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US Army

Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58 Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58
Beloved Army Veteran, Retired White Plains Firefighter Dies In Crash At 58 A beloved Hudson Valley resident, Army veteran, and longtime Westchester firefighter is being remembered for his larger-than-life personality, unwavering support for his family, and dedication to his community following his tragic death in a car crash. New, updated report - New Details Revealed In Fiery Taconic Parkway Crash In Putnam Valley That Killed Veteran Dutchess County resident Michael Fitzgerald of Fishkill died on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the age of 58 from injuries sustained in a crash on the Taconic State Parkway in the Putnam County town of Putnam Valley, according to his obi…
Former Chief Of Ardsley Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' Former Chief Of Ardsley Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed'
Former Chief Of Ardsley Fire Department Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' The beloved former chief of a Westchester County fire department is being remembered for serving his community for six decades.  Joseph Marsek, the former chief of the Ardsley Fire Department, died on Monday, Nov. 4 at the age of 81, according to his obituary.  According to the department, Marsek was a Life Member who served for 60 years.  "Joe was a mentor to all of us and loved by so many. He will be sorely missed," the department wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, Nov. 5.  Born in 1943, Marsek was a lifelong Ardsley resident who graduated from C…
US Army Defends Employee Confronted By Trump Staffer At Arlington National Cemetery US Army Defends Employee Confronted By Trump Staffer At Arlington National Cemetery
US Army Defends Employee Confronted By Trump Staffer At Arlington National Cemetery The US Army has responded after a staffer for former President Donald Trump shoved a woman at the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) who was only attempting to do her job.  An over-eager member of Trump's team is accused of pushing an employee at the cemetery while the Republican candidate was visiting the gravesite earlier this week, officials say. Following the incident on Monday, Aug. 26, the Army issued a statement about the questionable visit. President Trump honoring the American heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/s5xb2fiVVX —…
New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life' New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life'
New Update: Westchester HS Senior Killed In Crash Had 'Infectious Enthusiasm For Life' A high school senior from Northern Westchester who was killed in a crash only two days before graduation is being remembered for his success as a soccer player and his desire to serve his country. Fox Lane High School senior Joshua Martinez Arana, age 18, was killed following a crash in Bedford Hills on Tuesday, June 18, just two days before the school's graduation ceremony.  Earlier Report - Fox Lane High School Senior Killed In Crash Days Before Graduation On the day of the crash, a car occupied by Arana and his friend another Fox Lane High School senior, cr…
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life'
Adored Army Vet, Nonprofit Founder From Hudson Valley Dies At 38: 'Larger-Than-Life' A beloved US Army veteran from the Hudson Valley who dedicated much of his time and effort toward helping his fellow troops is being remembered for his large personality and ability to form a lasting bond with anyone.  Putnam County resident Luke Rathschmidt of Mahopac died unexpectedly in South Carolina on Saturday, May 18 at the age of 38, according to his obituary.  Born in 1986, Rathschmidt was a proud US Army veteran who served in Iraq in the 82nd Airborne Division.  His time in the military left a lasting impression on him that shaped much of the rest of…
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-NYPD Detective Dies Suddenly At 54
Hudson Valley Councilman, Ex-nypd Detective Dies Suddenly At 54 A popular and accomplished Hudson Valley councilman died after suffering a heart attack at age 54. Rockland County Councilman Mark Woods, of Clarkstown, died on Friday, May 17, from an apparent heart attack, town officials said.  Woods, a member of the Clarkstown Board and director of peer veteran services at the nonprofit BRIDGES was elected to represent Ward 1 in November 2023. A graduate of the Citadel, Woods was a decorated retired New York Police Department (NYPD) detective and combat US Army veteran who served in Iraq.  "From an early age, Mark chose service to others…
