The Peru Gazette

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Syracuse.com calculated per pupil spending by dividing each district’s total budget by its total enrollment.

Breeze Airways is launching a new direct flight from Burlington to Raleigh-Durham

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Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, June 10, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 

All blood collected is utilized in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support. 

The blood drive is coordinated by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. 

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The Clinton Community College Board of Trustees has named Ken Knelly as administrator in charge, succeeding John Kowal as president. Knelly, currently chief of staff at SUNY Plattsburgh and Special Adviser to SUNY for the Clinton Community College Transition, has been leading the work of planning for a new location by the college’s fall 2025 semester. His appointment is effective Thursday, May 23.

The board on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Kowal, who was named president in March 2022. Kowal joined the college in 2018 as vice president for academic affairs. He served as administrator in charge from late 2021 to his appointment after the departure of former President Ray DiPasquale.

Clinton Community College Board Chair David Favro said, “Ken is the right person at the right time for this role. He has led us to the point of an identified location and through other key steps. The job of getting Clinton Community College healthy and completing the work of locating on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus is emerging as a single leadership task, and he is up for the role. We also thank John for his efforts on behalf of the college and wish him the best in the next stage of his career.” 

Site Determined for New Location

After thoroughly evaluating potential sites, including Algonquin, Banks and Adirondack Halls, SUNY has approved plans to move forward for a new Clinton Community College location at Redcay Hall on Beekman Street and an adjacent house at 133 Court Street. This choice allows Clinton to maintain its distinct identity while providing SUNY Plattsburgh opportunities to reallocate significant resources and repurpose existing facilities.

The decision enables SUNY Plattsburgh to retain and strategically reallocate substantial funds and priorities in a timely manner. Algonquin could be repurposed into an admissions-focused area adjacent to housing, residence halls, dining centers, and parking. Additionally, the removal of Adirondack and Banks Halls, unoccupied former residence halls, will create new greenspace areas and reimagine the west end of campus in a generational change.

The consolidation of all of Clinton into a single, edge-campus location will streamline activities while requiring only limited lab use and minimal upgrades. The adjacent 133 Court Street house is also included in the planned transition, which would involve Clinton moving in by the summer of 2025.

About Ken Knelly

Knelly began his career at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2014, leading an integrated university marketing and communications team. He moved to the Office of the President in 2017, adding administrative responsibilities and later as chief of staff under President Alexander Enyed. He has served as Special Advisor to SUNY for the Clinton Community College Transition since February 2024. He earned an A.A. in Business from Essex Community College in Rossville, Md., a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and an M.A. in Public Policy from West Virginia University.

At SUNY Plattsburgh, he led the university’s external relations, served as a member of the president’s leadership team and co-chaired the university’s self-study committee for its reaffirmation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2020-2022.

Knelly’s past experience includes more than a dozen years as a print journalist, including as a reporter, editor, and newsroom leader. Locally, he is the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh and led a grassroots effort to bring high school girls’ lacrosse to Clinton County. He is a native of Baltimore, Md.

Editorial – John T Ryan 

Peru has a situation that could cost the Peru taxpayers millions of dollars. It’s hard to believe, but not having Alternate Zoning of Appeals members can result in approval delays and major and minor project cancellations, meaning the government’s cost is shared by fewer taxpayers.

The Zoning Board of Appeal has five members. One or more members sometimes ask to be excused for valid reasons. If two members are excused, the vote to approve a project must be unanimous. One negative vote would halt a project that could benefit a family, a business, and our community. 

Peru has needed more volunteers for the Zoning Board of Appeals for several months, but the response has been disappointing. Please consider stepping up and joining the Zoning Board of Appeals. One of the best aspects is meeting new people and learning more about your community. Send an email or letter expressing interest and outlining your background to Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup at peruzoning@perutown.com or to Bob at 3036 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. Bob’s phone number is 518-643-2745, Extension 3. 

