Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and Veterans Services Agency Director Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret) hosted a medal presentation ceremony at River Valley Care Center in Poughkeepsie today to honor Marie G. (Herrmann) Serafinowicz.   Mrs. Serafinowicz served in the United States Army during World War II. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all of those veterans who have served our country.   It is a privilege to be able to honor Mrs. Serafinowicz for her service and present her with the medals she has earned, but that she had never received,” said County Executive William R. Steinhaus.

Mrs. Serafinowicz served as a Nurse in the U.S. Army from May 15, 1943 until her discharge on January 4, 1946.    At today’s ceremony, County Executive Steinhaus presented her with the American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel pin and Cold War Certificate.

Mrs. Serafinowicz, 88, is a long-time resident of the City of Poughkeepsie, having settled here after her discharge from the Army in 1946.    She moved to the River Valley Care Center in April, 2006.  

The Dutchess County Veterans Service Agency coordinated the paperwork to ensure Mrs. Serafinowicz received the medals and award she had earned.    The Veterans Service Agency has assisted many county veterans claim the medals and awards due to them.   Last November, seven veterans were presented with medals at Veterans Information Day held at Dutchess Community College.    “Assisting and facilitating our county veterans with the benefits and recognition they have earned is a top priority for us.   We encourage all veterans and their families to contact the Veterans Service Agency to find out about all of the benefits they may be entitled to.   Our veterans have served our country, and we are happy to extend a hand to serve them,” concluded County Executive Steinhaus.