On June 1, 2010, West Hurley resident Kevin M. Ryan was honored by State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/I/C – Mt. Hope) as our District's 2010 "Veterans Hall of Fame" Nominee.

Kevin Ryan enlisted in the United States Army on July 9, 1965 and started Army Basic Training at Fort Dix, N.J..  He was trained as a light weapons Infantryman.  He then went on to advance infantry training and later to Special Forces Reconnaissance School and Training.

He served in Vietnam in 1967-1968 as a 6 man team leader in long range reconnaissance in war zone 3 (Parrots Beach) along the Cambodian border with the 3rd Bn 4th Infantry and 25th Infantry where he earned a Bronze Star Medal.  He was honorably discharged on July 8, 1968.

Kevin has been very active in veterans organizations since he was discharged.  He has been a member of his local VFW Post, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the 75th Army Ranger Regiment.  He is currently going into his 10th year as commander of the Woodstock American Legion Post #1026.

Terry Breitenstein, Director of the Ulster County Veterans Service Agency, who nominated Mr. Ryan said that “He never forgets his fellow veterans nor his departed comrades and is always willing to take that extra step to help those in need.”

"Kevin has dedicated his life to serving his country and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service both in and out of uniform.  He is my American Idol and  I am honored to have him as our Nominee for the ‘Veterans Hall of Fame’” Senator Bonacic said.