Click here for the American Legion’s answers 

The website History.com states: 

Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

May 13, 2024 Peru Town Board Meeting. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired the meeting. Supervisor Brandy McDonald was ill and could not attend the meeting.

The Peru Gazette will write up the most important items as soon as time permits. They include Lake Champlain Transportation’s request to construct 200 slips at Snug Harbor Marina, scheduling a public hearing for $9+ million improvements to the Reservoir Rd. water treatment plant, employee sick leave policy changes, water system lead pipes and connector inventory, and this summer’s road paving plans.

May 27—Don’t forget the Memorial Day service on May 27th—Memorial Day @ 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon serviced by the Auxiliary. Everyone is welcome!!!!!!

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Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) welcomed Peru High School junior Melina Mitchell to Albany as part of the League of Women Voters’ 2024 Students Inside Albany Conference. Mitchell, one of 60 students statewide selected for the conference, spent the afternoon in Albany at the Capitol and shadowed the senator while the Senate convened for session. Stec appreciated having the opportunity to welcome her to Albany and help one of our students better engage with the state legislative process.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Melina to Albany and learn more about her and her interest in government and public service,” said Stec. “Programs like the Students Inside Albany Conference are a great way to encourage civic engagement and participation. I hope Melina enjoyed her time at the Capitol, learned more about the state Senate and continues to stay involved and interested in government. I look forward to hearing great things about Melina in the future.”

Andrew Woodruff is familiar to those who have enjoyed the Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir Christmas concerts. His exceptional talents, particularly his piano duets with Steve Collier, have left a lasting impression. Now, Andrew is ready to showcase his growth after three years of honing his skills as a music education and jazz studies student at Ithaca College. On the evening of Saturday, June 1, at seven p.m., we will be privileged to witness Andrew and five college friends in a recital at the United Methodist Church in Saranac.

The evening’s repertoire is a testament to the performers’ diverse musical interests and talents. We will be treated to a short Scriabin set of Poems, movements from Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons,” a short rag, and a Chopin Waltz for solo piano. The collaborative repertoire is equally impressive, spanning German songs, musical theatre selections, 21st-century English song cycle selections, and a blazing, technical saxophone piece by Pedro Iturralde.

Andrew started piano at age four with his mom, Jeanette Woodruff, as his teacher. Later, he took private piano lessons and enjoyed playing the trumpet. As a student at Saranac Central, Andrew participated in school choirs, local vocal ensembles, and jazz ensembles at the regional and state levels. At Ithaca College, he studied with faculty with decades of experience and high-level training.

Four of his five friends visiting for this recital are vocalists, and the other is a saxophonist. They are all music education majors. 

Roli Zibuck, a soprano from Rochester, NY, performs with a capella group that recently placed at a regional competition and is a member of the Ithaca College Choir. 

Paige Socol, a soprano from Fairfield, CT, played a prominent role in this year’s opera, Le dernier sorcier (The Last Sorcerer).

Leah Monteleone, a soprano from Philadelphia, PA, performs with and is a section leader in the Ithaca College Treble Chorale.

Justus Crow, saxophone, is from West Point, NY. He is a recent Ithaca College Concerto Competition winner and performed with the IC Symphony Orchestra in their last concert.

Jack Lewis from New Hartford, CT, is a tenor who has a great interest and pursuit in musical styles of Jazz, Gospel, 21st-century art songs, and Musical Theatre. Jack has performed a diverse setting of music throughout college.

A few storms could be capable of becoming severe in the afternoon

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May 18, 2024 – U.S. Oval, Veterans Park, Plattsburgh, NY, Send-Off Ceremony (Note – On May 23, 2024, the Gazette updated this post to include the last four veterans. The Gazette apologizes for the error.) 

Barry Badore, U.S. Army 1967-1977 – Vietnam

 Barry followed his father’s footsteps into the Army. Barry received training as a 63 Charlie Wheel and Track Vehicle Mechanic stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Carson, and Fort Lewis. Deployed to Vietnam, Barry landed at Cam Ranh Bay and was assigned to An Khe.  

