Hochul executive order & legislation to support heroes who served nation

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a legislative package in appreciation of Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans. The legislation enacted Monday includes the renaming of bridges and highways across the state in honor of fallen heroes, as well as measures enhancing access to veterans benefits, “reflecting New York’s unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and their families.”

Hochul also signed an executive order to enhance the quality of supportive housing services available to New York’s veterans and military families by establishing training requirements for supportive housing providers that receive state funds to provide supportive housing to veterans.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the brave men and women who have served our country by ensuring their legacy lives on in communities across New York,” Hochul said Monday. “These laws not only honor our fallen heroes, but also expand vital resources for veterans and their families, making sure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Executive Order 41 mandates annual training for supportive housing providers throughout New York that receive state funds to designate a certain number of their housing units for veterans. The training program, which will be provided free of charge by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, will focus on military cultural competency and access to benefits and services for veterans and military families. Hochul’s team said, “This will help ensure that any veteran in a state-funded veteran supportive housing program is served by individuals who understand their unique experiences and can connect them with the benefits and services they earned through their military service.”

Through an agreement with the NYS Legislature, Legislation S.8596-A /A.9205-A will ultimately entitle military veterans who served for at least four years and reside in the state to be eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award, regardless of whether they served in combat. Under this expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award, more veterans in New York can gain access to higher education opportunities, opening new doors for sustainable, rewarding career paths in their chosen post-military professions.

Legislation S.5195-B/A.4611-B removes the requirement that a veteran served during wartime to be granted certain benefits. Hochul’s team said, “New York state proudly recognizes that all veterans deserve the benefits and resources afforded to them by the state that they have protected and defended through their military service. This legislation amends current law by removing the requirement that veterans must have served during a specifically defined period of wartime service to access important state veterans benefits and services.”

Legislation S.7544/A.7173 requires the designation of a veterans' liaison in each executive state agency. Hochul’s team said, “Numerous New York state agencies offer many vital services for veterans, service members and military families. To exemplify the ‘no wrong door’ approach of state government toward serving those who serve our nation, this legislation directs New York state agencies to designate a veterans' liaison to provide information and assistance to veterans, service members and military families regarding benefits and services available within that particular state agency, and to coordinate directly with the New York State Department of Veterans' Services.”

Legislation S.9258/A.9850 relates to veterans receiving information on benefits. Hochul’s team said, “Accurate information about veterans’ benefits is one of the most important tools to place in the hands of veterans, service members and military families. This legislation ensures that individuals requesting and obtaining a veteran notation on their New York state driver's license or non-driver identification card receive information about the services that New York state’s Department of Veterans’ Services provides free of charge, as well as the option to be connected directly with the Department of Veterans’ Services to receive individualized attention and advocacy from the department.”

Legislation S.2413-C/A.4613-C provides for an annual adjustment for reimbursement for certain veterans’ funerals. Hochul’s team said, “Providing an honored final resting place for those who have served our state and nation is one of New York’s sacred and essential duties. This legislation will provide for regular increases in New York state’s reimbursement program to aid in covering the funeral and interment costs for veterans who pass away indigent, ensuring that no veteran in New York state ever goes without their rightful final honors.”

Legislation S.6469-A/A.4089-A renames a portion of highway on State Route 747 in Montgomery as the “Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway.” Hochul’s team said, “The honoree Steve Nicoli dedicated his life to public service, his community, and his country. As an Army veteran, Steven served our nation with honor and distinction. Upon completing his service, he then spent his time honoring American veterans. Steve, along with a patriotic group of friends, established the Hudson Valley Honor Flight in Walden, New York.

“The mission of this organization, which is just one out of more than 100 chapters throughout the country as part of the National Honor Flight Network, is to honor our veterans with an all-expense-paid visit to their memorials in Washington, D.C. This trip is a day of honor that many of our veterans never experienced during their years of service. Over the past 10 years, Hudson Valley Honor Flight has taken more than 2,000 veterans on more than 25 flights serving the Hudson Valley and tri-state area.

“In 2021, Steve passed away suddenly, but his impact continues to be felt today through the honor flight and countless other selfless endeavors he was a part of. The stretch of road to be named in his honor is the road that every group of honor flight veterans drives on as they enter New York – Stewart International Airport. By naming this roadway in Steven's honor, it will forever memorialize his lifetime of service to our veterans and their families.”

