Hon. Roy McDonald
2025 Veteran of the Year Winner
Purple Heart Recipient & Decorated Vietnam Veteran
An Army veteran, Roy McDonald is from Troy, NY and served in Vietnam from 1970-71 as an Artillery Forward Observer with C Troop, 1-9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. For 23 years, McDonald was Town and County Supervisor for the Town of Wilton, New York and in 1986, served a term as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He served in the New York State Assembly from 2002 to 2009 and in the State Senate until 2013.
Roy McDonald was born and raised in the Lansingburgh section of Troy, New York. He currently resides with his family in Saratoga County. Roy graduated from the Lansingburgh Public School System and received his associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Both schools have honored Roy with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
A decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Roy served as an Artillery Forward Observer with the U.S. Army’s First Cavalry Division. He participated in numerous combat assaults on the South Vietnamese and Cambodian border, as well as in Cambodia itself. Roy is a member of the Saratoga VFW, Saratoga American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Lansingburgh Veterans Association.
Roy was elected to the 43rd Senate District in 2008. Prior to the Senate, Roy served as an Assemblyman in the 112th District. He had served in the Assembly since February 2002. Roy had a distinguished record for 23 years as the Town and County Supervisor from Wilton. He proudly served as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. Some of his achievements included the total elimination of local town property taxes (general and highway funds) for 20 consecutive years, the creation of the 3000-acre Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, building the Town’s Gavin Park Complex, the Wilton Veteran’s housing facility and playing a major role in the extremely successful economic development of Wilton. As a member of the Board of Supervisors he proposed the County Budget which led to the success of Saratoga County being the lowest taxed county in the State.
Roy had a number of major initiatives passed by the legislature and signed into law. The New York State Patriot Plans I, II & III were designed to provide safeguards, benefits and incentives to our New York State military personnel including the National Guard and Reserves. He was also the author of the Saratoga-Washington on the Hudson Partnership; legislation to address collaborative agriculture, open space protection, tourism as well as to promote preservation of the cultural and historic significance of the Revolutionary War sites within the Saratoga Region.
Roy has been a leader among his colleagues regarding disability and autism awareness. He has two grandsons, Jacob and David, both of whom suffer from autism. Working at the local and state levels, Roy hosted forums to listen and learn from community members that were dealing with autism spectrum disorders. In turn, he sponsored legislation to guarantee that informational booklets would be given to emergency first responders on persons with autism, so that they would be more adequately prepared to react in those situations. Roy also created the Saratoga County Autism Council, an organization charged with providing education, respite and early intervention to those suffering from developmental disabilities and their families.
With passage of the three Patriot Plan bills, Roy is working on expanding the incentives given to veterans and their families. He has been actively involved on a rural recovery proposal aimed at assisting volunteer emergency and fire services, as well as addressing rural health care, education, infrastructure, transportation and economic development. Roy has advocated for the creation of the Agricultural Empire Zone Program providing major incentives to assist the farming community. Additionally, Roy is working hard to help the old urban areas of the 43rd Senate District, such as the cities of Troy, Mechanicville, and Rensselaer. He is especially concerned about the health care and school systems in these cities.
Roy is a banker by profession, and is proud of his career journey which began several years ago as a laborer in the same local steel mill that employed his father and many other relatives who also worked as laborers. Roy serves as a foundation board member for Hudson Valley Community College, the Rensselaer County Commission on Economic Opportunity, as well as the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council. He is an active member of the Friends of 112th Street Park in Lansingburgh, the Saratoga-Wilton Elks and the American Irish Legislators Society.
Roy is proud of his community service as a member of the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and a former member of both the Saratoga YMCA Board of Directors and the Saratoga County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. In recognition of his leadership and hard work, Roy has been the recipient of many awards including those from the Saratoga County ARC, the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department, the Wilton Emergency Medical Squad, the New York State Correction Officers Police Benevolent Association, the New York State Nature Conservancy and Saratoga Plan. Roy has also been the recipient of the Saratoga Good Scout Award; as well as the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Man of the Year and has been inducted into the Lansingburgh High School Foundation Hall of Fame.
Roy and his wife, Angelina Zaccagnino-McDonald, are the proud parents of daughters Julie, Jessica and Stephanie, sons-in-law Matt Veitch and Jeff Youngberg, and grandsons Jacob and David McDonald Veitch.