There was a mix-up in the duty roster as Barry was to be a CQ runner.  Instead, Barry was running a movie projector, which exploded at the same time an explosion occurred at their location.  Barry considers himself very lucky. Barry received several medals and commendations for his military service.

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

At 17, Bill and a few buddies joined the Marine Corps. After basic training at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, Bill earned an expert rifle qualification, followed by jungle training.  

Deployed to Vietnam, Bill was sent to Khe Sanh Hill 881 South.  Assigned to guard duty, Bill was on wire watch as tin cans alerted movement and machine gun bunker response. On his first tour of duty, Bill was shot and sent to Cam Ranh Bay to recover.  Injured on his second tour, Bill was transported to a hospital in Guam. Bill enjoyed watching the nurses sunbathe – no doubt helping his recuperation.  Bill received Purple Hearts for his valor.    

Ira Dunn, U.S. Army, 1985-1989 – Cold War

Ira followed his grandfather and step-fathers’ footsteps into the Army.  As his MOS, Ira was a Cavalry Scout.  At Fort Knox, Ira was in the last division to go through the heartbreak hills known as Misery, Agony, and Heartbreak.

After training, Ira was sent to Germany. He drove the Bradley, the M1 Abrams, and Howitzer Fighting Vehicles with 20mm cannon and tow missiles. At Fort Irwin, he trained in special operations, fire, and EMT, allowing him to become a paramedic and police security guard. Ira received service medals, including Driver and Mechanic Badges.                                     

Joseph Gittens, U.S. Air Force, 1970-1990 – Vietnam

Assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Joe completed basic training, security police academy and combat school.

Joe wanted out of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The option was Vietnam. His mother said ‘No’; his father did a tarot card reading saying Joe would have seven close calls but would come home okay.  Joe had seven close calls with the Marines in Da Nang. KARMA!

Returning stateside, Joe was ordered to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. After four years, he was transferred to Loring Air Force Base. Returning four years later, Joe made Plattsburgh his home. Joe received numerous commendations for his 20 years of service. Joe is proud his two sons served in the Gulf and Iraq.

Kenneth Gladd, U.S. Army, 1973-1979 –       Vietnam

Ken completed basic training and AIT at Fort Dix. Ken joined the 181^st Battalion 84^th Transportation Company.  

Ken split time between Germany and Fort Riley. A truck driver, Ken, drove 2 1/2 and 5-1/2-ton military trucks carrying supplies and materials. 

While in Germany, Ken returned home for his grandfather’s funeral, got married, and then returned to Germany for two weeks.  

Returning stateside at Fort Riley, Ken drove tanker trucks that delivered gas and diesel fuel. Ken’s favorite place was Amsterdam.  Ken’s time at Kansas Fort Riley cured him of the Army.

Timothy Hawley, U.S. Navy, 1969-1973 – Vietnam

Flying from Clark Air Force Base to Okinawa, Tim left behind his AWOL bag containing his orders, records and tags. It took time to straighten things out. The Navy ship was located on the Tonkin Gulf, patrolling the “Yankee Station”, a 20-mile circular area as the beacon for aircraft.

Tim served four campaigns on the USS Sterett, a guided missile destroyer. His fifth campaign was an underwater demolition team that could be deployed anytime. In four years aboard ship, Tim traveled more than 600 nautical miles. Tim said he’d fly with a Navy pilot over a Marine pilot any day.

Gilbert Jock, U.S. Navy, 1966-1970 – Vietnam

Gilbert had basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station as an Electronic Technician with a radar specialty. Assigned to the USS Warrington, a gearing-class destroyer, Gilbert traveled to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Caribbean. 

Gilbert is thankful his Navy training provided him with civilian life in the electrical field. Leaving the Navy. Gilbert received medals and letters of citation for his Navy service.

