The Peru Gazette

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programs. This opportunity will support development of Artist-in-Residence programs in 2025 that recruit artists to use scientific data, cultural trends, or historical facts to interpret natural resources in the Lake Champlain basin.

Proposals for a two-year program will be accepted for up to $40,000. The LCBP anticipates awarding two grants from this opportunity to support work in New York and Vermont. A subsequent RFP will be issued later this summer to solicit proposals for work in Québec.

The projects awarded from this opportunity will support artists to inspire and inform citizens about the lake environment, cultural heritage, or social concerns using a variety of creative media. They will continue the goals of current Artist-in-Residence programs supported by the LCBP.

Current Artists in Residence are working to share untold stories of the Lake Champlain basin and its cultural heritage. Eco-musician Glenn McClure, in collaboration with the Adirondack North Country Association, is developing Watershed Voices, which will create musical works—five choral and instrumental works and three concerts—that celebrate regional biodiversity through sonification of scientific data and human diversity through writings from diverse cultural voices, past and present.

Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte, Vermont, hosts artists Winosha Steele and William Ransom for an Artist-in-Residence program exploring Black and Indigenous histories in the Lake Champlain basin. Titled UnderWater, UnderGround, the residency program supports the two artists as they learn and create new multigenre works focused on the untold history, cultures, and geography of the Champlain Valley.

Centre Adélard, based in Frelighsburg, Québec, is hosting artist Pascale Théorêt Groulx, whose research will merge artistic and scientific inquiry. The project will culminate in a 20-foot floating dam made of boat canvas with video art elements. The piece will be exhibited during the fall of 2024 in Saint-Armand on the shores of Missisquoi Bay to increase public awareness of the impact of dams on the region’s waterways.

“We are excited to see the culmination of these artists’ work across the Lake Champlain watershed,” said Dr. Eric Howe, Director of the LCBP. “By blending scientific inquiry with artistic media from music to textile and sculpture, they are bringing awareness and interpretation to yet untold stories of people and ecosystems within our region. Their outreach bolsters broad efforts to inform the public and inspire residents and visitors alike to take action for Lake Champlain.”

Applicants will submit full proposals that will be evaluated through a competitive selection process. Grant award recipients will be selected from the pool of full proposals.

Successful applicants will formally start work on their programs in February 2025. The proposal application deadline is August 5, 2024. Details about the Request for Proposals are available on our Grants and RFPs page or by contacting Jim Brangan of the Lake Champlain Basin Program at (802) 372-3213 or jbrangan@lcbp.org.

(L-R) Jessica Kogut, Senior Planner – Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor – Todd Brunner, Artist – Tia Brunner, Daughter

PLATTSBURGH, NY –  Ladies and gentlemen, we meet again! The Town of Plattsburgh is thrilled to announce that for the fourth year in a row, July has been declared Michigan Month!

This delicious tradition celebrates the Michigan, a beloved local delicacy that is much more than a hot dog. As part of the annual celebration, the Planning and Community Development Department is excited to bring back the popular Michigan Passport Program. This year, participants can grab their passports and experience the culinary delights of all four fantastic Michigan restaurants in the Town of Plattsburgh: Gus’ Red Hots, Ronnie’s Michigan Stand, Clare & Carl’s, and McSweeney’s Red Hots. Passports can also be picked up at Town Hall and the North Country Chamber of Commerce.

The first 25 passport holders to complete and return their passports to Town Hall will receive a free Michigan Month t-shirt. Don’t worry if you’re not among the first 25; all participants who return their fully completed passports will receive a special item. Additionally, a limited supply of t-shirts will be available for $10 each. This year, a special pennant is also available for sale. The Town Hall will be closed on July 4th, so plan your visits accordingly.

We’re also excited to announce Todd Brunner as the winner of the 2024 Michigan T-shirt Design Contest! This year, we received many fantastic entries, and we want to thank all our participants for their creativity and enthusiasm.

Finally, we are thrilled to unveil new branding for our “Home of The Michigan” program. This fresh look celebrates our town’s unique program and love for Michigans.

We are cooking up something exciting. Look for more announcements later this month!

