Assembly Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) welcomed Yates County Vietnam veteranP. Earle Gleason to the NYS Capitol for a luncheon and recognition ceremony on the Assembly floor thanking and honoring our Vietnam veterans and passing a resolution proclaiming March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.

“I have known and worked with Earle for nearly 30 years. It was an honor and privilege to welcome him to the state Capitol, along with other Vietnam veterans in recognition of their dedicated service to all of us,” said Palmesano.

Earle was drafted in January 1968, where he served in the U.S. Army Americal Division, also known as the 23^rd Infantry Division. Earle served in Vietnam from September 1968 until September 1969 as a combat infantry mortarman.

“Earle’s life has epitomized what service is all about. His service did not end in Vietnam. It just began there,” said Palmesano. He continued serving his fellow veterans and community for many years, in many different ways. Earle served as the director of the Yates County Veterans Service Agency for 20 years, where he provided critical assistance, guidance and support to those veterans who needed it. He is just that type of person and a very good man. I would describe Earle as a ‘Veterans’ Veteran.’ His love, support, appreciation and service for his fellow veterans has always been steadfast and will continue to be so,” added Palmesano.

Earle was inducted into the New York state Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2016 by Sen. Tom O’Mara. Earle also served his community in many other different ways over many years, including serving 24 years on the Milo Town Board and six years in the Yates County Legislature.

“Thank you again to you, Earle, and all of our Vietnam veterans across our state and nation for your dedicated service to all of us. Words do no justice to express the debt of gratitude we will always owe to each one of you,” concluded Palmesano.