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Ortt posthumously honors North Tonawanda veteran in Veteran's Hall of Fame

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Tue, May 19th 2015 06:05 pm

Parents of Timothy G. Serwinowski on-hand for Hall of Fame Induction

State Sen. Rob Ortt honored Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Lance Corp. Timothy G. Serwinowski Tuesday, and posthumously inducted him into the New York State Veteran's Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the legislative office building.

Serwinowski grew up in North Tonawanda. He lost his life in combat while in Afghanistan at the young age of 21. The exemplary veteran was inducted into the virtual exhibit at the State Capital Tuesday afternoon.

The online Hall of Fame exhibit pays tribute to New York veterans whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community. It honors veterans who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

"Tim died protecting our freedom and fighting for our country," Ortt said. "The Veteran's Hall of Fame is our way of saying 'Thank you' to the brave military men and women who serve our nation, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Tim's sacrifice, his legacy and his heroism will never be forgotten."

Serwinowski joined the Marines in May 2008 as an infantry assaultman. Two years later, he was deployed to Afghanistan, and was involved in the invasion of Marjah, a town in southern Afghanistan. Just a few months later, in June 2010, Serwinowski was shot and killed. He lost eight other men in his battalion during that deployment.

Serwinowski's parents, Sally Urban and Phillip Serwinowski, were at the ceremony and accepted the honor on his behalf.

"Today's ceremony was a stirring tribute to Tim and his accomplishments," Urban said. "To his Marines, he was Lance Corp. Serwinowski, a dedicated Marine. To his community, he was a selfless friend. And to us, he was a loving son. We are so proud of Tim and all of his accomplishments. With this induction into the Hall of Fame, we know his service and sacrifice will forever be remembered."

Upon receiving the Purple Heart, Serwinowski also was awarded the Honorable Service Award and the Conspicuous Service Cross.

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