Town Board Proclamation:

WHEREAS, regional food icons are an integral part of community, economy, and culture; and

WHEREAS, similar to our neighbors known for delicacies such as poutine, garbage plates, Coney dogs and Buffalo wings; and

WHEREAS, Plattsburgh and our corner of the North Country is known for the Michigan dog; and

WHEREAS, the Michigan is a delicious hot dog served in a split-top bun topped with a specially seasoned meat sauce served with or without mustard and onions; and

WHEREAS, the Michigan has been an iconic food landmark and local favorite for more than 90 years; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Plattsburgh is the home of the Michigan, with the highest concentration of Michigan restaurants, which have been staples in the community for decades; and

WHEREAS, July 17th is National Hot Dog Day, and Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, the Michigan is forever “buried” in regional culture; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby declare the month of July Michigan Month in the Town of Plattsburgh.

For more information, please get in touch with the Town of Plattsburgh at 518-562-6813.

https://www.townofplattsburgh.com/home-of-the-michigan/

Tuesday, July 2, 2024—Replacing the Cook Road culvert is underway. Today, a giant crane lifted the massive precast concrete box culvert into place. Ed Garrow and Sons, Inc., is the general contractor. A Luck Bros. crane did the heavy lifting.

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its reorganizational and regular monthly meetings on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The meetings will be held in the High School Community Room. They are open to the public, and current District, County, State, and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Anticipated Topics Include:

• Approval of BOCES Services
• Officer Elections
• Appointment of Personnel
• Board Meeting Dates for 24-25
• Mileage Rate
• Substitute Rates
• Donation Acceptance
• Summer Programs

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

1^st public comment:  Related to items on the agendas.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

2^nd public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who cannot attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 9th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The agendas will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

A recording of the meeting will be available on the District’s website at perucsd.org at a later time.

North Country tourist-related employment -15.2%

Bright Spot: Spike in State Park Attendance and Growth in Agritourism

July 2, 2024 – Tourism in New York state has grown post-pandemic. Still, employment in tourism-related industries remains 4.3% below pre-pandemic levels, according to an analysis released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report found substantial increases in domestic and international travelers to the state. In particular, visitors flocked to outdoor destinations, with attendance at state parks 9.1% higher in 2023 than in 2020.

This is DiNapoli’s third report on the tourism industry after the abrupt shutdown caused by the pandemic in 2020. During the pandemic, New York lost $10.9 billion in economic activity from travel and tourism, but by 2023, it had fully recovered and was $792 million higher than in 2019. In a report released in May, the State Comptroller found that tourism-related industries in New York City were nearly at a complete recovery, as visitor spending and tax revenue have surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

“Travelers from around the world are drawn to all corners of the state and keep coming back because they fall in love with New York. Tourism generates tens of billions in economic activity and employs many New Yorkers across the state,” DiNapoli said. “New York is welcoming back tourists in big numbers after the pandemic, but the recovery is uneven, with some regions lagging. I encourage policymakers to review these trends and ensure the state’s tourism programs effectively promote the unique experiences each region has to offer.”

Tourism generated $34 billion in direct economic activity and provided almost 417,000 jobs statewide in 2023, ranking New York second behind California in direct economic activity from industries related to tourism.

While tourism-related economic activity has fully recovered, employment in the sector remains lower in every region of the state. In 2020, nearly one-third of tourism-related jobs were lost. While employment bounced back by 36.6% from 2020 to 2023, it is still 4.3% below pre-pandemic levels. Total wages of $23.1 billion paid to industry workers were 6.9% higher in 2023 than in 2019, with an average annual salary of $55,500.

In 2023, the Mohawk Valley was still down 17% of its tourism-related jobs, followed by the North Country (-15.2%) and the Finger Lakes (-11.8%) with the lowest job recoveries. Long Island (-1%) and Central New York (-1.6%) are closest to their pre-pandemic levels.

Other key findings:

Domestic Travel Up: In 2022, 355 million non-work trips were made by residents of other states to New York, an increase of nearly 31% from two years prior. People from New Jersey account for 60% of these visitors.

International Travelers Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels: After dropping by more than 84% in 2020, the number of international visitors to New York was 7.4 million higher in 2023 than in 2020 but still below pre-pandemic levels. New York has reclaimed its distinction as the top U.S. destination for travelers from overseas, with more international visitors than Florida, Nevada, and Texas combined.

State Park Visits Jump: Visitors to the state’s parks increased by over 900,000 in 2020 and continued to increase over the next three years, with visitation 9.1% higher in 2023 over 2020. Of the state’s parks, the Niagara Reservation had the highest attendance in 2023, nearly 9.5 million visitors. Long Island parks had the largest increase in attendance since 2019, with over 2 million more visitors. In contrast, National Park sites, including the Statue of Liberty, had fewer visitors than in 2019.

