Winslow receives achievement honors
New York Army National Guard Spc. Emily Winslow of Amsterdam has received an Army Achievement Medal during a ceremony at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany.
Winslow earned the medal while serving as a medic with the Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade. She was recognized for her assistance in administering seasonal flu shots to soldiers and civilians.
Her Task Force Orion supports the Joint Multinational Training Groupukraine mission.
Military Courtesy Room
John J. Mckenna III of Clifton Park, director of the Marine Capt. John Mckenna IV Military Courtesy Room at Albany International Airport, has accepted a $1,000 donation from the Eastern Contractors Association.
The MCR commemorates the Marine Reserve captain who was killed in the Iraq war. As a civilian, he was a state trooper. To date, more than 52,000 members of the military and their families have taken the opportunity to use the Military Courtesy Room, according to Mckenna III.
The Military Courtesy Room provides a place for traveling military personnel to rest and recreate as they await their flights and to assist them with any issues dealing with their travel. Light refreshments, snacks and a welcoming atmosphere are offered to all military personnel who visit the Courtesy Room. The room is outfitted with cable TV, DVD, video games, telephone and internet access to enable guests to view and send email.
The Capital John J. Mckenna IV Military Courtesy room is staffed by volunteers. For information and or to volunteer call 518-242-4415.
Veterans’ breakfasts
A Veterans and Friends Breakfast Club has a new name.
The Lois Wilson Memorial Breakfast Club will meet at two locations. The name commemorates Wilson of Schodack, a veterans’ advocate, who founded the club. She died last year.
The breakfast is from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursdays at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post at 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush.
The club also meets from 8 to 11 a.m. Fridays at the Gateway Diner, 899 Central Ave., Albany.
World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan War, Iraq War and other veterans as well as their wives, husbands, and friends are welcome.
Service dog awareness
Efforts to raise funds and an awareness of veterans’ need of service dogs didn’t end when Jimmy Thomas of Ballston Spa completed a 3,945-mile journey from Glenville to Key West, Fla., and back. Thomas, an Army veteran, completed the four-month Doggie Paddle for Veterans trek Feb. 4 and paddled a kayak on the Mohawk and Hudson rivers to New York Harbor as well as and along the Atlantic Coast and the Intercoastal Waterway to Florida. He bicycled back through snow, sleet and rain as well as sub-freezing temperatures.
Thomas and others raised more than $50,000 during the journey, which was backed by the Glenville Rotary Club and the Rotary Club Foundation.
Thomas, who has a seizure disorder and other medical issues, was escorted by five police agencies as he bicycled during the final part of the trek. Supporters lined streets, waved American flags and offered encouragement as he biked by them.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide each day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since 2014, more than 119,000 veterans have died by suicide. But service dogs help prevent PTSD relapses and suicide. They also
can help veterans lead a normal life, Thomas said.
It can cost more than $50,000 to train a service dog for a veteran, he said. “Most veterans can’t afford the expense,” the Glenville Rotary Club member said.
Although Thomas’ journey ended and he has returned to his contracting business, Thomas’ efforts to promote awareness of the need for service dogs for veterans is ongoing, said Beth Kissinger, assistant governor of the Rotary Club Area 6. Kissinger helped organize Thomas’ trek.
“There’s still a need for money for service dogs and training and awareness of that need.” Thomas said.
Kissinger said Thomas and the Rotary Club are planning a number of fundraising events. Details will be announced soon.
Thomas is making radio and television appearances as well as speaking to Rotary Clubs and other organizations.
To donate money for Thomas’ project, make checks payable to the Glenville Rotary Foundation and mail to Glenville Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 2638, Glenville, NY 12325. Or, donate online at doggiepaddle.org. To contact Jimmy Thomas or Beth Kissinger email doggiepaddle4veterans@gmail.com.