New Hartford veteran inducted into Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame
ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A New Hartford veteran was given a high honor by the New York State Senate on Wednesday, according to State Senator Joe Griffo.
Griffo announced on Wednesday, May 28 that Lawrence Badger of New Hartford has been inducted into the New York State Senate's Veterans' Hall of Fame. Badger is a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Vietnam conflict.
'It is an honor to recognize Larry and all the other men and women who have been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame this year,' Senator Griffo said in a statement. 'Larry has selflessly and courageously served his nation with distinction. He remains committed to supporting and advocating for other veterans and their families and continues to be an active, dedicated and instrumental part of several organizations that support veterans in the region. I am grateful for Larry's service and all that he has done for the veteran community in the 53rd Senate District.'
Badger graduated from Proctor High School, and was a student at Mohawk Valley Community College when he enlisted in the Army. He served during Vietnam as a Paratrooper infantryman, serving in several campaigns, including two phases of the Tet Counter Offensive.
Badger received the Purple Heart in 1968 after being wounded in Vietnam. When he departed Vietnam in July of 1969 as a squad leader of the 93rd MP Batallion, he had received the following awards and medals:
The Purple Heart,
The Combat Infantry Badge,
The Army Commendation Medal with 'V' Device,
The Vietnam Service Medal,
The Parachute Badge,
The Air Medal Citation,
The Good Conduct Medal, and
three Overseas Service Bars.
After leaving the Army, Badger was employed at the U.S. Postal Service until he retired in 2008. He works behind the scenes at several Central New York veteran-related ceremonies and other events. He is a member and ranking member of several Central New York veteran organizations, including:
Vice President of the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America,
Finance Officer of the local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart,
an officer in the local post of the Masonic War Veterans,
a Trustee of the Yorkville Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and
a Director of Wreaths across America in Rome.
Badger is also a member of the American Legion Post in New Hartford.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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