Legislation S.5937-B/A.4924-B renames the bridge on State Route 79 crossing the Chenango River in Greene as the “SP4 Herman Emil Anders, Jr. Memorial Bridge.” Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, Herman Emil Anders Jr., joined the U.S. Army as an SP4 assigned to the A Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, where he received numerous medals such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense, Military Merit, Gallantry Cross with Palm. He earned the medals for his heroism in connection with military operations serving as part of the Artillery Battery of the 4th Infantry Division against a hostile force.

“While in Vietnam, SP4 Anders distinguished himself as serving as a team leader on a combat operation. There, he exposed himself to highly accurate small arms attack and rocket fire to point out enemy targets while directing his unit to withdraw to the secondary position. SP4 Anders engaged several enemy soldiers before being overwhelmed by enemy forces. SP4 Anders displayed bravery and devotion to duty while keeping with the highest traditions of military service.”

Legislation S.6715-B/A.9578 renames the bridge on State Route 109 crossing the Southern State Parkway in Babylon as the “Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.”  Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Wayne Johnson, served his state, his country and his community on Long Island for his entire life. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy and served in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 2001. During his service, he developed Navy Training plans for the Naval Landing Ship tank program, the Naval Reserve ocean-going mine sweeper program and the Naval Reserve naval embarked advisory teams programs. Following his service, he worked as an engineer designing projects such as the Sunrise Highway project, and later working for over a decade for NYCHA.

“In recognition of his contribution to his country and community, the NYS Route 109 Bridge over Southern State Parkway in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, shall be dedicated in his honor as the ‘Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.’ ”

Legislation S.4563-A/A.10523-A renames State Route 17M in Wallkill as the “Private First Class Richard Cleveland Dunn Memorial Highway.” Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, Richard Cleveland Dunn, was wounded in France during World War II and received the service medal, good conduct medal, and WWII victory medal.”

Legislation S.8338-A/A.7956-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 19 in Gainesville as the “T Sgt Walter Shearing Memorial Highway.”  Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, TS Shearing, served his country with valor and honor during the Second World War. T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing was in General Patton's 7th Army, 324 Infantry Regiment, famed 44th division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. TS Shearing sadly was killed in action on April 17, 1945. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, with one oak leaf cluster each, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.”

Legislation S.9338/A.10312 renames the bridge on Washington Avenue crossing Interstate 90 in Rensselaer as the “CW2 Casey N. Frankoski Memorial Bridge.”  Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey N. Frankoski of the New York Army National Guard, was patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border near La Grulla, Texas, when a tragic helicopter crash took her life on March 8, 2024. Deployed to Texas in October 2023, she was part of the federal government's border security mission.

“CW2 Frankoski enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2016. She was appointed as a warrant officer in 2019 and trained to become a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She was promoted to the rank of warrant officer 2 in 2021. CW2 Frankoski deployed to Kuwait from November 2018 to September 2019 with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment. The unit flies the Army's C-12 transport aircraft.

“CW2 Frankoski's military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.”

Legislation S.8939-A/A.9846-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 40 between Carvers Lane and Warren Lane in Schaghticoke (Rensselaer County) as the “Assemblyman Pat M. Casale Memorial Highway.” Hochul’s team said, “The honoree, Assembly member Pat Casale, served the people of Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Greene and Columbia counties in the Assembly for seven terms. He was known for his bipartisan approach with his colleagues and genuine connection with his constituents, especially his neighbors in Troy and Rensselaer County. On the Troy City Council, Pat founded the city's Flag Day parade and was instrumental in the construction of the famous Uncle Sam Monument. He served as mayor of Troy and later as Rensselaer county clerk, where his leadership ensured residents accessed efficient government services. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean Conflict.

“He received many civic honors, including the Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Award, the LaSalle Institute Distinguished Alumni Award, the Brunswick Lincoln Award, the Father Flanagan Award, and the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club's Frank P. Kennedy Award.”

Legislation S.9764/A.6287-D renames the portion of I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to 6th Avenue in Brooklyn as the “Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway.”

