GENESEO, N.Y., Oct. 31, 2025 — State Sen. Pam Helming celebrated eight Livingston County veterans yesterday during her 2025 Veterans Recognition Program at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua.
Hosted annually by Helming to recognize veterans from throughout the 54th Senate District, the event honored a total of 44 veterans for their honorable service and outstanding contributions to their country, state, and communities. Among the eight nominees was Livingston County Veteran Services’ own Veteran Engagement Specialist Bob Wolter.
The Livingston County veterans recognized during the ceremony included:
- Jacob "Jake" Cicero of Mount Morris - Sergeant, U.S. Army
- Justin Cogswell of Conesus – Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
- Robert "Bob" Wolter Jr. of Livonia – Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
- David E. Harcleroad of Mount Morris – Specialist, U.S. Army
- Peter Treible of Lima – Hospital Corpsman First Class, U.S. Navy
- Kenneth James Weaver Jr. of Mount Morris – Commander, U.S. Navy
- Jerome Butterbrodt of Conesus – Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
- Daniel G. Walkley of Conesus – Specialist, U.S. Army
“As a member of a military family, I know that many veterans are humble about their service and do not always share their experiences,” said Sen. Helming. “As part of my annual event, we capture personal stories and memorable moments shared by each of our honorees and their respective nominators. From this information, we create commemorative books and biography boards that each veteran and family receives. This helps ensure that our veteran’s stories are seen, shared, and remembered. It is important to note that while each story is unique, they all share a common thread: when their military service ended, their service to others continued. To our honorees and all of the veterans who inspire us every day, I thank you."
While yesterday’s ceremony focused on honoring each of the 44 nominees, one of the recognized veterans will be chosen as the district’s official inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in the spring. Each state senator nominates a veteran from their district annually for induction. The NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created by the NYS Senate in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from across the Empire State.
“Each of these nominees have served our country with honor and continue to strengthen our community here at home,” said David Terry, veteran services director for Livingston County. “It’s incredible to see their service and leadership recognized at the state level. We are grateful to them for their ongoing commitment to their fellow veterans and neighbors.”
Locally, Livingston County Veteran Services provides direct assistance to local veterans, service members, and their families through a wide array of no-cost programs and services. Each year the agency helps hundreds of veterans claim the benefits they are entitled to from their military service. This includes filing claims for compensation, pensions, education, health care, and burial benefits. It also connects veterans to peer-support programs, employment opportunities, and community-based services.
The County’s Veteran Services office is currently celebrating Operation Green Light, a statewide initiative designed to show community support for those who have served in the armed forces and make them aware of the federal, state, and local resources available to them. First started in Livingston County, Operation Green Light has since grown to now include more than 450 counties from across the country each year. The effort is supported by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Learn more about entitlement information and advocacy assistance for military personnel, veterans, and their dependents at the Livingston County Veteran Services website or by calling 585-243-7960.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.