Honor A Veteran

Donald M. Van Buskirk, US Army
Edgar W. Van Buskirk, US Air Corps
George H. Van Buskirk, US Navy

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin, Congressman Paul Tonko and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated Donald M., Edgar W., and George H. Van Buskirk at a ceremony held on April 6, 2009.

Donald M. Van Buskirk was born on January 20, 1916 in Green Island. He served in the United States Army for nearly five years during World War II as a member of the 437 Signal Heavy Construction Battalion and saw combat in North Africa and Italy.

Donald was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal with six bronze stars, a Good Conduct medal, an American Defense Service Medal and a WWII Victory Medal. Upon returning from war, Donald remained active in area veterans' organizations and worked at the former Bendix Company in Green Island for 40 years.

Edgar W. Van Buskirk was born on January 21, 1919 in Green Island. He served in the United States Air Corps from April 1943 until February 1946 in the 396th Bomb GP/594th Bomb Squadron. He was awarded an American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal.

Edgar worked for 38 years as a toolmaker in the small motor department at General Electric in Schenectady. He was also active in the community as a member of the American Legion Post of Waterford, the Colonie Elks and a communicant of St. Michael's Church in Cohoes.

George H. Van Buskirk was born on May 28, 1914 in Green Island. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945 as a Fireman 1st Class with the USS Guam. He saw combat in the Pacific Theatre and was awarded numerous medals including the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with two battle stars, the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Before retiring in 1974, George worked as a machine operator for the St. Regis Paper Company in Cohoes for 30 years. He also remained active in veterans' organizations including the American Legion and VFW.

The Honor-A-Veteran ceremony is held the first Monday of each month to honor a deceased veteran of the community.

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