Gilbert joined the Navy Reserves in Vermont, where he served from 1980 to 2006.      

Ralph LaBombard, U.S. Army,               1985-1991 – Desert Storm

Following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Ralph joined the Army. After basic training at Fort Dix, he trained as a heavy equipment operator at Fort McClellan.

One month before their enlistment ended, Ralph and his best friend Norman were sent to Germany on a 6-month deployment with the 962^nd Ordinance Company. Ralph and Norman pulled and loaded ammunition onto trains headed for Desert Storm.

Ralph’s first daughter turned a year old on Ralph’s departure.  Ralph is proud to have Jodie as his guardian today. Ralph received many medals and commendations for his service.

David LaDuc, U.S. Air Force, 1972-1976 – Vietnam

Wanting to enlist, Dave weighed only 114 pounds despite eating pizza and drinking beer.  The “Scale Dude” touched the scale; Dave was 120 pounds. Assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base, Dave trained as a Medical Service Specialist, completing hospital administration.  Sent to Hamilton Air Force Base, Dave treated patients, many of whom had purple hearts. Dave joined the Hurricane Disaster Team at Tyndall Air Force Base, protecting the hospital and patients and sandbagging to stop flooding. Transferred to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Dave completed college training and 50-caliber machine gun training.

Kenneth McDonald, U.S. Army, 1970-1971 – Vietnam

Ken was drafted and received basic training at Fort Dix. His MOS as a clerk typist required him to take dictation at speeds of 90-120 words per minute and type at 45 words per minute. As a legal clerk, Ken worked on Article 15, court-martial documents, transcribing dictations of correspondence, telephone conversations, discussions in staff meetings, and investigations. Ken became a Radio Operator, requiring the ability to quickly transmit and receive Morse Code messages.  

On TDY, Ken played his favorite sport, battalion football. His military service allowed him to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Economics.

Adrian Megrath, U.S. Army, 1968-1971 – Vietnam

Andy reported to Manchester for induction, beating the draft by one day.  Realizing Andy was an Eagle Scout, the Sergeant put him in charge of getting 36 recruits to Fort Dix.  

 Andy’s destination was a German prison camp until they were making the camp a memorial.

In Vietnam and Cambodia, Andy served at Pleiku and An Khe. In Cambodia, Andy received his mother’s call that his father was very sick. Arriving home, Andy learned his father had passed. An only child, Andy could exit the military, but he returned to active duty, certain it would be his father’s wish. Andy received numerous decorations for his service to our Country.

Marcus Murphy, U.S. Marine Corps, 1967-1970 – Vietnam

At 17, Marcus went to Parris Island for boot camp and Camp Lejune for infantry training. After flying to Okinawa, Marcus turned 18 and headed to Vietnam.

In Supply Administration, Marcus quickly learned there was no safety if the base was overrun. In a bunker, new arrivals could not sleep; taking watch shifts one time, Marcus opened up with a 50-caliber rifle.

Marcus served 18 months in Vietnam.  Landing in San Diego, Marcus felt guilty about leaving fellow soldiers behind, not fitting in, and being in a country that shamed him.  He put his angst into starting a peer-to-peer support group. Help came to Marcus through his support of others.

Rodney Rabideau, U.S. Navy, 1968-1970 – Vietnam

Rod received basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, then went to Norfolk, Guantánamo Bay, and Vietnam. Assigned to the USS Mullinnix DD-914, the 300 crew worked 20-hour days, serving as decoys to draw fire from the USS New Jersey Battleship to support the First Marine Division, which was defending Da Nang Harbor and the Third Marine Division by the DMZ. Rod worked on 5-inch caliber guns that fired 21,000 rounds while onboard.

Leaving Vietnam, the ship cruised the Mediterranean and patrolled for intelligence on the Black Sea. Rod said the crew was close enough to throw potatoes aboard the Russian ship.

