NCO is recognized for 40 years of service
New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Paul Mulligan of East Greenbush, an Iraq war veteran, has received a Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his more than 40 years of exemplary military duty.
Mulligan received the medal during his retirement testimony at the New York National Guard Headquarters in Latham. Mulligan, who enlisted in the active Army in June 1981, and served in what was then West Germany, joined the New York Army National Guard in 1985.
During his long career, Mulligan served as a radio teletype operator, an antiarmor infantryman and a chemical operations specialist, as well as an operations noncommissioned officer at levels from battalion to division. He also served in support of the New York National Guard response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Mulligan deployed to Iraq with the 42nd Infantry Division in 2005 and spent 21 months on federal active duty before, during and after the deployment. He served as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the division’s civil affairs section during that deployment.
His most recent assignment was with the New York Army National Guard Operations and Training Office where he
was responsible for overseeing annual training, drill weekend planning and resource management. For many years, Mulligan was responsible for scheduling National Guard soldiers for their required military schools.
Col. Sean Flynn, the director of Operations and Training, praised Mulligan for his selfless service over the years, and making sure that soldiers always received the training and schools they needed.
“It has been my honor to serve the country, and to serve the state of New York,” Mulligan said. “It has been an honor to serve with the people I served with. The uniforms have changed. The equipment
has changed. But the mission hasn’t changed. We are here to defend the Constitution of the United States.”
He has also earned an Army Achievement Badge, a Combat Action Badge, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, a New York State Long and Faithful Service Award, a New York State Defense of Liberty Medal and a New York State Humane Service Medal.
Care packages
A Saratoga County drive has been launched to help
Blue Star Mothers of American New York 2 to fill care packages to be sent to troops from the Capital Region who are deployed overseas.
The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office is partnering with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga County Veterans Business Council and Hannaford stores to launch the Yellow Ribbon Day donation collection to benefit the Blue Star Mothers, Craig Hayner, town clerk, announced.
People can drop off donations now through April 7 at any collection box located at the county clerk’s office, Saratoga County DMV locations, the Saratoga County Veterans’ Services Agency, Halfmoon Town Hall and at participating Hannaford stores throughout Saratoga County.
The collection will culminate on Yellow Ribbon Day, Saturday, April 9, with an 11 a.m. ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Halfmoon. Donations will be presented to the Blue Star Mothers.
Hayner says the Blue Star Mothers will use the donations to make “Freedom Boxes” to ship to deployed troops who call the Capital Region home.
Snack and personal care donations requested include individual and travel size packages of crackers, microwaveable cup of soup, fruit snacks, granola bars and beef jerky, as well as personal care items such as insect repellent, wipes, toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, lip balm and puzzle books. A full list of donation requests is on the Saratoga County clerk webpage at www.saratogacountyny.gov and its Facebook page, @saratogacountyclerk.
Monetary donations are also accepted to help ship and fill Freedom Boxes. Those interested can donate to “Blue Star Mothers of America — NY2” through the Paypal Giving Fund (www.paypal.com/ fundraiser/hub). Alternatively, checks can be made payable to Blue Star Mothers of America — NY2 and sent to P.O. Box 243, Delmar, NY 12054. Suggested donations include $15 to ship a box; $35 to fill a box. It costs $50 to ship and fill a box. Any donation amount is welcome.
More information is available on the Blue Star Mothers of America — NY2 Facebook page, @Ny2bluestarmoms.
“We receive many requests for Freedom Boxes from troops stationed all over the world and as parents of service men and women, it’s important to us to accommodate every request,” said Donna Vickery, president of Blue Star Mothers of Americany 2.
“It’s always a good time to remember those who are serving abroad, and with the troubling current events and more troops deploying across the globe, it’s as important as ever,” said Frank Mcclement, Director of the Saratoga County Veterans’ Service Agency. “I can say from personal experience while serving overseas that receiving a care package of items of necessity and some comforts of home is a tremendous morale boost. Not only is it a blessing to have the items received, but also knowing that there are folks back home who care and support you is a great feeling. We are proud to partner with all the great folks involved in this effort and hope everyone will join us to support our service men and women.”
On the move
The Veterans and Friends Breakfast Club has outgrown its meeting place at the Schodack Diner. The club will now meet 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post at 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush.
Stories and laughter will continue at the post where there’s room to grow, according to Lois Wilson, one of the club’s founders.
Attendees include World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian War, Iraq War, Afghanistan, Cold War and other veterans. Veterans, their wives and husbands, children, grandchildren and friends are welcome.