Roy currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate's Mental Health Committee and is also a member of the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Commerce Economic Development & Small Business, Health, Labor, Local Governments, Racing, Gaming & Wagering, and the Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Senate Standing Committees.
COL (Ret.) Chester R. "Chet" Edwards
2024 Veteran of the Year Winner
Combat Navy Veteran & Colonel, New York Guard
Chester R. “Chet” Edwards served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1972. His service included combat duty in Vietnam as an Assault Support Patrol Boat Coxswain with the Mobile Riverine Force from 1968 to 1969. His additional assignments included service aboard a Submarine Tender and an Ocean-Going Tugboat. While deployed to Vietnam, Chet earned his GED after leaving school at age 17 to join the military.
During his six years of Navy service, he was awarded the Naval Achievement Medal with Combat “V” (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with two Bronze Stars and Combat “V,” Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960–), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Service Commendation Medal (Civil Actions).
Following his return to civilian life, Chet spent more than 35 years as a corporate financial executive and financial consultant throughout the tri-state area. After retiring from the corporate sector, he joined the New York City Department of Education Teaching Fellows Program and spent the final 12 years of his professional career as a middle and high school teacher and Dean of Students at the Choir Academy of Harlem, retiring in 2014.
Throughout his life, Chet has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service. His volunteer roles have included service with the American Red Cross (Blood Courier), Port Chester Council for the Arts (President), Port Chester Fire Department (Firefighter), Port Chester-Rye Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EMT and Chief), and Westchester County R.E.A.C.T. as an Emergency Responder.
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Chet joined the New York State Guard in 2003 and retired in 2018 with the rank of Colonel. During his 15 years of service, he deployed throughout New York State in support of civil authorities during major storms and periods of civil unrest. Notably, he served a three-month deployment commanding New York Guard forces at Camp Smith, managing force movement from non-New York units into Superstorm Sandy disaster areas.
His New York Guard awards include the New York State Military Commendation Medal (twice awarded), New York State Conspicuous Service Star (Federal Service), New York State Medal for Meritorious Service, and New York Guard Operation Support Medals for Patriot East, JTF Irene, and Sandy.
Following retirement, Chet continues to serve as a Veteran Advocate. He works with numerous committees and task forces focused on veteran support and suicide prevention across both veteran and civilian organizations.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Westchester Veterans Alliance, Inc.; President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 49; Board Member of the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose; Board Member and volunteer with Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Inc.; Board Member and Peer Mentor with ProVetus, Inc., serving as Mentor Coordinator for the Veterans Treatment Court in Middletown, New York; Post Service Officer for American Legion Post 90; member of Knights of Columbus Council 503; Faithful Navigator of Knights of Columbus Assembly 692; Trustee of VFW Post 1156; and Deputy Sheriff Sergeant with the Westchester County Sheriff’s Department.
Chet has served as keynote speaker at numerous veterans events, sharing his experiences with the Mobile Riverine Force in Vietnam. He has also served as Master of Ceremonies and organizer for many veteran recognition programs.
In 2023, he was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame by State Senator Shelley Mayer.
Chet resides in Port Chester, New York, with his wife of 52 years, Mary. He is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather to two granddaughters.
Sgt. David Terry Fox
2023 Veteran of the Year Winner
Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient & U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran
A graduate of Lansingburgh High School, David Terry Fox enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He served two combat tours in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner aboard H-34 and H-46 helicopters.
During his service, Sgt. Fox’s aircraft transported Marines and Army soldiers to and from remote jungle locations, including artillery fire bases. He conducted resupply missions, reconnaissance operations, pilot rescue missions, and medical evacuations of wounded personnel. His missions included operations in Khe Sanh, the Demilitarized Zone, Laos, Cambodia, and the Ashau Valley.
Over the course of his two tours, Sgt. Fox logged more than 2,200 sorties and earned 53 Marine Strike Flight Awards for Aerial Combat. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism during the rescue of an embattled Marine Reconnaissance Team stranded on a 4,000-foot cliff while under heavy enemy fire.
Sgt. Fox was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant.
Upon returning home, he worked in a hardware store, a concrete firm, and A1-Tech before joining the Troy Fire Department. He was among the first paramedics in the department and went on to serve 25 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.
Sgt. Fox remains deeply connected to the veteran community. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Marine Brigade, and Veterans of Lansingburgh.
He and his partner, Diane, reside in Voorheesville, New York. Together they are proud parents of five children and grandparents to ten grandchildren.