Douglas Strong, U.S. Air Force, 1972-1992 – Vietnam

Doug had boot camp at Lackland and trained as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist at Loring. At Homestead, Doug was told not to worry about the alert. Doug grabbed a bag full of blankets and boarded the C-130 aircraft. The alert took Doug to Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand. On an OV-10 aircraft, Doug arrived at Nakhon Phanom Base, Vietnam, to defend South Vietnam against North Vietnam.  

Doug spent 4 years in Germany, 10 years at Pease Air Force Base, and the final 2 years at Castle Air Force Base, California.  Doug received numerous medals and commendations for his 20 years of service to our Country.

May 18, 2024 – U.S. Oval, Veterans Park, Plattsburgh, NY, Send-Off Ceremony 

Winfried Belanger, U.S. Air Force, 1960-1990 – Vietnam

Trained as an Avionics Repairman, Win was the guy who could fix anything that was broken. Flying from Langley Air Force Base, two KB-50, 4-engine aerial refueling tankers headed to the Azores. Flight “Tyler 41,” with 8 crew members, disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle. Win was on the sister ship searching for the lost plane. Fuel was running out, forcing a landing in the Azores. The crew was lost.

 Win was assigned to Tan Son Knute Air Force Base.  In a bar, Win and a friend, Ed, took drinks upstairs. A massacre killed everyone on the first floor.  Win and Ed ran out before the Vietnamese Police arrived.  Returning stateside, Win gained a reputation of “Belanger is coming, the base is closing”.  Win received several medals and commendations for his 30 years of service to our country and 100 days of service.  May 18^th is Win and Polly’s 62^nd anniversary.      

Barry Clark, U.S. Air Force, 1965-1969 – Vietnam

After basic and AIT training at Lackland Air Force Base, Barry was home on leave when his grandmother passed. Barry was assigned to Missile Security and ordered to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, for three long, cold years.  When an alarm went off, Barry was called to one of thirty minuteman missile sites.  Barry was in the field three days in a 30-degree blizzard, a hundred miles out with no heat in the vehicles, walking from the second floor on snowbanks to get to the mess hall.  

Barry was assigned to warm weather at Johnson Island Air Force Base, on a mile-long, ½ mile-wide island 100 miles south of Hawaii. Home to the Atlas Missile Site, our troops fired missiles every so often to let the Soviets know they were there. 

Dennis Connell, U.S. Navy, 1969-1973 – Vietnam

At Great Lakes Naval Station, Dennis trained as a radarman, sea school, and electronic warfare operations. 

The USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier deployed in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. 100 miles from shore, it encountered a hurricane path and arrived on shore a week later with a million dollars in damage.

The Secretary of the Navy presented Dennis with the Navy Achievement Medal for his professional achievements and superior performance while serving as an Electronic Warfare Operator in the Combat Information Center of USS Intrepid.  Dennis’s early detection, reporting, and recording of emitters enabled the USS Intrepid to complete an outstanding list of Electronic Warfare recordings and reports. His efforts contributed significantly to the successful accomplishments of antisubmarine warfare operations and vital national and NATO importance. Dennis joined the Navy to see the world and traveled to 14 countries.

Robert Cronin, U.S. Army, 1953-1956 – Korean

In high school, Bob joined the National Guard for one year and twenty months. After graduating, Bob enlisted in the Army. After training, Bob was stationed in Chin Chon, Korea, for 17 months. In Korea, Bob served with the 388th Engineer Pipeline Company. The ships piped fuel into the tanks, providing jet fuel at airbases. Bob said troops seldom left the compound due to the dangerous surroundings.  

Returning stateside, Bob completed his military service with the Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

When asked about his worst experience in Korea, Bob said it was watching the people live in extreme poverty. When asked about his best experience, Bob said there was none. He just did the best he could. Bob and his wife Phyliss have been happily married for 64 years.

