FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
Local Veterans to be Honored for Their Service
by County Executive McCoy
–At Crossgates November 7, 2024-
Guilderland, NY – Albany County has had a proud history of its residents serving our state and country. They have put their lives on the line for their community, and we want to make sure they know that their service has not gone unnoticed. Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy will recognize three exceptional individuals who have bravely served our country.
County Executive McCoy will hold his biannual Honor a Living Veteran ceremony and honor Frank Bielawa, James Sill, and Denis Topliffe on Thursday, November 7 at 10:00am at Crossgates (on the lower level near 110 Grill).
Frank Bielawa served in the United States Army, 29th Infantry Division as an Infantryman in England and France. He received training in Fort Blanding, Florida and landed in Normandy. After being injured shortly after arriving in France, Frank was reassigned as a driver to a General Officer. When he returned stateside, Frank built a home for himself and his wife. He worked in textiles and then at Honeywell as a Heavy Machinery Operator for 31 years until retiring in 1980.
James Sill is a Veteran who served in the United States Navy Reserve on the USS Savannah in Vietnam from 1969-1975 as a Boilerman Fireman. He took part in combat actions and supplied ammunition, oil, and other supplies to ships off the coast of Vietnam. James earned the Navy Discharge Button, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Plank Holder of USS Hugh, and Certificate Holder for passing through Panama Canal. After his return home, James was a Sears and Roebuck Auto Mechanic and Road Technician for 25 years.
Denis Topliffe is an Iraq War Combat Veteran who served in the United States Army, 42nd Infantry Division. Denis joined the Army as a combat engineer in 1983 and later transitioned into the infantry in the mid-90s. He responded to the 9/11 attacks at ground zero as a part of the New York Army National Guard, assisting in recovery and removal. Denis then transitioned to Head of Security at Pier 92 multi-force headquarters. He was eventually deployed to Iraq and after returning, he served in several leadership roles within the military intelligence community. Denis earned 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 11 Army Achievement Medals, and a Presidential Unit Citation. He returned home after retiring in 2018, worked as a special education teacher, and continues to engage with his local Veteran community.
This will be the 20th such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 55 veterans.
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About Crossgates:
Crossgates is the Capital Region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination offering an impressive selection of national brands and the newest retail concepts. The center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Primark and Best Buy, while offering more than 180 retail shops, including Apple. Crossgates offers 10 entertainment venues and over 20 on-site eateries, such as Dave & Buster’s, Get Air, Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, Maggie McFly’s and Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Or simply relax at our award-winning day spa, Spa Mirbeau. Located adjacent to a dual-branded 192-room Homewood Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel, Crossgates is your destination to EAT. SHOP. PLAY. STAY. Additional information regarding Crossgates can be found at shopcrossgates.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations dominate the northeast with 9 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com