COL (Ret.) Christine T. Rem
2023 Veteran of the Year Winner
Bronze Star Recipient & U.S. Army Nurse Corps Veteran
Colonel (Retired) Christine T. Rem, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, honorably served for 30 years in both the Active Army and the United States Army Reserve. Commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps on February 19, 1982, she dedicated the majority of her military career to U.S. Army Reserve hospitals in the Albany, New York area.
During her distinguished service, COL (Ret.) Rem completed two Active Duty tours at Wurzburg Army Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. From 2007 to 2008, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her meritorious service. While continuing her military responsibilities, she also earned her Doctor of Nursing Science degree from Sage College. She retired from military service in March 2012.
In addition to the Bronze Star Medal, her awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (four awards), Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal.
Following her retirement, COL (Ret.) Rem pursued her long-held vision of supporting women veterans and children in need. She founded the Capital District Women Veterans (CDWV) Program, a New York State tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Demonstrating her deep personal commitment, she donated her maternal grandmother’s home in Troy, New York to serve as housing for women veterans. The residence, known as Christopher House, opened in June 2021 and currently provides housing for women veterans in the Capital District.
COL (Ret.) Rem continues to serve as a Volunteer Case Manager for Christopher House, developing and implementing policies and procedures to guide the organization’s continued growth. She works daily to enhance the lives of veterans, veteran families, and veteran caretakers throughout the Capital Region.
She remains actively engaged in the veteran community as Chaplain for DAV Chapter 38 in Troy, and as a member of the Veteran’s Peer Connection in Saratoga County, VFW of Clifton Park, the Tri-County Vietnam Veterans, and the American Legion Zaloga Post in Albany.
COL (Ret.) Rem resides in Clifton Park, New York. She is the proud mother of three sons and grandmother to five grandchildren.
Captain David T. Wallingford Sr., USMC
2022 Veteran of the Year Winner
Bronze Star & Purple Heart Recipient – U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran
David T. Wallingford Sr. was born and raised in Albany, New York. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1966 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1967. He attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, followed by Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Captain Wallingford served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969 with the 3rd Marine Division in I Corps along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1970 with the rank of Captain.
For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” device, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, along with various campaign medals and ribbons.
On March 25, 1969, Captain Wallingford was wounded in action and medically evacuated through several Republic of Vietnam treatment facilities before being transferred to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. While recovering there, he met Navy Nurse Lieutenant Helene Hill. They have been married for 52 years and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of eight grandchildren.
From 1970 to 1986, Captain Wallingford served as a general manager, project manager, and consultant with several companies in Menands, New York and Dallas, Texas. He later became President and Chief Operating Officer of CARCO, Inc. in Menands, New York. From 1991 to 1999, he worked for the Palmetto Fruit Company in Saratoga Springs.
In 1999, he was appointed Special Assistant to the Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and subsequently became Deputy Director for the Division. He later retired from the New York State Department of Labor in 2007.
Captain Wallingford has served on the boards of the Saratoga County Water Authority, the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District, the Town of Malta Planning Board, and the Friends of the New York State Military Museum. He remains active in numerous veteran organizations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Marine Corps League, and the Purple Heart Association. He is also a co-founding member of the Malta Veterans Appreciation Program.
CSM (Ret.) Robert W. Van Pelt
2021 Veteran of the Year Winner
Command Sergeant Major, New York National Guard
Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Robert W. Van Pelt honorably served for 42 years in the United States Army across the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve from 1969 until his retirement in June 2011.
CSM (Ret.) Van Pelt began his Army career as a draftee in March 1969. While attending Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he reenlisted and selected Fixed Station Automatic Digital Network Technical Controller as his Military Occupational Specialty. After completing training, he was assigned to the First Signal Brigade in Phu Lam, Republic of Vietnam, where he served from February 1970 to February 1971. He later served with the United States Army Strategic Communications Command at Camp Darby, Coltano, Italy.
After leaving active duty, he joined the New York Army National Guard as a Multichannel Radio Chief with the 187th Signal Group. Civilian employment later brought him to Tennessee, where he continued his service with the Tennessee Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. Upon returning to New York, he rejoined the New York Army National Guard and steadily rose through the ranks.