Theodore Ginett, U.S. Navy, 1965-1971 – Vietnam

Ted enlisted in the Navy to train at the Great Lakes Naval Station to avoid the draft. Ted boarded the USS Bradley and was assigned to Radio Operations, section leader, watch supervisor, and duty master-at-arms.

The USS Bradley began gun-fire support along the coast of South Vietnam and carrier escort duty in the Gulf of Tonkin. Before going to Southeast Asia, it was diverted to the Sea of Japan in response to the capture of the USS Pueblo.  The final tour resumed escort and gunfire support, firing 3,247 rounds in 10 days from 5”/38 guns.

Dennis Harrsch, U.S. Marine Corps,                1967-1971 – Vietnam

Dennis completed training at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune. With AIT training, Dennis was assigned to Aircraft Electronics. 

Dennis was sent to Cherry Point and then deployed to Vietnam. Dennis landed in Da Nang at the start of the Tet Offensive.

Dennis was ordered to return from leave as a critical MOS for recovery duty. Upon return, qualified M60 Dennis was diverted to Monkey Mountain as a door gunner.  Dennis had some very close calls in areas of intense action. For his service to our country, Dennis received many awards.

Donald Norton, U.S. Air Force, 1971-1978 – Vietnam

With a draft number of 55,  the Navy recruiter would not guarantee Don submarine duty, so he joined the Air Force.  Don completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and AIT at Chanute Air Force Base assigned as a Fuel Specialist.

Don served 12 months in Vietnam and completed a 45-day TDY in Thailand before returning stateside to Eglin Air Force Base. After being reassigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Don asked a friend where it was. He said, “Get a map, find Albany, and keep going north.” Don’s final four years were in Plattsburgh.

Don was “Proud to Serve,” but he doesn’t share his military service. A highlight was meeting Bob Hope.

John Smith, U.S. Army, 1943-1945 – World War II

Dusty trained in Utica, Fort Niagara, and Atlantic City, including gas masks and sand running. Sent to Tampa, Dusty worked in supply, issuing clothing.  Dusty traveled by box car to Santa Barbara, California, training as a radar operator, a skill he quickly mastered and enjoyed. Dusty was Sent to Virginia aboard a crowded ship for 28 days, eating meals on their bunks or deck.  The ship landed in Naples, Italy, Mount Vesuvius erupted, and they were bombed every night.  Leaving Italy, Dusty traveled to France where he met up with his brother-in-law and a Merchant Marine from Lake Placid.  Sent to Germany, Dusty was nearby when Himmler was arrested. Returning stateside, Dusty left the service on Pearl Harbor Day. On June 14, Dusty will turn 101. 

Richard Smith, Veteran Guardian for his Father, U.S. Army 1970-1973 – Vietnam

Richard was drafted and sent to Fort Gordon. Because of a broken kneecap, Richard was asked if he could type, so he quickly learned to type.  Being sent to Vietnam, a quick trip home to see his pregnant wife, Richard went to California, Guam, and Cam Ranh Bay. With no food for 25 hours, Richard ate the best liver and onions. 

With his mechanical background, Richard worked on helicopters; the constant noise resulted in hearing loss.

Not the only Ricard Smith in 1^st Company, Richard had no guard duty for a few months.  Richard made money by pulling guard duty for others for $20 -$40.

William Smith, U.S. Army, 1970-1996 – Desert Storm

Bill completed basic and AIT training at Fort Polk and was assigned as an Infantry Mortarman. Bill completed his education at the Empire State Military Academy as an officer candidate.  

 Called to active duty for the Lake Placid Olympics, Bill was responsible for medical missions, transportation, and athlete security to ensure the safety of the Lake Placid Olympics. About 1,400 guardsmen deployed to pitch heavy battlefield tents and create heated areas. Within 24 hours of the Olympic Committee’s request, all logistics were in place, and essential equipment was gathered. Called back to active duty for Desert Storm, Bill’s unit was ready to be deployed but would remain on standby.  

