Having served seven years in the United States Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserves, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-I-C – Batavia) is passionate about protecting and honoring our state’s veterans. As such, he is planning a celebration to honor local veterans from the 139th Assembly District.

“The men and women who have served our nation should be commemorated for their selfless dedication in protecting our American values,” said Hawley. “I hope that people in our community will take a moment to nominate a special veteran for these distinguished honors and awards.”

Hawley hopes to honor local veterans with up to three prestigious honors, including the Conspicuous Service Star, Medal for Merit, and the state’s highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross. An eligible candidate, for these honors, must be a current or former active duty member of the United States Armed Forces serving after 1917 for purposes other than training that has received a previous federal decoration. Current active duty members must be in good standing and veterans must have been honorably discharged. Additionally, candidates must be current New York State residents or have been state residents during their time of service.

Women who served in the Army Female Nurses Corps are also eligible for the Conspicuous Service Cross honor and Hawley encourages the public to nominate these women, or any veteran you feel is eligible and deserving of this special recognition.

These honors will be awarded at a ceremony hosted by the Assemblyman and County Veterans’ Service Agency directors from our area, including, Hal Kreter (Genesee), James A. Carra (Monroe), Donald J. Thompson (Niagara) and Paul Fulcomer (Orleans).

For more information on these awards or to nominate a deserving veteran, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780 or e-mail him at hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us.