POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs today honored U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) William “Bill” Sleight Jr., a respected Hyde Park resident who served during the Korean War era, at the County’s most recent “Veteran of Distinction” ceremony, held at The Community at Brookmeade in Rhinebeck.
Dutchess County Executive Serino said, “I’ve been honored to know Bill Sleight for years, often visiting him at Brookmeade, and he is a wonderful example of what it means to serve. He proudly wore our nation’s uniform, has worked hard, loved his family deeply and always found ways to give back to his community. His kindness, dedication and devotion have touched so many lives. We are incredibly grateful for his service, proud to call him one of our neighbors and honored to recognize him as a ‘Dutchess County Veteran of Distinction.’”
William “Bill” J. Sleight Jr. proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean War era as an Aviation Electrician aboard the USS Coral Sea, supporting naval operations with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, earning the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge. After his military service, AE Sleight built a career in the electrical trade and retired as a Maintenance Supervisor. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he has also remained active in his community as a lifelong member of American Legion John Livingston Post 1466 and a Life Member of the Moose Lodge in Hyde Park.
Dutchess County Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Aviation Electrician Sleight served his nation, returned home to Dutchess County and continued to serve his hometown as a member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge. Through his military service, career, family and community involvement, PO2 Sleight personifies the dedication and commitment the Dutchess County ‘Veteran of Distinction’ program honors.”
Monthly “Veteran of Distinction” ceremonies take place on the second Tuesday of each month from April through November, hosted in the community where the honored veteran resides.
Nomination Requirements
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Be a current Dutchess County resident
• Have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge
• Have served during wartime or peacetime; there are no restrictions on service dates or duration
How to Nominate
Applications may be submitted:
• Online: dutchessny.gov/veteranofdistinction
• In person: Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, 1335 Route 44, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
• By email: veterans@dutchessny.gov
All applications must include appropriate military separation documents (DD 214, WD AGO 53 55, NGB 22, or casualty report).
For more information, contact the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs at 845 486 2060.