Agritourism Grows Agritourism, which includes wine tastings, picking your own fruits and vegetables, and hayrides has grown in New York. There were 947 farms in 2022 earning over $55 million from agritourism. This was almost double the number of farms as well as more than triple the income from 2007. The Hudson Valley had the most farms with agritourism income in 2022, while the Finger Lakes region farms had the highest income from this source.

Click here for the Comptroller’s detailed report 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Community appalled by alleged acts of destruction

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Patent Rd., Peru, NY June 30, 2024 –  The Peru Gazette usually posts beautiful views of the Champlain Valley from St. Partick’s Oratory & Mother Cabrini Shrine. Unfortunately, this post is quite different.  This weekend, St. Augustine’s Pastor Father Scott Seyoour informed parishioners that on Thursday, June 27, vandals damaged St. Patrick Oratory by spreading hot candle wax on walls, the carpet, and a picture. They broke small glass articles inside Mother Cabrini Shrine. They also poured a gasoline smelling substance inside the storage building and broke two windows. Sadly, sometime Thursday night, vandals returned to break a 3rd window.  New York State Police are investigating. St. Agustine’s Parish will press charges.

The Oratory is closed, though Fr. Seymour said he hopes to reopen it sometime this week.

Story Updated July 1 at 5:40 p.m. The vandals broke two storage building windows on Thursday, not three as originally stated. Inside the church, they threw wax on a picture, not a statue. They also destroyed glass articles in the Shrine.

Swedish Meatballs 

Mashed Potatoes

Applesauce 

Bread

Dessert

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

All are invited and welcome!

Frontier Town Gateway in N. Hudson is largest high-speed EV station between Albany and Canada

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Includes rising third graders through ninth graders from Monday, Aug. 5, through Thursday, Aug. 8.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Victim viciously assaulted and taken from a West Chazy home June 25

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

(from left to right) are: New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) President and CEO Ashley Walden, former State Senator and ORDA Board Member Betty Little, ORDA Board Member Cliff Donaldson, Assemblymember Billy Jones and Olympic Jumping Complex and Olympic Sports Complex at Mount Van Hoevenberg General Manager Rebecca Dayton.

Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today, joining Assemblymember Billy Jones at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid to tour the USA Rink, Herb Brooks Arena, Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Olympic Museum. They also discussed regional plans and announced $250,000 to help the Lake Placid Food Pantry and Thrift Shop build a new facility.

“While we’re just weeks away from cheering on Team USA at the Summer Olympics, it’s important to remember the part New York played in Olympics’ history,” said Speaker Heastie. “Assemblymember Jones and the Lake Placid community have done an incredible job of honoring their historic past while building up the possibility of continuing that legacy in the near future.” Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Bruce Drive residents upset by bridge closure 

Peru is certified as a Pro-Housing Community

376 children have already signed up for fall soccer  

Peru, June 26, 2024 – About a week before the Peru Town Board’s Monday, June 24 meeting, Councilman Kregg Bruno indicated that he planned to resign from his board position. At Monday’s meeting, Bruno withdrew his resignation without commenting on why he planned to resign or changed his mind. A resignation would have come at a critical time, especially since Supervisor Brandy McDonald indicated he would resign in either September or October. Several critical decisions regarding culvert/bridge construction, sewer plant, and water filtration plant upgrades are on the board’s near-term agenda.

Bruce Drive residents John Robert and Karyn Langlais told the board they’re unhappy with the Telegraph Road closure a few hundred yards north of Bruce Drive. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell expects the road to reopen in July 2026. Farrell explained that planning,  engineering, and acquiring DEC and the U.S. Army Corp permits must be complete before culvert replacement construction begins. 

John Robert asked if one-lane traffic could be allowed or if the town could install a temporary bridge.  Farrell said he couldn’t open one lane because there’s been so much deterioration, “there’s nothing under the pavement.” He said DEC rejected building a temporary bridge last year, plus a temporary bridge would still require regulatory approval and would be expensive.  Farrell said he’s applied for a New York State Bridge NY grant three times, only to be rejected each time. He added, ”It would have paid  90% of the cost; it seemed like the logical way to go.”  Convinced it will never qualify for a grant, Peru will self-finance the $1.5 to $2 million project. 

Karyn Langlais shared how the bridge closure has significantly increased her daily commute, adding six miles to her total travel time. John Robert cited delayed access to fire and ambulance services and asked if declaring an emergency would speed the process. Supervisor Brandy McDonald said he would talk with C&S Engineering to see if it’s possible. 