Promoted to Sergeant Major in March 1987, he served as Operations Sergeant Major for the 187th Signal Brigade. Appointed Command Sergeant Major in October 1991, he served in senior leadership roles with the 242nd Signal Battalion, 1-101st Cavalry, 187th Signal Brigade, 53rd Troop Command, and managed the Empire State Military Academy Signal School. In 1998, he was selected as the Division Command Sergeant Major for the historic 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division. His distinguished career culminated with his appointment as the Command Sergeant Major for the New York National Guard, a position he held until his retirement in June 2011.
Following his military retirement, Bob continued serving Soldiers as the New York National Guard Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program Manager. In this role, he developed the NYNG Job Zone website and fostered relationships with veteran-friendly employers, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He organized 27 job fairs across New York State for Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families and attended countless Yellow Ribbon events supporting deploying and returning Soldiers. Even after retiring from state service in June 2017, he continues to volunteer at Yellow Ribbon events. He also served as a New York National Guard Transition Assistance Advisor, assisting Guardsmen transitioning from military service.
Bob has devoted significant volunteer service to the Capital District Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), serving as Treasurer, President, First Vice President (Membership), and Chapter Executive Director. He is also the Membership Chairman for the nationwide 1st Signal Brigade Association.
Since 1997, he has served as Chairman of the Grants Committee for the National Guard & Naval Militia Relief Society of New York, Inc., supporting members of the New York State Militia in need. He is also active with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business Council and the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Volunteer Committee.
A lifetime of selfless service to Soldiers, Veterans, and their families, CSM (Ret.) Van Pelt continues to give thousands of hours of volunteer time to his community.
Bob and his wife Debbie reside in Malta, New York.
Garth D. Lloyd
2020 Veteran of the Year Winner
Purple Heart Recipient & U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran
Garth D. Lloyd was born in Rochester, New York, and graduated from Rush-Henrietta High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969, completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam as an 11B Infantryman.
On February 12, 1970, he was wounded in action by a booby trap and was medically evacuated to the United States. He was medically discharged several months later with the rank of Specialist 4. For his service and sacrifice in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
From 1979 to 1988, Garth worked as a manager at R & B Tire Company. In 1988, he began employment with the City of Saratoga Springs at the water treatment plant, where he served until his retirement in 2012.
In 2013, Garth began volunteering with the Saratoga County Veterans Administration Mentor Program, where he was paired with disabled veterans and provided mentorship and support for several years. He has also served as a dedicated docent at the New York State Military Museum, contributing his time to the Docent Advisory Committee and the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) for visiting middle and high school students each spring.
Garth is married to Diane, a graduate of Ballston Spa High School, who retired as a Personal Concierge after previously owning her own business assisting newly relocated GlobalFoundries employees in settling into the area. They have one son, a Physician Assistant at Albany Medical Center. Their son and daughter-in-law are the proud parents of three children.
LTC John Wands Sacca
2019 Veteran of the Year Winner
U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran & New York Guard Officer
John Wands Sacca enlisted in the New York Guard in August 1965 and entered Federal service in the United States Army in August 1966. After completing Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to the 8th U.S. Army in the Republic of Korea. In May 1967, he volunteered for transfer to Vietnam and joined the 79th Maintenance Battalion, serving through the 1968 Tet Offensive and earning promotion to Specialist 4.
He later transferred to the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Following jungle warfare training in An Khe, he served with C Troop, 1-9 Cavalry as a door gunner aboard a Huey gunship in the Aero-Weapons Platoon and later as a Radio Telephone Operator in the Aero-Rifle Platoon. He participated in cavalry raids in the A Shau Valley, reconnaissance missions along the Demilitarized Zone, and operations west of Hue. During Operation Liberty Canyon in 1968, he supported reconnaissance missions in War Zone C and the cavalry screen of Saigon.
C Troop, 1-9 Cavalry was awarded the Valorous Unit Award, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal. John was personally awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He departed Vietnam in February 1969 and later enlisted in the 1-210th Armor, New York Army National Guard, where he was promoted to Sergeant.
After a nine-year break in service, John reenlisted in 1979 in the United States Army Reserve as an instructor with the 1157th USAR School, 98th Division (Training). He rose through the ranks to Master Sergeant and later transferred to the New York Army National Guard, where he served as First Sergeant. In 1995, he was commissioned as a Captain in the New York Guard and assigned as Assistant S-1, 10th Brigade. He was promoted to Major in 1998 and later to Lieutenant Colonel in 2006. His final assignment was as Operations Officer, 2nd Emergency Response Battalion in Troy, New York. He was reassigned to the New York State Retired List on October 2, 2013.
His awards and decorations include the Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, and numerous other federal, state, and foreign service awards.
