Paone, a Vietnam Veteran, flew over 700 Combat Missions and was awarded the Silver Star, two Single Action Air Medals (Heroism), and numerous other combat awards
Paone is believed to be one of the most decorated veterans in Ulster County
KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan today recognized Vincent Paone as Ulster County Veteran of the Month. County Executive Ryan, joined by Ulster County Director of Veterans Services Mark Cozzupoli, held a private lunch with Paone at Little Italy in Kingston to recognize him for his service. Earlier this year, the Ulster County Veteran Services Agency started a Veteran of the Month program recognizing veterans from all corners of Ulster County.
“As the County Executive and as a combat veteran, it is a privilege to recognize the hard work of veterans all across Ulster County,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “It was an honor to sit down with Vincent Paone, to share stories about our military experiences, and to thank him for his truly heroic service to our nation. Our Veteran of the Month program allows us to recognize the work of our veterans throughout the year, both for their military service to our country and for their continued efforts as servant leaders in our community.”
“When we came across Petty Officer Paone’s file, we knew we had to honor this man for his selfless actions,” UCVSA Mark Cozzupoli. “We have a new Veteran of the Month program, and who better to recognize for the month of November than Vincent. He is a true American hero, and we are honored to have him amongst our Ulster County veteran community.”
Vincent Paone currently resides in the Town of Woodstock and has been an Ulster County resident since 1972. After leaving the military he worked on the railroad and eventually started his own electrical business. Paone, a Vietnam Veteran, flew over 700 combat missions. Among his numerous distinctions includes the Silver Star, two Single Action Air Medals (Heroism), 38 Strike Flight Air Medals, the Cross of Gallantry, and many other combat awards.
On March 26, 1969, Paone was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions after his helicopter was shot out of the sky by the Viet Cong. With ammunition exploding around him and fuel flooding the area, Paone dragged a hose to the crashed helicopter. He quickly sprayed the leaking fuel dispersing it away from the flames and sparks flying dangerously close to him and his wounded soldiers. He then helped free a fellow soldier pinned under the aircraft and assisted in rescuing another, saving both of their lives.
The Ulster County Veteran Services Agency (UCVSA) provides support to County veterans and their families in obtaining medical, disability, pension, and education benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the NYS Department of Veteran Affairs. The UCVSA also helps veterans with issues such as homelessness, burials, tax exemptions, employment, transportation, and the FAVOR discount card program, and performs outreach to local communities and service organizations. Each month UCVSA recognizes a veteran in the community. To make a nomination for Ulster County Veteran of the month, email Mark Cozzupoli at mcoz@co.ulster.ny.us(link sends e-mail).