Gary Stark, U.S. Marine Corps, 1968-1970 – Vietnam

Gary quit college and traveled to Connecticut with three friends to look for jobs. The draft was coming near, so they enlisted: two in the Marine Corps and one in the Army.

After completing basic training at Parris Island, Gary was sent to Camp Lejune for A1 Mortar Training with a duty assignment of 0341 Assist Gunner. After jungle training, Gary was deployed to Vietnam and spent time in Okinawa. After two months in Vietnam, Gary received notice that he needed to report for the draft, or they would come and get him.  

Gary has served 23 years in the fire department, participates in reenactment events and is the Commander-Elect for American Legion Post #1619.

William Stickney, U.S. Army, 1963-1965 – Vietnam

Bill was drafted, and three brothers also served.  Two in the Army and one in the Navy.

After Bill was inducted in Albany, he reported to Fort Dix for basic and AIT training.  Bill was dispatched as a Heavy Vehicle Driver and joined the motor pool.  

Deployed to Germany, Bill drove a tanker delivery traveling on the Autobahn.  With speeds of 35 mph, other travelers behind him weren’t happy and couldn’t pass.   Other drivers altered equipment to get speeds up to 50 mph, but Bill wasn’t risking a court martial.  On alert, Bill spent 24 hours loaded and ready to go but was not dispatched. 

Lewis Wager, U.S. Navy Seabees, 1970-1975 – Vietnam

Lew received a draft notice and completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station and advanced training at Davis Ville Naval Construction Battalion Center as an equipment operator.  Lew was assigned to the Gulfport Navy Construction Battalion at ground zero as clean-up from Hurricane Camille was still in process.  The base was the largest storage site in the U.S. for Agent Orange.  At Kaden Air Force Base and Camp Shields, Lew trained with the Marine Corps. Returning to Gulfport, Lew opened his doors, cooking for all who couldn’t go home for Christmas. After 6-years with the Seabees, Lew won’t step foot on a ship traveling by air.

David Wentzel, U.S. Air Force, 1979-1999 – Desert Storm

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Dave went to tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Aircraft Structural Maintenance.  In the Michigan winter, the entire shop got canoes. They all fell into the water, built a fire to dry off, and returned to their canoes.  Dave was sent to a Wyoming missile base and then stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, performing inspections, painting, and equipment maintenance.  Dave enjoyed a year in Italy, going to remote towns and driving the biggest trucks on the road without knowing where they were going. Dave’s next stop was in Las Vegas. Dave retired from McGuire Air Force Base.  Dave received numerous medals and commendations for his 20  years of service to our Country.

On a side note, Dave and Helen fostered 11 children and currently have 3 babies. Tomorrow, they are going to Boston for treatment of a little girl who has a head tumor. Please join me in thanking this caring couple for their dedication to children.  

Kevin Woodruff, U.S. Air Force, 1973-1977 – Vietnam

Inducted in Syracuse, Kevin completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, followed by tech school and AIT training in Aircraft Maintenance at Chanute Air Force Base. Assigned to Travis Air Force Base, upon arrival, Kevin broke his ankle, and it did not heal properly. Waking up after anesthesia, the Squadron Commander and First Sergeant told Kevin he was listed as AWOL, a court martial offense. Looking at the expression of Kevin’s terrified face, they could not contain their laughter.

Due to the severity of Kevin’s injury, he couldn’t continue his Aircraft Maintenance position and was reassigned to the Parts Department until his discharge.

Here’s an excellent video on Alstom, a subway and commuter car manufacturer with a plant at 71 Wall St. in Plattsburgh. Bombardier Transportation came to Plattsburgh in 1996. Alstom purchased Bombardier in 2021.

Three cheers to members of our local Ford Mustang Club. They always park along New York Ave cheering North Country Honor Flights. Photo – May 18, 2024.

Shepherd’s Pie
Fruit
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!