Beyond his military service, John has had a distinguished academic and teaching career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies (1975), a Master of Arts in European History (1976), a Master of Science in Secondary Education (1979), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Foundations of Education (1989), all from institutions in the Capital Region. He has more than 43 years of teaching experience, including positions in Hong Kong and at several local schools and colleges. He has published numerous articles and remains active in academic organizations.
John is a life member of the Tri-County Vietnam Veterans Council and North Albany American Legion Post 1610.
He and his wife, Hiesook Kim, reside in Albany, New York. They have two sons.
LTC Nicholas M. Laiacona
2018 Veteran of the Year Winner
Bronze Star for Valor & Purple Heart Recipient – U.S. Army Veteran
Nicholas M. Laiacona entered the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey on November 28, 1966. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry after graduating from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on November 8, 1967. His first assignment was at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he served as an instructor in counterguerrilla warfare.
In 1968, following completion of Jungle School in Panama, he was assigned to the Mobile Riverine Force in the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam. There, he served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander during combat operations.
Returning to the United States in 1969, he transferred to the Ordnance Corps and served in command and staff assignments in Germany, Korea, and the United States. He also held research and development and materiel acquisition assignments at Picatinny Arsenal. From 1983 to 1986, he played a key role in establishing the Materiel Acquisition Management Course and the Spare Parts Management Course at the Army Logistics Management College at Fort Lee, Virginia, serving as a Senior Materiel Acquisition Instructor. In 1985, he was selected as one of the first certified U.S. Army Materiel Acquisition Managers and later became one of the first officers in the Army Acquisition Corps.
LTC Laiacona’s military education includes the U.S. Army Ordnance Advanced Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Program Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College, and the Materiel Acquisition Management Course. He was the Distinguished Graduate of the Management of Defense Acquisition Contracts Course.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star for Valor with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, three Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal for Valor with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with star, Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, three Overseas Service Ribbons, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Unit citations include the Civil Action Honor Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
He retired from the Army on January 31, 1991, with over 24 years of honorable service.
Following his military retirement, Nick began a distinguished private-sector career in defense contracting. He served as Program Technical Director for Applied Ordnance Technology, Inc., and later worked for Camber Corporation for 19 years, retiring in 2011 as Senior Program Manager and Deputy Director for the Armaments and Munitions Directorate. Throughout his civilian career, he supported major armament and munitions programs through research, development, acquisition, manufacturing, and fielding.
Nick has been deeply involved in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), serving in leadership roles for both the Picatinny Arsenal–Middle Forge Chapter and the Capital District of New York Chapter. As Chapter President, his chapters were recognized as Best Chapter. He currently serves as Past President and Chairman of the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Committee, where he has personally awarded Vietnam War Era pins to numerous veterans.
A graduate of Siena College (1966), Nick holds two master’s degrees—one from Troy State University and one from the Florida Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Christina, reside in Bolton Landing, New York, and are the proud parents of three sons.
Philip Imbarrato
2017 Veteran of the Year Winner
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran & NYS Military Museum Docent
Philip Imbarrato was drafted into the United States Army in January 1953 while attending the City College of New York. After completing Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to the 6th Tank Battalion, 24th Infantry Division in June 1953.
From June through October 1953, he served in Pusan, Korea, guarding captured North Korean soldiers. Upon leaving Korea, Phil was transferred to Mount Fuji Army Base in Japan, where he remained until his honorable discharge in January 1955. While stationed in Japan, he played third base on the Army baseball team alongside Eddie Bressoud, who later became a Major League infielder with the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox.
During his service, Phil was promoted to Corporal and awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Korea Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
After returning home, Phil resumed his studies at the City College of New York and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sales Management in 1957. He built a successful career in retail sales, working as a salesman and independent sales representative for several office furniture companies before retiring in 1999.
Phil has long been committed to community service. He has been an active member of the Ballston Spa Lions Club throughout his working career and beyond, serving as President in 1983.
He holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving docents at the New York State Military Museum. Since beginning his service in 2006, he has faithfully volunteered his time each Thursday morning, sharing his knowledge and experiences with visitors.
Phil was married to his wife, Dolores, until her passing in 2005. They have three sons and four grandchildren. He continues to reside in Ballston Spa, New York.
