18 local veterans recognized for their service

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — 18 veterans who served on active duty between 1955 and 1975 received Congressional recognition for the sacrifices they made in protecting our nation.

Each veteran was presented with a pin and a plaque for their service. The executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester says it’s not just about their service to our country, but to each other as well.

“To me, the symbol of people who are trying to take care of the other veterans that come after them and that’s what our Vietnam Vets — all of you — that’s what we started in this community and that’s the legacy that I hope to continue,” Laura Heltz said.

Congressman Joe Morelle presented the pins to the following veterans:

• Kenneth Kohl, U.S. Army
• John Favret, U.S. Army
• Jefrey Mason, U.S. Navy
• Thomas Marrocco, U.S. Marine Corps
• David Kolchuck, U.S. Army
• Gary Gailor, U.S. Airforce
• Bohdan Cholach, U.S. Army
• Mike Waters, U.S. Airforce
• David Petri, U.S. Army
• Thomas Ras, U.S. Army
• Jon Freckleton, U.S. Airforce
• Ron Gentle, U.S. Airforce
• William Wallace, U.S. Army
• Michael Gudselak, U.S. Army
• Joseph Fernandes, U.S. Airforce
• Eugene Lylak, U.S. Army
• Walter Cholach, U.S. Army
• Myron Babiuk. U.S. Army

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