Certificate Available To Those Who Participated
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Committee, annonunced that thousands of Cold War veterans in New York State will be recognized with the recently announced New York State Cold War Certificate, created to honor those who served in all branches of military during the 46-year standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
“The Cold War was a edgy time for Americans, and those in the armed forces were the ones charged with protecting us and protecting the country,” Addabbo said. “This recognition will further validate their hard work, bravery and selflessness.”
The New York State Cold War Certificate is available to any New York resident who served in the military and was honorably discharged between the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union on Dec. 26, 1991.
The certificate states, “In recognition of your service during the period of the Cold War, 2 September 1945-26 December 1991, in protecting peace and stability for this Nation, the people of the state of New York are forever grateful.”
“Those who grew up during the Cold War remember the fear and anxiety it inspired,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The tens of thousands of New Yorkers who served during that time deserve our heartfelt gratitude. The United States Congress formally recognized these veterans in 1991, and it is time New York State does the same.”
While the certificate can be obtained directly from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, which is responsible for administering New York State military awards, Addabbo stated constituents can contact any of his three district offices for assistance.
Applicants can prove their service with a DD 214, indicating an honorable discharge or a discharge in honorable circumstances from active duty, an NGB Form 22, indicating either an honorable discharge or a discharge in honorable circumstances from the Army or Air National Guard, or a WD AGO Form 53-55 issued by the War Department prior to the creation of the Department of Defense.
For more information on how to apply for the New York State Cold War Certificate, veterans can contact Addabbo at 1-718-497-1630 or go to the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs awards website, https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/ or call 1-518-591-5296.