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Fallen Hudson Valley Officer Who Died In Crash A community is coming together to support the family of a US Army veteran and dedicated police officer from the Hudson Valley who died suddenly in a crash.  Following the untimely death of Putnam County's Jose Colon, a committed officer who served with the Brewster Police Department, dozens of friends, family members, and fellow officers have come together to support Colon's wife and son financially. Earlier report - Brewster Police Officer Jose Colon Dies Suddenly At Age 55 Colon, a US Army veteran who spent two decades with the New York City Police Department before serving in …
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire'
Beloved Sergeant, Army Vet From Hudson Valley Dies At 67: 'His Memory Will Continue To Inspire' A sheriff's office in the Hudson Valley is mourning the loss of a retired sergeant and Army veteran who always followed his passions while also making time to serve his community.  Putnam County resident Doug MacCrae of Brewster died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17 at the age of 67, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, April 19.  Known for his long career in law enforcement, MacCrae served with the Sheriff's Office as a Deputy and Sergeant for 25 years. He was also a Youth Officer and played a large role in developing Putnam's School Resource Progr…
West Point Cadet Dies In Drowning Accident West Point Cadet Dies In Drowning Accident
West Point Cadet Dies In Drowning Accident A West Point cadet died while on leave in what police say was an accidental incident. Havin Morris, age 21, of Pleasanton, California, a student at West Point in Orange County in the town of Highlands, drowned on Monday, March 25, while on leave in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Cadet Morris was a valued member of the Corps of Cadets, committed to serving his country as an Army Officer," said West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland. "The entire West Point community offers our heartfelt condolences to the Morris family." According to the Fort Lauderdale Police, his death appears t…
Lifelong Firefighter From Westchester Dies: 'Quiet, Humble, Dedicated' Lifelong Firefighter From Westchester Dies: 'Quiet, Humble, Dedicated'
Lifelong Firefighter From Westchester Dies: 'Quiet, Humble, Dedicated' A lifelong Northern Westchester resident and veteran who spent eight decades bravely serving his community as a firefighter is being remembered for his willingness to help others.  Croton-on-Hudson resident John J. Giglio, also known as "Johnny Gig," died on Monday, March 4 at the age of 96, according to his obituary.  Giglio had been an 80-year member of the Washington Engine Company No. 2 in Croton and was well-loved and immensely respected throughout those years, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain, President, and other positions. Born in Buchanan in 1927, Giglio attended Croton Harmon Hig…
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Westchester School District Dies A beloved teacher who spent 40 years with a Northern Westchester school district and was known for keeping in touch with students for decades is being remembered for his ability to change the lives of those he taught. Longtime Pleasantville resident Adrian McGuire, who taught at the Chappaqua Central School District for decades, died on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the age of 99 at the Waterview Hills rehabilitation center in North Salem, according to his obituary. Born in Pleasantville in June 1924, McGuire graduated from Regis High School and Fordham University before earning his Ma…
Retired Police Sergeant, Army Vet From Westchester Dies Retired Police Sergeant, Army Vet From Westchester Dies
Retired Police Sergeant, Army Vet From Westchester Dies A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a retired police sergeant who served his community for over a quarter of a century.  Retired Mount Vernon Police Sergeant Jessie Kimble died on Friday, Aug. 18 at the age of 84, Mount Vernon Police announced.  Kimble, a resident of Yonkers, served with the department for over 25 years before retiring, according to his obituary.  He joined the department after returning home from service with the US Army.  "Our condolences go to his family and loved ones," Mount Vernon Police said on social media.  A service for&n…
Beloved Teacher, Coach From Westchester Dies: 'Man Of Integrity, Intelligence, Boundless Love' Beloved Teacher, Coach From Westchester Dies: 'Man Of Integrity, Intelligence, Boundless Love'
Beloved Teacher, Coach From Westchester Dies: 'Man Of Integrity, Intelligence, Boundless Love' A former educator, athlete, and coach from Long Island who worked in Westchester is being remembered for the deep impact he had on his community over the years.  Longtime White Plains resident Daniel A. Woodard Jr. died on Tuesday, May 16 at the age of 93, according to his obituary.  Born in the Nassau County village of Rockville Centre in 1930, Woodard displayed talent in academics and athletics from an early age and went on to play baseball and football at Winston-Salem State University, where he formed a close bond with Coach Clarence ‘Big House’ Gaines. After g…
