POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs today recognized the military service and life of U.S. Air Force Sergeant Michele AnnMarie Swarner Kinsell, a former Wappinger resident, at the County’s latest “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony. Today’s event, hosted by S.W. Johnson Engine Company No. 2 in Wappingers Falls, was part of a series of monthly ceremonies, coordinated by County Executive Serino to celebrate the lives and distinguished service of deceased local veterans. Sgt. Kinsell is the first female honored since the launch of the monthly ceremony in April.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Michele’s journey was one of unwavering strength and boundless compassion. From breaking barriers in the Air Force to nurturing her family and passions, she lived a life of perseverance and love, leaving an example of warmth and resilience for us each to follow. Through our ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ program, Dutchess County is honored to share the legacies of local heroes like Michele to ensure they are always recognized and remembered.”
The daughter of a U.S. Marine who served during the Korean War, Sgt. Kinsell joined the Air Force at 18, eventually becoming the first female Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman at Beale Air Force Base in California. In 1980, she was appointed a Noncommissioned Officer with the rank of Sergeant (E4), a testament to her skill and leadership. While in the Air Force, Sgt. Kinsell met her husband, William, with whom she had two children. After leaving the Air Force, she raised her children while working multiple jobs and pursuing college courses. Sgt. Kinsell’s life was filled with determination, versatility and passion for gardening, knitting, genealogy and classic rock music, as well as membership in the Columbiettes of St. Mary’s Council #4065, where she lived her values of faith and service.
Sgt. Kinsell passed away on Jan. 1, 2015; read her obituary online.
Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Sgt. Kinsell’s life embodied hard work and love, both for her country and her family. She broke new ground in the Air Force, raised her children while balancing jobs and school, and found joy in gardening, knitting and music. She lived her faith and served her community with heart. We are a better community and nation for Sgt. Kinsell’s service, and we will strive to live up to the standard she set for herself.”
During today’s ceremony, County Executive Serino and Director Roche and members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee presented Sgt. Kinsell’s family with several honors, including a:
Monthly “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremonies are held April through November, dedicated to honoring deceased veterans for their service to their nation. Ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m. on or about the third Thursday of each month. See the County’s website for upcoming ceremonies and locations.
Family, friends and community members are encouraged to nominate a veteran to be recognized through the “Honor-A-Veteran” initiative. The deceased veterans must meet the following criteria:
Applications are available online at dutchessny.gov/honoraveteran or in person at the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, 1335 Route 44 in Pleasant Valley. All submitted applications must be accompanied by a copy of the veteran’s military separation papers (DD-214, WD AGO 53-55, NBG-22 or report of casualty), obituary and death certificate.
Completed applications can be submitted via email to veterans@dutchessny.gov or returned to the Office of Veterans Affairs in person; members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee will review each application for consideration. More information is available by calling the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs at 845-486-2060.
