Soviet Union communications.  Top secret documents kept in the Officer’s Club were incinerated daily.  Roger was alerted to a glow in the wall and used a fire extinguisher. The Japanese Nationals and the commanding officer arrived, but it was too late. Twelve men lost their lives. Roger received several commendations for his 24 years of military service.

Gerald ‘Mike’ Rabideau, U.S. Army, 1970-1971 – Vietnam

Mike had basic training at Fort Dix.  Mike was ordered to Vietnam and had Fire Base Advanced Training with the 4th Infantry Division.  Mike was injured by a B-40 rocket as troops were clearing land for a compound. Mike enjoyed returning to the Fire Base as they got pizza, liquor and beer from Vietnam gypsys using 3-wheeled carts to deliver what the soldiers wanted.  Mike received a call his grandfather had passed.  He was airlifted to Cameron Bay to fly stateside.  After bereavement, Mike returned to Fort Campbell and was granted an early release.  Mike was offered a stripe to stay, and he refused.

Donald Richard, U.S. Navy, 1958-1968 – Cold War

Don enlisted and boarded the USS Henley Destroyer 762. Colorblind, Don couldn’t work on the bridge. A Boiler Tender in the fireroom, Don generated steam to run the ship. The Henley was part of the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis.  Don traveled to the Mediterranean, Bermuda, Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece, Beirut, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Red Sea, Palestine, and Sicily.

The USS Henley was named after Captain Robert Henley, a U.S. Navy Officer in the War of 1812. In 2002, the Henley Ships Association held its first reunion at the Battle of Plattsburgh. After returning each year, Don and his group were Grand Marshals. 

Harold Ring, U.S. Army, 1963-1965 – Vietnam

Harry had basic training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix. At Fort Benning, Harry trained in Airborne Jump School.  Concern the communists would take over the Dominican Republic Government, Harry and his unit were there for almost three months. Harry enjoyed the excitement of jumping out of the airplanes and considered it a highlight of his military career. At Fort Bragg, Harry and his wife Barbara got an apartment off base to spend more time with their family. The worst part of Harry’s career was KP duty.

Michael Boutin, Veteran Guardian for Harry Ring, U.S. Air Force, 1975-1979 – Vietnam

Mike had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and then completed Security Police Training.  Leaving Barksdale Air Force Base, Mike was stationed in Alaska until the completion of his service. Mike had served as a Color Guard, the toughest thing he ever did.  A recruiter asked Mike to go to Arlington, but he refused and said it was the biggest mistake of his career. Mike served 27 years in the Federal Prison System.

Herbert Savel, U.S. Air Force, 1960-1962 – Vietnam

After graduating from Medical School at 24, Doctor Herbert Savel enlisted in the Air Force. Herb had basic training at Gunther Air Force Base and transferred to Mitchell Air Force Base, Olmstead Air Force Base, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As planes approached a base with the landing gear not working, Herb was in an ambulance in case an emergency occurred. Dr. Savel served 25 years with the Albany VA and 50 years in the Elizabethtown hospital, never charging a veteran for service.  Herb is proud he served our country, and he just wanted to give something back.

Meeting friendly faces in fire, ambulance, police uniform

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Our mission is to subsidize non-emergency, palliative, and end-of-life care for the pets of low-income families living in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties,” explained Griffin, NAPF founder.

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