Bob Nevins
2016 Veteran of the Year Winner
Vietnam MEDEVAC Pilot & Founder of Saratoga WarHorse
Bob Nevins served in Vietnam as a highly decorated medical evacuation helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division and was wounded in action in 1971. Following his military service, he built a successful career as an airline captain before taking early retirement to devote himself full time to serving fellow veterans.
Bob is the founder of Saratoga WarHorse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans struggling with the challenges of post-military life. Saratoga WarHorse offers a powerful three-day experience at no cost to participants, focusing on post-traumatic stress and suicide prevention through an innovative and non-traditional approach.
The program, which has now served nearly 500 veteran graduates, facilitates a profound connection between veteran and horse—often described as unlocking emotions and experiences that have remained suppressed for years. This experiential model differs significantly from traditional talk therapy and has gained growing recognition for its effectiveness.
Published scientific data supports the Saratoga WarHorse methodology, and researchers continue to study the program’s impact in reducing symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal ideation. The organization has been featured in an award-winning television documentary, received a 2013 Jefferson Award, and was highlighted in the September 2016 issue of The American Legion Magazine.
Veterans who have completed the program frequently describe the experience as “life-changing beyond words.”
Corporal Joseph G. Pollicino, USMC
2015 Veteran of the Year Winner
Purple Heart Recipient & U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran
Joseph G. Pollicino served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. His entire combat tour in Vietnam, from March 1967 to April 1968, was with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, serving as an infantryman—proudly known as a “Mud Marine”—in Quang Tin Province.
He first arrived in Chu Lai and later moved to Tam Ky. In May 1967, he participated in Operation Union II, for which his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. His unit subsequently relocated to Hill 63 south of Da Nang, conducting patrol operations until Operation Swift in September 1967, followed by Operation Shelby. He was promoted to Corporal on November 1, 1967, and redeployed stateside in April 1968.
For his valor and distinguished service, Corporal Pollicino was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, three Presidential Unit Citations, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Meritorious Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal with Palm and Frame, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Joe built a career with Grand Union and later with the United States Postal Service. He has remained deeply committed to supporting veterans and has held numerous leadership roles within the veteran community.
He served as Albany County Director of the Veterans’ Service Bureau from 2005 to 2010 and again as Acting Director from April to August 2012. He has been a member and Past President of the Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans during multiple terms spanning from 1985 to the present. He is also a member of the 1st Marine Division Association (Marine of the Year, 1999), VFW Post 8444, Military Order of the Purple Heart, DAV Chapter 10, and American Legion Post 1520.
Joe played an instrumental role in the development and support of several memorial initiatives, including the New York State Vietnam Memorial, the Albany Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Town of Colonie Memorial Committees.
Joe and his wife Joyce are the proud parents of two sons, Joe and Bobby, and grandparents to seven grandchildren.
COL Charles R. Johnson, U.S. Army (Ret.)
2014 Veteran of the Year Winner
West Point Graduate & Vietnam Ranger Advisor
Colonel Charles R. “Charlie” Johnson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1955 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry. His career was marked by leadership in troop assignments and key operational roles.
During the Vietnam War, COL Johnson served as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor, Operations Officer in a U.S. Special Operations Group, and Battalion Commander in both the 9th and 25th Infantry Divisions. He also completed two tours at his alma mater—first in the Physical Education Department and later in the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. His senior staff assignments included service with the U.S. Readiness Command and the Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel.
His military education includes the Infantry Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, Army War College, Airborne and Ranger Schools, and the Pathfinder Course. He also earned graduate degrees from Columbia University and Penn State University. COL Johnson retired from the United States Army in 1981.
Since relocating to the Capital District in 1999, COL Johnson has been deeply engaged in community service. His involvement includes the Troy Mayor’s Ethics Committee, Board of Trustees of Oakwood Cemetery, Habitat for Humanity, and the New York State Governor’s Commission for State Veterans Cemeteries.
He is a member and Past President of the Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans and remains active in American Legion Post 1610, VFW Post 8444, Veterans of Lansingburgh, the Rensselaer County Veterans Organization, and as a DAV Van Driver volunteer at the Stratton VA Medical Center. He also serves on an advisory board for a leadership program at Duke University and is President of his West Point Class.
COL Johnson is married to Trudy Hall, Head of the Emma Willard School. He has three children: Sam, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and West Point Class of 1982 graduate; Joe, a resident at the Baddour Memorial Center in Mississippi; and Wendy, a fabric designer in Providence, Rhode Island.
