Veteran of the Year Award Winners

Honoring exceptional service, leadership, and community impact across New York State.

2025

Hon. Roy J. McDonald, SP4, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army (Vietnam)
RJM

Hon. Roy J. McDonald

SP4, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army — Vietnam

Purple Heart Recipient · Decorated Vietnam Veteran · NYS Senator & Assemblyman · Former Wilton Town/County Supervisor

An Army veteran from Troy, New York, Roy McDonald served in Vietnam (1970–71) as an Artillery Forward Observer with C Troop, 1-9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. After his military service, he devoted decades to public service—leading the Town of Wilton and representing his community in the New York State Assembly and Senate. He championed major veterans and family support initiatives, conservation efforts, and regional heritage legislation.

Award Year: 2025

2024

Chester B. Edwards, COL (Ret.), New York Guard; U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran
CBE

Chester B. Edwards, COL (Ret.)

New York Guard (Ret.) · U.S. Navy — Vietnam

Assault Support Patrol Boat Coxswain · Decorated Combat Veteran · Veterans Advocate & Community Leader

Chet Edwards served in the U.S. Navy from 1966–1972, including combat duty in Vietnam with the Mobile Riverine Force as an assault support patrol boat coxswain. His post-service career and civic leadership reflect a lifelong commitment to veterans and community—supporting organizations, mentorship, and statewide initiatives to honor and assist those who served.

Award Year: 2024

Past Honorees (2011–2023)

  • 2023 Christine T. Rem, COL (Ret), US Army Nurse Corps. Iraq
  • 2023 David Terry Fox, Sergeant, USMC, Vietnam
  • 2022 David T. Wallingford, Capt, USMC, Vietnam
  • 2021 Robert W. Van Pelt, CSM (Ret), US Army, Vietnam, GWOT
  • 2020 Garth D. Lloyd, SP4, US Army, Vietnam
  • 2019 John Wands Sacca, SP4, US Army, Vietnam
  • 2018 Nicholas M Laiacona, LTC (Ret), US Army, Vietnam
  • 2017 Philip Imbarrato, CPL, US Army, Korean War
  • 2016 Robert Nevins, CWO, US Army, Vietnam
  • 2015 Joseph G Pollicino, Cpl, USMC, Vietnam
  • 2014 Charles R Johnson, COL (Ret), US Army, Vietnam
  • 2013 Calla Devers Osborne, 1LT, US Army Nurse Corps, WW II
  • 2013 James A Haggerty, Sgt, USMC, Vietnam
  • 2012 Charles P Evans, CPT, US Army Air Force, WW II
  • 2011 Dante J Orsini, SgtMaj, USMC, WW II
  • 2011 Floyd J Dumas, SSG, US Army, WW II
  • 2011 David W Sexton, SSG, US Army, WW II

If you have a photo we can add for any honoree listed above, please email it to info@friendsnysmm.com.