Forty-four local veterans from across the 54th Senate District were recognized last week during Senator Helming’s 9th Annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony, held at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua on Oct. 30.
This was the largest number of veterans to be recognized at the annual event, drawing several hundred attendees to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to their communities, both during and after their military service. Honorees represented Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, and Monroe counties, encompassing towns such as Victor, Geneva, Canandaigua, Palmyra, Mount Morris, and Honeoye Falls.
Veterans were nominated by a family member, friend, or community member. Helming spent time talking about each nominee’s service and character.
“Hosting this ceremony is one of my greatest honors as a State Senator,” Helming said. “It is my opportunity to personally thank the men and women who served our nation with courage, strength, and selflessness. Their stories are powerful reminders of what it means to serve, and of the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifice.”
This year’s honorees represented multiple generations, from World War II up until the Global War on Terror. A gold star mother whos daughter died while serving in the armed forces was also present for the event and Helming took time to recognize their family’s sacrifice.
Senator Helming spoke about how important this event is to her personally, as her father enlisted into the Air Force at the age of 17 during the Korean War.
“As a member of a military family, I know that many veterans are humble about their service and do not always share their experiences,” Helming said. “This event ensures that their stories are seen, shared, and remembered. While each story is unique, they all share a common thread: when their military service ended, their service to others continued.”
The 2025 honorees included:
Ontario County: Robert “Bob” Merkel, Ralph Conklin, *G. Frederick Schutz, Gerardo “Jerry” Reyes, Robert Albrecht, Benjamin M. Corke, James Harry Wicker, Robert Norman Werth, James W. Sanford, *Anthony Pete Petrucci Sr., John Falbo, Rebecca Keough, Troy Shelton, Anthony J. Fratto, *Roy S. Japp, Todd F. Strelow, James Joseph Remmel, Robert Good, Laura Van Buren, *Richard Franklin Webb, William J. Ambrose, Kenneth A. Jensen Sr., Robert F. Wallace, *Gerald Victor Schadt.
Wayne County: Melissa S. Spoon, Francis X. Frey, Joshua A. Snyder, Bernard William Cannan Jr., Kevin Heald, Edward Walker, *Rev. Edward Earl Bortle.
Livingston County: Jacob “Jake” Cicero, Justin Cogswell, Robert “Bob” Wolter Jr., David E. Harcleroad, Peter Treible, Kenneth James Weaver Jr., Jerome Butterbrodt, Daniel G. Walkley.
Monroe County: John Harvey Connelly, *Walford “Wally” Anderson, Francis Jude Clark, Kenneth Juergens, *Ben Rowlinson Jr.
(*Honored posthumously.)
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