In other news, Supervisor McDonald said the state notified the town that Peru qualifies as a pro-housing community. The designation means Peru will have priority access to state affordable housing funding.  Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guymup prepared the successful application. 

Youth Director Kristen Marino reported that she would reopen the fall soccer registration on July 1. Three hundred seventy-six children signed up at this point. Thanks to Clinton County Youth Bureau and Clinton County EMS, she’s also acquired two AED machines at no cost to the town, meaning all three town parks will have a machine. 

Mike Farrell reported that hot weather, frequent rain, and mechanical issues at the asphalt plant have slowed highway paving. He plans to buy asphalt from Upstone Material, which will cost $3 a ton more but should help compensate for the shortfall.

Peru may not get its electric dump truck. Orders are backlogged, and communities using the trucks have encountered low-temperature hydraulics issues. Farrell said the electric truck program is in turmoil.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story

Building better boys and leaders while having fun

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Albany, June 24, 2024 – NYS Comptroller audit concludes the Town of Keene supervisor did not maintain complete, accurate and timely accounting records.

The board lacked reliable records and reports to manage the town’s financial operations, account balances were inaccurate and certain revenues and expenditures were not reported in the annual financial report.

Click here to view the report

Every North Country Honor Fight carries veterans with different military backgrounds. Flight #55 included a medic, infantrymen, supply, maintenance, communication, and electronics specialists, forward artillery observers, a helicopter mechanic, a cook, a fighter pilot with 22 kills, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, a jet engine mechanic. Some suffered wounds and sicknesses, the effects which remain with them today. It takes all those specialties and expertise to have a strong national defense.  These veterans should be proud of their service. The North country is proud of them and thanks them for their service. 

The Peru Gazette photographed the veterans just before the Send-Off Ceremony began. Janet Duprey provided the biographies.

John Collins, U.S. Army, 1966-1968 – Vietnam

John was drafted and had basic and AIT Communications training at Fort Hood.  Deployed to Vietnam, arriving in Chu Lai, John saw prisoners with their heads covered.  John knew the War was real. John ran communications lines between artillery units. After a day of hand-to-hand fighting, the base was nearly overrun, so the next morning, they moved equipment. When told to move, they moved! One night during the Tet Offensive, soldiers sat on top of bunkers, watching shelling overhead attack the base beyond. Receiving a Mail Call was huge.  John saw Bob Hope and Raquel Welch.  She was much better than Bob!  In Seattle, John drank milk for the first time in a year.

Steven DeMaroney, U.S. Army, 1968-1969 – Vietnam

Drafted, Steve had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT training at Fort Poe.  Deployed to Vietnam, Steve was an Infantry Unit Squad Leader.  During a briefing, Steve fell asleep; the General told him he’d be demoted.  Steve said, ‘Honestly, General, it was boring.’ No demotion.

In 1969, Steve was wounded by shrapnel due to land mines populated by the North Vietnamese Army.  Steve was airlifted by MASH to Japan and then Korea. Before Steve’s parents knew he was wounded, they received his Purple Heart.  Steve still suffers from shrapnel in his legs.  In Korea, assigned to train duty, Steve checked recruits’ haircuts, sending many across the street for military haircuts.

Ronald Garrow, U.S. Marine Corps, 1961-1966 – Vietnam

In Vietnam, Ron was a forward observer for heavy artillery fire, calling in air strikes. It was hard to watch the results. Handling an M-60 machine gun in swamp water up to his chest, Ron heard water slushing. Ron asked, ‘Who’s there?’ There was no answer. Ron cocked his gun and heard, “It’s me,” the Sergeant checking on his troops.

Ron was good friends with Levi Oakes, the Code Talker. A Native American, other Marines called Ron “Chief.”     Ron is an Honor Flight motorcycle escort but does not have a bike today. Ron sees this day as a thank you and a welcome home he never received. We promise Ron a great day!

Dale Gonyea, U.S. Army, 1969-1978, 1979-2000 – Vietnam

Dale had basic training at Fort Dix, AIT Technical School at Fort Eustis. Sent to Quan Loi, Vietnam, Dale was with Aviation Unit Bravo Troop 1st-9th Air Cav. A helicopter mechanic, Dale fixed (LOACH) light observation helicopters used as bait for enemy fire.  Dale had perimeter night guard duty searching for enemy mortar and rocket attacks.   Dale and Deanna married five days before he went to Vietnam, and she sent letters daily.   Dale spent 20 years in the Medical Reserve Unit, Malone.  Dale has received many awards for his 28 years of service to our Country.