Lifelong Member Of Fire Department In Westchester, Army Vet Dies Lifelong Member Of Fire Department In Westchester, Army Vet Dies
Lifelong Member Of Fire Department In Westchester, Army Vet Dies A community in Northern Westchester is mourning the loss of a lifelong firefighter who dedicated his life to public service.  Hawthorne resident Robert McKechnie died on Tuesday, May 16 at the age of 86, according to his obituary.  Born in 1937, McKechnie graduated from James Bryant High School in Queens and soon after graduation, went on begin a 40-year career at Pepsi.  He also served his country in the US Army from 1960 to 1962, and married his wife, Joan, not long after in 1964.  The couple first lived in Yonkers before moving to Hawthorne, where the…
Former HS Baseball Coach Who Led Team To State Championship Dies: From Westchester Former HS Baseball Coach Who Led Team To State Championship Dies: From Westchester
Former HS Baseball Coach Who Led Team To State Championship Dies: From Westchester A former high school varsity baseball coach from Northern Westchester who led his team to a state championship is being remembered for his ability to connect with his players.  Amleto “Mel” Giarolo of Croton-on-Hudson died on Saturday, April 21 at the age of 88 after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and renal cancer, according to his obituary.  Born in Tarrytown in 1934, Giarolo spent his life following his passion for the game of baseball. After he was honorably discharged from the US Army, he began playing ball with the Lexington Indians, an independent minor lea…
Army Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Hudson Valley Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas Army Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Hudson Valley Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas
Army Sergeant Nabbed For Murder Of Hudson Valley Man Was Due To Be Deployed Overseas A United State Army sergeant from the Hudson Valley who has been indicted in the murder of an area man was due to be deployed overseas Orange County resident Junando Dawkins, age 29, of Newburgh was apprehended at the US Army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said the Ulster County District Attorney's Office. The indictment stems from a homicide investigation conducted by the New York State Police, in collaboration with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office into the death of Daniel Spotards, a 41-year-old father of two, whose body was found at the end of his driveway by a sanitatio…
US Army Soldier Charged In Connection To Murder Of 41-Year-Old In Hudson Valley US Army Soldier Charged In Connection To Murder Of 41-Year-Old In Hudson Valley
US Army Soldier Charged In Connection To Murder Of 41-Year-Old In Hudson Valley A months-long investigation into a murder in the Hudson Valley has led to the arrest of a United States Army soldier. Orange County resident Junando Dawkins, age 29, of Newburgh was apprehended at the US Army base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, New York State Police announced on Saturday, March 11. The body of the victim in the case, 41-year-old Daniel Spotards, was found in Ulster County early Monday, Jan. 2, in the town of Plattekil, on the Campbell Lane extension near Saul Trail. Spotards was located outside his residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Dawkins was indicted on the …
'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies 'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies
'Good Friend, Mentor': Beloved Deacon From Westchester Dies A beloved Deacon and former store owner from Westchester known for serving his community in times of need has died.  William "Deacon Billy " Vaccaro of Port Chester died on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the age of 89, according to his obituary.  A graduate of Port Chester High School, Vaccaro first served with the US Army in Korea before returning home and joining the family business, Vaccaro's Supermarket, which he operated with his brothers Joseph and Anthony for 25 years.  It was at this supermarket that Vaccaro helped many people earn their first work experience through b…
Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County
Bar Temporarily Closes After Owner Dies In Westchester County A bar in Northern Westchester is temporarily closed as it processes the loss of its owner.  Unionville Tavern, located in Hawthorne at 415 Commerce St., announced that it would close for a period of time after its owner, Gordon Krueger of Ossining, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13 at the age of 78.  Krueger, also affectionately known as "Gordo," died at home with his wife, Candice, at his side, the bar announced in a post on social media.  According to his obituary, Krueger was in the restaurant business for more than 50 years, and also owned establishments such …
