POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and the County’s Office of Veterans Affairs honored the service and legacy of U.S. Army Sergeant Major Alex Watkins Jr., a former City of Poughkeepsie resident, during today’s “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony. Today’s tribute, held at American Legion Post 1302 in Poughkeepsie, was part of a monthly series dedicated to commemorating the lives and sacrifices of Dutchess County veterans who have passed, recognizing their enduring contributions to the nation and community.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Alexander Watkins proudly served in the U.S. Army for nearly three decades, earning respect for his hard work and bravery. He was much more than a soldier, though. He was a caring father, a proud grandfather and a strong, honest man who made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Dutchess County is proud to celebrate the life and service of Alexander and his fellow American heroes through our ‘Honor-A-Veteran’ ceremonies.”
Mr. Watkins distinguished himself as a Poughkeepsie High School baseball, football and track and field star, with a second-place finish in the high jump at the New York State championship meet among his scholastic athletic accomplishments. In 1959, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a military career spanned 27 years, including assignments with the 23rd Infantry Division and the 32nd Armor Regiment, and later with the 547th Engineer Company in Korea. He served in Vietnam, Korea and Germany, where he met his wife, Ursula. Rising to the rank of Sergeant Major (SGM), he earned numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, in recognition of his valor and dedication.
Following his retirement from the Army in 1987, Sergeant Major Watkins continued to serve his community through civilian roles, including positions at the Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic and Ames Department Stores, and he was actively involved in veterans events. SGM Watkins was a devoted father to his children, Schannon Clayton and Alex Fredric Watkins, and a proud grandfather. Remembered for his strength, integrity and love of the outdoors, SGM Watkins passed away on October 17, 2005 and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery; read his obituary online.
Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche said, “Sergeant Major Watkins showed us what true dedication looks like, serving his country with courage for nearly 30 years and living his life with strength and heart. His legacy reminds us that greatness comes not just from what we do in uniform, but from how we live and lead every day.”
During today’s ceremony, County Executive Serino and Director Roche and members of the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran Committee presented SGM Watkins’ 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 take place at 9 a.m. on or about the third Thursday of each month, from April to November. The final event of 2025 will take place on November 12th in Poughkeepsie; see the County’s website for details about previous ceremonies.
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.