Leo Grant, U.S. Air Force, 1966-1970 – Vietnam

Leo enlisted and went to Amarillo for supplies, maintenance, and tech school training.  In Japan, a radar tower location almost as large as the base was hit by an earthquake and disintegrated the causeway, leaving the radar station stranded.  Leo went to Thailand north of the DMZ, across the river from Vietnam. Eighty percent of air strikes happened there. One night, the Vietcong cut the hydraulic lines on the aircraft. An alert was called, so the troops were sent to the bunkers.  Leo wouldn’t go in because of the snakes.  The barracks were covered with mosquito nets to keep out rats. With ten months left, Leo still handled parts and scheduling.   

John Homburger, U.S. Air Force, 1969-1971 – Vietnam 

A draft letter for the Marines had John join the Air Force.  At Lackland Air Force Base, John had tech school training as a Jet Engine Aircraft Mechanic working on the F-111s. At Nellis Air Force Base, John contracted Chron’s Disease.  Sent to Tampa, John saw a specialist and spent two months in the hospital.  John worked on everything that flew: Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Army. On ‘down-time‘, John chased armadillos off the flight line.  Driving a ‘follow-me truck,’ John took a shortcut in a restricted area, was stopped, and laid out with guns drawn; his supervisor arrived. John didn’t do that again. Due to Chron’s Disease, John received a disability discharge.  

Norma Homburger, Veteran Guardian for her husband John,

U.S. Army Reserves, 1974-1996 – Desert Storm

Norma’s career began as an LPN Medic in a 3-Tent Field Hospital in Malone.  Norma trained with an M-16 rifle at Fort McClellan and received a Sharpshooter Badge. Norma was sent to Fort Devins and worked in tents like the MASH M-1934 Pyramidal Tent. During Desert Storm, Norma spent three months on the Walter Reed Army Hospital surgical ward.  Tim McGraw visited the wounded veterans. Norma said she got paid once for getting in, twice for staying, and once for getting out! She was promoted, but the Army Reserves had no job for her. Norma served our Country for 22 years of medical service.   

William Lyon, U.S. Army, 1970-1971 – Vietnam

Drafted, Bill had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT Infantry Rifleman training at Fort Polk. Deployed to Vietnam, with two months experience, Bill’s Sergeant made him the point man. Bill found five enemy booby traps within 100 yards of each other within a half hour while on a mission with his unit. Bill saved many lives as they continued northwest to Chu Lai.  Bill was asked to return to train the troops. His mother sent a letter saying she wanted her only son home. Mom won that one! Bill liked the fruit cake C-rations, and his family still buys him mini fruit cakes and fruit cocktails.  

Gerald Richard Miller, U.S. Army, 1960-1980 – Vietnam

Richard had basic training at Fort Benning and AIT Food Service at Fort Dix.  Richard prepared and served 1,000 people per meal, four lines deep in the mess hall.  Richard estimates he served tens of thousands of military service members.  Richard was in the 9th Infantry Division during the Tet Offensive.  Army troops were on defense as communists attacked 64 district capitals. Pallets were dropped by helicopter as Richard distributed C-rations for seven days. Gerald received a Purple Heart and many other commendations for his 20 years of service. Heading to Vietnam, Richard and his wife Linda were married 57 years ago.

Roger Murray, U.S. Army, 1965-1967 – Vietnam

Drafted, Butch trained at Fort Dix and Fort Devins. Butch joined the196th Light Infantry Brigade as a ‘ground pounder.’  On a ship for 30 days, through the Panama Canal, they arrived in Vietnam.  At night, they set up tents. In the morning, they saw snakes coming out of ant hills.  On the Saigon River, they covered with blankets to keep rats and snakes off.  Transferred to the 25th Infantry Division, Butch was wounded, hospitalized for 40 days, and sent right back into the field. Near the Cambodian border, they called air strikes to stop the Viet Cong about 150 meters away.    Butch remembers jungles, rice paddies and C-rations older than him.

Lonnie Parris, U.S. Air Force, 1967-1975 – Vietnam

Lonnie trained at Webb Air Force Base as an airline fighter pilot.  At McConnell Air Force Base, Lonnie trained pilots on F-16 and F-4 planes.  Deployed to Vietnam, Lonnie flew F-4, F-105, and AT-33 fighter aircraft. Lonnie flew 360 Combat Missions. Lonnie received the Distinguished Flying Cross, numerous commendations, and Twenty-two medals for shooting down enemy planes.  Lonnie also served 16-1/2 years in the Vermont Air National Guard. After Lonnie’s first tour in Vietnam, he and his wife welcomed their first child. After his second tour, they welcomed their second child.  Lonnie’s wife, Susan, said he couldn’t serve a third tour.