James A. Haggerty
2013 Veteran of the Year Winner
U.S. Marine Corps Korean War Veteran & Champion for Veterans
James A. Haggerty honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954. During the Korean War, he served with G Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines as a heavy weapons specialist from 1952 to 1953.
For his service and valor in combat, Mr. Haggerty was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned to New York and devoted his professional and personal life to serving fellow veterans. He worked with the New York State Department of Labor in Veterans Programs and Training and became deeply involved in numerous volunteer veteran and community organizations throughout the state.
Throughout his lifetime of service, Jim has been widely recognized as a steadfast advocate and champion for veterans in New York State.
He currently resides in Valatie, New York.
1LT Calla Dever Osborne
2013 Veteran of the Year Winner
Bronze Star Recipient & U.S. Army Nurse Corps WWII Veteran
Calla Dever Osborne enlisted in the United States Army in May 1944 after learning of the Army’s urgent need for nurses during World War II. Following training, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and deployed overseas.
Landing at Marseille, France, she was assigned to the 54th Field Hospital. Serving in the post-operative ward, she cared for critically wounded soldiers from the Battle of the Bulge and the fighting at Bastogne. Her service took her across the Rhine River over a pontoon bridge and ultimately to Dachau, arriving just two to three days after its liberation.
For more than a month at Dachau, she treated former internees suffering primarily from severe malnutrition and typhus. For her extraordinary service, she was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
In May 1945, she returned to the United States and began preparations for deployment to the China-Burma-India Theater when the war ended. She was promoted to First Lieutenant and continued her Army service until 1947.
After leaving the Army, Calla met and married her husband, Karl Osborne, a former prisoner of war. She continued her nursing career at various hospitals throughout New York’s Capital District and became active in the Ex-POW Association.
She resides in Albany, New York.
Charles P. Evans
2012 Veteran of the Year Winner
U.S. Army Air Corps WWII Bomber Pilot
As a young man, Charles P. Evans developed a passion for aviation and earned his civilian pilot’s license prior to enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps just before the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
He trained in California as an Air Corps Cadet, initially flying AT-6 aircraft before transitioning to the B-24 Liberator. In 1944, he was assigned to the 409th Squadron, 93rd Bomb Group, 20th Combat Wing, 8th Air Force in the European Theater.
His first combat mission was flown over Pas de Calais on June 5, 1944. Operating at altitudes between 20,000 and 30,000 feet, his ten-man B-24 crew faced intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter attacks. After completing 30 combat missions—exceeding the required 25—he remained in Europe to train additional pilots.
Returning to the United States in 1945, he was stationed in California when the war against the Japanese Empire concluded.
Following his military service, Charles embarked on a distinguished civilian aviation career as a pilot with American Airlines, flying aircraft ranging from the DC-3 to the Boeing 707.
Charles Evans resides in Wilton, New York with his wife, Elsie.
Floyd J. Dumas
2011 Veteran of the Year Honoree
United States Army – World War II Veteran
Floyd J. Dumas is recognized as Veteran of the Year for 2011 for his distinguished service during World War II as a member of the 45th Infantry Division.
He participated in the Allied landings at Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio, Italy. During combat operations at Anzio, his unit was overrun by German forces and he was captured and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.
During a United States Air Force bombing raid, Mr. Dumas escaped captivity and, after four months evading capture behind enemy lines, successfully returned to U.S. forces in Naples.
His performance during World War II and in his subsequent civilian life has reflected the highest standards of the United States Military Forces and stands as a tribute to all Americans.
Dante J. Orsini
2011 Veteran of the Year Honoree
United States Marine Corps – World War II Veteran
Dante J. Orsini is recognized as Veteran of the Year for 2011 for his honorable service during World War II in the United States Marine Corps.
He served as a member of the Presidential Security Detail during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic “Day of Infamy” address to the United States Congress on December 8, 1941.
He later served with the 1st Marine Division and participated in the invasions of Guam and Okinawa.
His performance during World War II and in his subsequent civilian life has reflected the highest standards of the United States Military Forces and stands as a tribute to all Americans.
David W. Sexton
2011 Veteran of the Year Honoree
United States Army – World War II Veteran
David W. Sexton is recognized as Veteran of the Year for 2011 for his distinguished service during World War II as a member of the 90th Infantry Division.
He led a rifle squad during the landing at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, and was severely wounded on July 3, 1944.
His performance during World War II and in his subsequent civilian life has reflected the highest standards of the United States Military Forces and stands as a tribute to all Americans.