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. Navy Airman Apprentice Donald Herring, Sr., a former City of Poughkeepsie resident, at the County’s September “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony. Today’s event, held at VFW Post 170 in Poughkeepsie. The monthly ceremonies celebrate the lives and selfless service of deceased local veterans.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Donny Herring was so much more than a decorated veteran. He was a devoted father, a gifted mechanic and a quiet force of kindness in his community. From the flight decks of Vietnam to the heart of Poughkeepsie, Donny lived a life of service and love. Dutchess County is privileged to celebrate the life and legacy of Donny and American heroes like him through our ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ ceremonies, and we will never forget all he meant to our community.”
Donald Herring, Sr. was born on March 21, 1955, in Poughkeepsie, a place he proudly called home. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1972, serving as a 632 Ordnance Mechanic and E2 Airman Apprentice with the VF-31 “Tomcatters” Fighter Squadron at Naval Air Station Oceana during the Vietnam War. For his distinguished service, Airman Apprentice Herring received the Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Honorably discharged in June 1973, Airman Apprentice Herring returned to Poughkeepsie carrying the unseen wounds of war, but he was determined to rebuild his life and give back to those around him.
Back home in Poughkeepsie, Airman Apprentice Herring became a pillar of his community, always ready to help, especially with anything mechanical. Married with four children and 17 grandchildren, he was deeply devoted to his family, as well as his five siblings, two of whom also served in the military. He found joy in music, especially the oldies of the 1950-60s, which often played in his garage while he worked.
Airman Apprentice Herring passed away on Nov. 23, 2019.
Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Airman Apprentice Herring’s legacy endures not only in the medals he earned, but in the lives he touched, the family he cherished and the city he never stopped giving back to. Remembered as more than a veteran, Airman Apprentice Herring was a hometown hero whose memory continues to live on in the lives he touched. May his contributions to Poughkeepsie endure, and may we all strive to live a life of purpose as he did.”
During today’s ceremony, County Executive Serino and Director Roche and members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee presented Airman Apprentice Herring’s family with several honors, including a:
Sen. Rob Rolison said, “Airman Apprentice Herring embodied the highest ideals of service, sacrifice and community. Though he returned from war with invisible wounds, he lived with heart and generosity. It was with profound respect that I posthumously awarded him the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, our highest civilian honor, for a life defined by courage and compassion.”
Monthly “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremonies are held April through November, dedicated to honoring deceased veterans for their service to their nation. Ceremonies 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; October’s event will take place on Oct. 16 in the City of Poughkeepsie.
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.