Ronald Robert, U.S. Navy, 1967-1970 – Vietnam

At the Great Lakes Naval Station, Ronnie trained in commissary, ordering, and supplying for combat, and he cooked. Aboard the USS Mount Baker (AE-4), an ammunition ship, Ronnie serviced aircraft carriers, battleships, and destroyers. Ronnie did four tours between the Philippines and Vietnam. Ronnie was aboard the USS Tawasa (ATF-92) as they rescued the USS Evans (DE-1023), towing the aft section to port. Ronnie and a friend raced rickshaws in Hong Kong; the winner kept the money. Crossing the equator, Ronnie became a shellback, a Navy ritual, and he saw the World’s Fair in Japan.                                          

William Sutherland, U.S. Marine Corps, 1966-1969 –                         Vietnam

Bill enlisted, had basic training at Parris Island, and then AIT at an electronics school in San Diego. Deployed to Vietnam for 19 months, Bill was a Ground Radio Repairman.  On his 20th birthday, Bill noticed a small sailboat as its lone occupant (Bill Shaw) was thrown into the churning seas. With disregard for his own safety, Bill, fully aware of the dangers, plunged into the water and located the unconscious occupant. With great difficulty, Bill rescued and saved Shaw’s life. The Navy presented Bill with the Navy-Marine Corps Medal for his heroism.

Robert Titus, U.S. Army, 1964-1966 – Vietnam

Drafted, Bob had basic training at Fort Dix and trained at Fort Campbell, assigned to Company C Engineering. Handling heavy equipment, Bob trained to build roads, bridges, and airstrips and learned demolition.  He was scheduled for Vietnam, but a basketball injury sent him to the hospital.  At Fort Campbell, the companies took turns receiving veterans killed in Vietnam and handled their burials, making the War real.  While hospitalized with leg issues, Bob came face to face with injured veterans. Hard to deal with. Bob served as an Honor Guard for his local American Legion and was named Legionnaire of the Year in 2011.                            

William Waldron, U.S. Marine Corps, 1969-1975 – Vietnam                              

Drafted, Bill and a friend stood in line in Albany. His friend asked Bill to switch places, putting Bill last in line. The officer took the first, middle, and last people, so Bill became a Marine. Bill had basic training at Parris Island, became a Combat Engineer at Camp Lejeune, and completed Land Mine Warfare School at Camp Pendelton. Deployed to Vietnam, Bill, at Booby Trap School, was told if he found a mine, blow it up. Bill was aboard the USS Louis (LCS-19) for a month. Back stateside, Bill was released early because he was drafted. Bill said about his experiences, “I just went with the flow.”

Every North Country Honor Fight carries veterans with different military backgrounds. Flight #55 carried a dentist, bomb loaders, a ship-fitter/welder, a heavy equipment operator, a truck driver, a crane operator, a radio relay communications specialist, a military policeman, and aircraft hydraulics and ground equipment specialists. Some served for two or four years, while others served for twenty years or more. All their specialties, skills and sacrifices are necessary to keep us free. They should be proud of their service. The North country is proud of them and thanks them for their service. 

The Peru Gazette photographed Honor Flight #54 Veterans before their Saturday, June 22, 2024, Send-Off Ceremony. Thanks to Janet Duprey for providing the biographies. 

Gary Bennett, U.S. Army, 1964-1966 – Vietnam

Gary had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT as a Personnel Radar Operator at Fort Riley.  Assigned to Big Red One Infantry Division, Gary used an infrared telescope to detect movement and light up the night.  The telescope was so bright he couldn’t see for a while after using it.  Gary used 145 and 150 Howitzers and was an expert with the M-14 and M-16 rifles. Discharged, Gary missed the 3:00 a.m. bus, was escorted to the airport, and was asked to re-up.  Response: “Are you crazy?”

Gary belongs to the Fort Covington American Legion, Massena VFW and is an Honor Guard at Brushton-Moira American Legion.                                 