Former Police Officer In Westchester County Dies Former Police Officer In Westchester County Dies
Former Police Officer In Westchester County Dies A beloved husband and father from the Hudson Valley who was both a US Army veteran and a former police officer in Westchester County has died.  Putnam County resident Richard Kennedy of Carmel died on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the age of 72, according to his obituary.  Born in 1949 in New York City, Kennedy served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970 and then served as a police officer in Port Chester until he retired in 1977, his obituary said.  A lover of the outdoors, Kennedy could often be found hunting and loved spending time with friends at his "Hunting Cabin," according to his…
Counterfeit Batteries Sold By NY Company To Defense Dept. Caused Military Equip. Failures: Feds Counterfeit Batteries Sold By NY Company To Defense Dept. Caused Military Equip. Failures: Feds
Counterfeit Batteries Sold By NY Company To Defense Dept. Caused Military Equip. Failures: Feds A New York military contractor will pay $75,000 to resolve allegations that it sold counterfeit batteries to the Department of Defense that later caused “military equipment failures.” With the payment, Industrial Equipment and Supply Company (IESC), located in Latham in Albany County, along with its principals, Mark and Sandra Nystoriak, settled allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, IESC contracted to sell batteries to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which manages the worldwide supply chain for the Dep…
Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal
Harrison's John J. Plunkett, 91, Was The Last American Chief Engineer At The Panama Canal John J. (Jack) Plunkett, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Project Engineer, died on his 91st birthday, July 16, 2022 at his home in Niceville, FL. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The son of Frank and Ellen Hackman Plunkett, Jack was born on July 16, 1931 in Harrison,  In his youth, he had a magazine delivery route, a newspaper route, raised pigeons, caddied often, and set pins in a bowling alley. He graduated Harrison High School at age 16 because of the Great Depression when his father lost his home. He was an Eagle Scout with three Palms and was awarded the Order of the…
US Soldier From Connecticut Killed By Lightning Strike US Soldier From Connecticut Killed By Lightning Strike
US Soldier From Connecticut Killed By Lightning Strike A soldier who was killed by a lightning strike during a training mission has been identified as being a Connecticut resident. Tolland County resident Sgt.1st Class Michael D. Clark, of the town of Bolton, died on Wednesday, July 20, at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, Georgia. During the training exercise, Clark, age 41, was killed and nine others sustained injuries associated with the lightning strike, said the Department of US Army Reserves. Fort Gordon’s EMS responded to the scene immediately, and the soldiers were transported to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for medical care, offici…
US Army Veteran Leaves Fairfield County To Join Ukraine's Fight Against Russia US Army Veteran Leaves Fairfield County To Join Ukraine's Fight Against Russia
US Army Veteran Leaves Fairfield County To Join Ukraine's Fight Against Russia A US Army veteran has left his family in Connecticut behind to help fight the Russian forces invading Ukraine. Fairfield County resident James Vasquez, age 47, of Norwalk, is on the front lines and is telling a harrowing story via Twitter of the resolve and grit of the Ukrainian soldiers and people. In a post from just 20 hours ago, Vasquez tweeted: "Just went through six straight hours of combat. I have crazy video I’ll post later. 2 men were shot but will be ok. One fatality 😞" In return, Vasquez wrote that the Ukrainian forces had taken out numerous Russians as well as several Russian …
24-Year-Old Soldier From Westchester Killed In Off-Post Crash 24-Year-Old Soldier From Westchester Killed In Off-Post Crash
24-Year-Old Soldier From Westchester Killed In Off-Post Crash A soldier from the Hudson Valley was killed in an off-post, single-vehicle crash in North Carolina. Northern Westchester native Marcello L. Scrudato, a resident of Fishkill in Dutchess County since 2007, was 24 years old.  He died in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday, Jan. 29 in Sanford, North Carolina, located near the Fort Bragg Army Base, where he was stationed.  “As a soldier, Cpl. Scrudato was an outstanding individual, and as a person he was even better,” Lt. Col. Burton Furlow, commander of 528th Special Troops Battalion said in a statement reported by WNCN, CBS 17 in R…
Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41 Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41
Former Hudson Valley Congressional Candidate Found Dead At Age 41 A 41-year-old lifelong New Yorker died in an apparent suicide two weeks after he dropped out of his race for a United States House of Representatives seat in the Hudson Valley. Afghanistan war veteran Kyle Van De Water, age 41, was found dead in Dutchess County on Tuesday, Sept. 7, in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery by City of Poughkeepsie police. Sources told the Mid-Hudson News his death was under investigation as a “likely suicide.” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said on Twitter his heart was broken for Van De Water's family, including his four children.  “Kyle was a war hero who…
Chappaqua Native, Decorated Officer in Vietnam War, Longtime Corning Inc. VP David Lyons, 79 Chappaqua Native, Decorated Officer in Vietnam War, Longtime Corning Inc. VP David Lyons, 79
Chappaqua Native, Decorated Officer in Vietnam War, Longtime Corning Inc. VP David Lyons, 79 David (“Dave”) Gates  Lyons, 79, and a 10-year resident of Deale, MD, died on Monday, Aug. 2 at his home.  Born on February 28, 1942 in Bryn Mawr, PA to the late Charles and Gertrude Lyons, Dave graduated from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua in 1960. He achieved Eagle Scout rank and went on to earn a BSME degree from Lehigh University in 1964 and a MBA degree in Finance from Columbia University in 1969. While at Lehigh University, Dave joined the wrestling team, Theta Delta Chi fraternity and ROTC. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy, attending Officer Candida…
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County A famous actor has endorsed a candidate running for a post in New York. Matt Damon, known for his roles in movies such as Good Will Hunting and The Martian, recorded a video sharing his endorsement of Clark Petschek for Bedford Town Justice in Northern Westchester County. Petschek is running against Jodi Kimmel for the position. Damon, a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a longtime friend of Petschek, since they were roommates at Harvard University.  "He's one of the most exceptional people I've met in my life," Damon said. "I've followed his life and career closely since c…
Yale Murder Suspect Nabbed In Alabama Yale Murder Suspect Nabbed In Alabama
Yale Murder Suspect Nabbed In Alabama United States Marshals have arrested a man believed to be responsible for the February shooting death of a Yale grad student in Connecticut.  Qinxuan Pan, age 29, an MIT researcher, was arrested on Friday, May 14, in Montgomery, Alabama, US Marshals said. They did not say where in Montgomery he was found.  Pan is the prime suspect in the shooting death of Kevin Jiang, age 26, who was shot to death on Lawrence Street between Nicoll and Nash streets in New Haven on Saturday, Feb. 6. Jiang was a second-year master’s student at the Yale School of the Environment and was set to graduate this y…
Donald Hackert Was Pilot, Baseball Coach, Ump, Formerly Of Mount Kisco Donald Hackert Was Pilot, Baseball Coach, Ump, Formerly Of Mount Kisco
Donald Hackert Was Pilot, Baseball Coach, Ump, Formerly Of Mount Kisco Donald Rae Hackert died on Thursday, April 1. Formerly of Mount Kisco and Londonderry, NH, he was a resident of Sebastian, FL at the time of his death. He was a pilot for 30 years, flying for Mohawk Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, and US Airways. The son of Frederick Hackert and Dorothy Glasgow Hackert, Don was born in 1933 in the Bronx. After the death of his mother, his father married Julia Welsh Hackert, who had his four siblings: Thomas, Beverly, Dianne, and Herbert. Don graduated from Mount Kisco High School and served in the U.S. Army in Germany. Afterward, he worked on the ground…
NYPD Officer Accused Of Acting As Illegal Agent For China NYPD Officer Accused Of Acting As Illegal Agent For China
Nypd Officer Accused Of Acting As Illegal Agent For China A Long Island man working for the NYPD has been arrested for allegedly acting as an agent for a foreign government and spying on New Yorkers, prosecutors said. Baimadajie Angwang, 33, who was born in the autonomous region of Tibet in China and now lives in Williston Park in Nassau County, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 21 for allegedly reporting to officials at the Chinese consulate about the activities of Tibetans in New York. In addition to his work as an NYPD officer, Angwang also serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. It is alleged that Angwang, who works in the 111th precinct in Queens, init…