FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 12, 2023
Local Veterans to be Honored for Their Service
by County Executive McCoy
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 two exceptional individuals who have bravely served our country.
County Executive McCoy will hold his biannual Honor a Living Veteran ceremony and honor James Gaige and Elmo Kearsing on Wednesday, June 14 at 10:00am at Crossgates Mall (on the first floor near 110 Grill).
James Gaige is Veteran who served in the United States Army as a Specialist 4th class E4 and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky where he was assigned to the Armored Engineer Board, Test, and Evaluation Center working in the welding and fabrication shop. He also served in the Navy Seabees Reserves as a BUC Builder Chief E7 and was active in Texas, Guam, Puerto Rico and other states and countries where he was involved in building schools and medical clinics as well as humanitarian relief projects. After his honorable discharge, he worked as a floor covering installation instructor for major floor covering manufacturers. He’s been an active member of the American Legion Post 977 for 48 years and a 14-year member of the VFW Post 9062. He is also active with the American Legion Riders and the BPOE Lodge 2480.
Elmo Kearsing is a Veteran who served in the United States Navy Reserve as a Lithographer third class on the USS Tanner AGS15, a geographical survey ship going to the Barents Sea north of the Arctic Circle 20 miles off the coast of Russia. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Albany Medical Center in the print shop then as a machines operator and office equipment repairman for General Electric. Before he retired, he worked for Penn Central Railroad as a fireman and was then promoted to Locomotive engineer. He’s been a member of the Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post #1520 for 53 years serving as Sgt. At Arms Vice Commander and was awarded an Honorary Life membership.
This will be the 17th such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 47 veterans.
###