Ricky Cornish, U.S. Air Force, 1972-1979, 1981-1994 – Vietnam

Rick enlisted and had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. In Denver, Rick trained as an aircraft armor system mechanic and a ‘bomb loader.’ He was sent to Korea, where an advanced training group loaded flares, bombs, and rockets in the Sea of Japan. Stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Rick was a load crew member. He then trained crews and certified their proficiency. Rick left the Air Force, re-enlisted, and was sent to Griffiths Air Force Base and then to Lakenheath, England.  Rick received many commendations for his 22 years of service. In retirement, he served as Commander and Senior Vice Commander at Post 309, Peru VFW.

Jerome DeSnyder, U.S. Army, 1967-1970 – Vietnam

After graduating from dental school, Jake enlisted and was ordered to Okinawa.  Married, Jake and his wife could live there, but they needed to buy a house.  With no money, Jake put $6,800 on his credit card.

With a large medical clinic, Jake often went to missile sites with his dental equipment to treat the soldiers.  They told the dentists to care for 200 MPs leaving for Vietnam as the USS Pueblo was captured. Troops returning to Okinawa needed more dental care in three years than in 15-20 years in private practice.  Jake said, “I saw stuff in the hospital I never want to see again.

Joseph Peter Dufour, U.S. Navy, 1963-1967 – Vietnam

Pete had basic and AIT training at Great Lakes Naval Station. Pete was a ‘ship-fitter’ and welder. Pete had four tours to Vietnam on the USS Ticonderoga (CG -47) Aircraft Carrier, mostly in the Tonkin Gulf.  Planes on the Ticonderoga provided air support and bombing runs over Vietnam. Pete was exposed to Agent Orange.  In port, ships competed in blood draws. Pete’s Captain said they went on shore if they gave blood.  Pete gave blood. Pete’s first daughter was born while he was in Vietnam waters. His best day was July 8, 1967, when he got out.

Maurice Forcier, U.S. Army, 1966-1969 – Vietnam

Enlisting to avoid the draft, a heart murmur kept Moe from joining the Air Force. Told the Army would take anyone, Moe trained at Fort Dix.  Ordered to Daruk Province, Vietnam, Moe was a heavy equipment operator, handled explosives, and built roads and underground entrance roads with two 90-degree turns, preventing direct fire on our troops. Asked what he liked most in Vietnam, Moe said, “I survived and enjoyed camaraderie with fellow soldiers.” Moe was a close friend of Wesley Black, who passed away soon after he went on Honor Flight #34. Moe testified at the Montpellier Statehouse on the Burn Pit exposure issue.

Francis Gonyea, U.S. Army     1964-1967           Vietnam

Frank’s grandmother signed his enlistment at age 17, saying he needed discipline. At Fort Dix, Frank trained as a truck driver. Frank delivered anything and everything: mail, laundry, stones, whatever was taking place.  A spinal meningitis outbreak at Fort Ord sent Frank to Germany, where he handled ammunition and other supplies.  Frank’s final position was driving the Battalion Commander.  Frank had a car and a pass to leave the base.  Soldiers paid him to drive them around Europe, so Frank got free trips. Frank said about his military experience, “I learned discipline.”  Grandmothers know best!

Walter Hamilton, U.S. Army, 1967-1968 – Vietnam

Walter had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT as a crane operator at Fort Leonard Wood.  Sent to Vietnam, Walter traveled by shotgun on convoys with supplies, passing food and candy to children along the road. Walter said you appreciate what you have when you see how others live.  Walter recalls snakes and spiders everywhere. Walter had one good Thanksgiving dinner, and then it was C-rations all over again. Called home due to the death of his father, Walter was discharged. Walter and his wife Carol are proud their two sons served in the Middle East.

John Harrington, U.S. Air Force, 1976-1997 –    Cold War

John had basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and AIT Radio Relay Communications at Keisler Air Force Base.  Sent to Turkey as a Radio Operation and Microwave Communications, John returned stateside for AIT and returned to Turkey as a Maintenance and Radio Relay Communications.  In Germany, John’s communications equipment was on wheels and easy to move.  In the states, John performed maintenance on Missile Sites and as facility manager for Minute Man Missiles.  John was really good at moving around to Wright-Patterson, Loring, MacDill, Chanute, Ellsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases.  John received many commendations for his 21 years of military service.     

William Kennedy, U.S. Army, 1968-1971 – Vietnam

Bill enlisted, trained at Fort Dix, had AIT at Fort Monmouth and military police training at Fort Gordon.  Sent to the New Jersey Coast, Bill had oversight of the “blue room,” observing activities should a missile need to be fired.

