During a ceremony at the Bath American Legion Post 173 on Thursday, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) welcomed Steuben County native Scott Ward, a highly decorated United States Army veteran and a well-known mainstay of numerous local organizations and initiatives, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
O’Mara saluted Ward for a lifetime of distinguished military and civilian service in front of family members, friends, and fellow veterans attending Thursday’s ceremony in Bath.
The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005 and, including this year, has inducted more than 1,000 veterans from throughout New York. The Hall salutes New York veterans for their service in the United States Armed Forces and their civilian accomplishments. State Senators annually select one veteran to represent their respective legislative districts. In May, the Senate conducted a statewide Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Albany and officially recognized Ward and approximately 60 other veterans from across the state as 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005 and, including this year, has inducted more than 1,000 veterans from throughout New York. The Hall salutes New York veterans for their service in the United States Armed Forces and their civilian accomplishments. State Senators annually select one veteran to represent their respective legislative districts. In May, the Senate conducted a statewide Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Albany and officially recognized Ward and approximately 60 other veterans from across the state as 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
The Senate’s online Veterans Hall of Fame can be viewed here: https://www.nysenate.gov/honorees/2022/honoring-our-veterans.
O’Mara said, “It is a great honor to induct and to welcome Scott Ward into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. It will help to ensure that his service to our nation and his commitment to area communities will always be remembered. The New York State Senate provides this opportunity to salute the service of local veterans who have also devoted their civilian lives and made difference-making contributions to local communities. Scott Ward served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan with bravery, distinction, and excellence. Following his service, Scott returned home to Steuben County where he has dedicated his life’s work to service in agriculture, education, and stronger communities. Scott has positively impacted many lives here in our region and I am proud, through the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, to express our collective gratitude and respect.”
Ward was commissioned through the ROTC program at Cornell University in 1988. He served in the Army as an Infantry Platoon Leader, Light Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, Infantry Brigade Liaison Officer, Basic Combat Training Company Commander, and Battalion/Brigade Operations Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). He is the recipient of numerous prestigious military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal (OLC), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Airborne Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (OLC), Army Commendation Medal (OLC), and the Army Achievement Medal (2OLC).
Ward and his wife Kari own and operate Windydale Farm in Avoca. They have three children, sons Bradley (Gabrielle), Christopher (Alexandra) and daughter, Danielle (Chase) Howard. He is a member of the Bath Central School District Board of Education, Vice President of the Steuben County Farm Bureau, and member of the Safety and Security Team at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church.
Ward’s full Hall of Fame biography follows:
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