POUGHKEEPSIE, NY … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs today remembered the life and military service of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt.) James Thomas Cartica, Sr. and respected Hopewell Junction resident, who passed away in 2025, at this month’s “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony, held at Beekman Recreation Center in Hopewell Junction.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “James Cartica lived with a gentle strength that made people feel safe and supported. From the day he joined the Air Force at 17, he gave his whole heart to serving his country and helping the people around him. Dutchess County is proud to share Mr. Cartica’s legacy through our ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ program so that his kindness, loyalty and love will stay alive in the many lives he touched and inspire others to live as he did.”
Enlisting as a 17-year-old, James Thomas Cartica, Sr. dedicated more than three decades to serving his country in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. He served from 1978 to 2010, including 26 years with the 105th Maintenance Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, where he specialized in aerospace propulsion. CMSgt. Cartica supported numerous military operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His leadership, expertise and commitment to his fellow airmen earned their respect and left a lasting impact. After his military service, CMSgt. Cartica continued serving his community through his work at Metal Container Corp. in Orange County. He was a devoted family man, mentor and friend, remembered for his legacy of service, friendship and love of country.
Dutchess County invites nominations for its monthly “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremonies, held April through November, to pay tribute to deceased U.S. Armed Forces veterans who served in wartime or peacetime. Community members can submit nominations and required military documentation for consideration through the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs, with the next ceremony scheduled for Oct. 15.
Additional information and downloadable applications are available at dutchessny.gov/honoraveteran.