Assigned to Korea, Bill regularly flew to the DMZ with ammunition on a Chinook helicopter. Bill’s unit often visited a Korean orphanage to play and spend time with the children.  Passing an older Korean man, Bill bought a small pepper, took a bite, and lost his breath as the old man laughed. Never again! When asked about Korea, Bill said it’s hot and rainy, except in January, when it’s very cold.

John Leale, U.S. Air Force, 1968-1988 – Vietnam

John trained at Lackland Air Force Base and trained at Chanute as an Aircraft Hydraulic Repairman.  John joined the 380th Field Maintenance Squadron at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  Then John was sent to Clark in the Philippines.  John spent four years in Hickman, Hawaii, which was an easy decision.  At Seymour Johnson, John advanced to Aircraft Quality Control.  Sent to Korea, John was the line supervisor.  John returned to Plattsburgh as supervisor of the Hydraulic Shop.  John said the best crews were in Plattsburgh.  John received many medals and commendations for his 20 years of service to our Country.

Gary Liberty, U.S. Air Force, 1974-1994 –                          Desert Storm

Six days after Gary and Julie married, he was at Lackland Air Force Base.  In Denver, Gary trained as a bomb loader.  Assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Gary went from loading bombs to maintaining nuclear stockpiles. In Turkey, they were told not to walk near housing but to walk around to the NCO Club.  After a few drinks, Gary and a friend took the shortcut; a soldier dropped out of the tree with his gun pointed at them.  Gary gave him a bourbon bottle; he took two swallows and let them walk away. Gary participated in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and retired at Plattsburgh.  For his 20 years of service to our Country, Gary received the Kuwait Liberation Medal and several other awards.

Robert Noble, U.S. Air Force, 1968-1989 – Vietnam

Bob had training at Lackland Air Force Base and AIT in Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) at Chanute.  On to MacDill, where Bob said they delivered whatever was needed to work on the planes, and they lifted a plane off its wheels to test the components. Bob spent five years in Anchorage, Alaska and another year in Iceland.   Bob’s final 13 years were at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.   Asked about memories, Bob said he recalls going into NCO Clubs but doesn’t remember coming out! Bob received many commendations for his 21 years of military service.

Joseph Piserchia, U.S. Army,      1966-1968 –                           Vietnam

Bud was drafted and had basic training at Fort Dix. Sent to Blackstone, Bud became a food storage specialist. Bud drove forklifts and any equipment necessary to move food around. Bud was assigned to Korea, where he said he met the nicest people ever. The food was shipped in on cargo vessels and unloaded with Army supervision. A container door opened, and Bud climbed up on a forklift to close it as a Korean worker lowered the container, cutting off Joe’s toes on his right foot.   Bud was told if he stayed in Korea for three more months, the Army would discharge him three months early.  Bud stayed and got his early discharge.

Roger Reil, U.S Army         1961-1964 – Vietnam                              

Roger enlisted and had basic training at Fort Dix and AIT at Fort Knox.  Assigned to Germany, Roger joined the 30th Armored Division.

Playing baseball, a friend called Roger, who turned, was hit by the ball, breaking all his teeth.  On midnight march, a soldier accidentally hit Roger with his M-1 rifle, breaking his teeth on the other side.  Driving a personnel carrier, Roger got stuck, pinned between the truck and tank.  The tank driver stopped in time to save Roger’s life.  Later that day, Roger received a call his mother had passed.  Spared, Roger’s father could have lost both his wife and son. Roger loved German beer, Octoberfest, and the girls he met.

Peru, NY – June 24, 2024—Two weeks ago, residents noticed heavy equipment operating behind the Route 22 Dollar General store. Adirondack Coast Self Storage plans to open a self-storage facility at that location with 50 storage units measuring five feet by ten feet and ten feet by twenty feet. The facility address is 13 Town Park Road (the road leading into Sullivan Park). The project includes a water retention pond, fencing, and landscaping. Brannon Construction is the general contractor.

The Bennett family (Ryan, Michael, Warren, and Kathy) owns Adirondack Coast Self Storage. In October 2022, they successfully launched a self-storage facility at 296 Arizona Avenue in Plattsburgh, which has grown to 200 units. Michael Bennett is confident that the same success will be replicated in Peru, where there’s enough space for four more similar buildings.

Bennett said typical customers include contractors, people moving and cleaning out garages, college students over the summer months, and people who store a favorite vehicle.

For more information, go to ADKCoastSelfStorage.com or call 518-561-7205.