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen said, “These actions mark a significant milestone in our continued commitment to honoring and supporting America’s heroes. The newly signed legislation and executive orders will enhance the quality of supportive services for New York’s veterans and their families, expand educational opportunities, and broaden access to essential benefits. These initiatives also ensure that our veterans receive crucial information about the benefits they have earned, provide additional financial support for funerals, and memorialize New York’s fallen heroes on roads and bridges. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gov. Kathy Hochul for prioritizing these vital initiatives and ensuring that our veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Hochul announces new initiatives and partnerships for veterans and families

Hochul also announced new resources and initiatives available throughout the month of November to honor and recognize the service of New York state’s veterans and their families. She issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day across New York.

Women Veterans History Trail launch

Hochul’s team said, “Women veterans are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans in New York state and throughout the country. The legacy of women with close ties to New York state distinguishing themselves in military service extends back centuries to our nation’s founding and encompasses every era thereafter.

“To commemorate and celebrate this tremendous but often overlooked legacy of service, Hochul announced the launch of New York State’s Women Veterans History Trail, celebrating a distinguished group of women in military service with close ties to New York state.”

Hochul first announced this initiative as part of her 2024 State of the State agenda.

The first group of veterans recognized through this initiative include a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, a Space Shuttle mission commander, a technology pioneer, a courageous espionage agent, a nationally renowned psychologist, a specialist in cryptologic warfare, the founder of the American Red Cross, the first female four-star officer, the first woman to receive the U.S. Air Medal and more:

•Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (Oswego), a pioneering battlefield surgeon and the first woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

•Col. Eileen Collins (Elmira), the first woman to be a Space Shuttle pilot, the first woman to command a Space Shuttle mission, and the first woman to be a T-38 instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

•Admiral Grace Hopper (Poughkeepsie), a technological pioneer who served for more than 40 years in the U.S. Navy and whose leadership on developing the first computer language compiler is widely celebrated.

•Margaret Corbin (West Point), who stepped forward when her husband was killed at the Battle of Fort Washington and took over his cannon until she, too, was wounded.

•Dr. Oliva J. Hooker (White Plains), the first Black woman to serve on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, co-founder of the Tulsa Race Riot Commission, and a leading psychologist who led vital research to help children with developmental disabilities.

•Harriet Tubman (Auburn), whose Underground Railroad heroism rescued dozens of people from enslavement and who also demonstrated remarkable courage as a spy, scout, nurse and cook for the Union Army, including leading the Combahee River Raid that freed 756 enslaved people.

•Clara Barton (Dansville), the “Angel of the Battlefield” who founded the American Red Cross, stationed the first chapter of this extraordinary organization in New York.

•Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody (Cortland), the first woman promoted to a four-star officer’s rank, the first woman to command a battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division, and the first woman to lead the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee.

•Capt. Elsie S. Ott (Smithtown), the first woman to receive the U.S. Air Medal and the first recognized flight nurse in the Armed Forces, a role in which she developed vital improvements in procedures for evacuating the wounded from the front lines.

•Sr. Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent (Pine Plains), the first woman to operate with Naval Special Warfare in combat and a specialist in cryptologic warfare with fluency in seven languages, who served five Middle East combat deployments and who gave her life for her country in combat in 2019.

•The U.S. Military Academy Class of 1980 (West Point), the first gender-integrated Academy class whose 62 female cadets overcame physical and verbal abuse in addition to the many challenges customary to a cadet’s training, and who went on to successful Army careers in occupational specialties ranging from military police to air defense artillery.

The veterans honored as members of the Women Veterans History Trail will be spotlighted, along with specific locations that were central to their life within New York, on the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services webpage and all of the department’s social media platforms.

More members of the Women Veterans History Trail will be announced on future dates. Individuals who would like to nominate someone for inclusion in the Women Veterans History Trail can contact the Department of Veterans’ Services at 1-888-838-7697.

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Women Veterans Coordinator Melissa Balan said, “As we honor service members past and present, it is part of the New York State Department of Veterans' Services mission to celebrate Women veterans and honor the immeasurable dedication, resilience and sacrifice we have made as we continue to blaze the way forward for Women veterans. The Women Veterans History Trail highlights the exceptional contributions of our own New York state women in military service throughout history. They have served our state and nation with unwavering dedication, courage and honor, and in this way we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their service is fully recognized and valued."