Jim used the knowledge and wisdom he gained from the US Air Force for the rest of his life. While working for various companies, including General Electric, General Dynamics, and Xerox, Jim demonstrated his knack for design, development, and management.

After retiring, Jim devoted his time and energy to helping and honoring his fellow veterans. In 1997, he joined the Sampson Air Force Veteran's Association. Within six years, Jim was elected President of the organization, and he became deeply involved with restoring and procuring displays, such as a T-33 and a Flight Simulator, for the Air Force Museum.

One of the final projects Jim became involved with was the creation of this cemetery as a lasting, permanent memorial to our veterans at the site where he once trained, and where he will now be laid to rest. Jim played a tremendous role in the early stages of Sampson Veterans Cemetery, and we are all grateful to have known him both as a colleague and a friend.

Returning from his brave service defending our Nation overseas, Jim dedicated his life to protecting the safety of his home community as a lifelong member of the Romulus Fire Department. He joined the Fire Department at the age of 18, and remained an active fireman for 64 years, later serving as Fire Chief and Captain of the Romulus Fire Police. He also served in the Seneca Army Depot Fire Department, and was eventually appointed 1st Assistant Fire Chief for his devoted service protecting the munitions at the Depot during the height of the Cold War. He was named the Seneca County Fireman of the Year in 2004.

Jim was a community oriented man and a familiar face to many throughout Seneca County. In addition to being involved with numerous firefighters' organizations, he was also a former Special Deputy with the Seneca County Sheriff's Department, a member of the Waterloo and South Seneca Sportsmen's Clubs and was active in planning the annual Romulus Memorial Day Parade. During warm weather, Jim could often be found sitting in his chair in front of his home, waving to everyone who drove by.

Upon his graduation from Waterloo High School, Don enlisted in the United States Army to serve in World War II. Don worked as a medical corpsman, putting his life in danger to save the lives of his friends and brothers in arms. Spending most of his time stationed in France, Don likely saw some of the most grisly battles of our Nation's recent history.

After the war, Don returned to Waterloo to jumpstart a successful career with local grocery store chains. He was also a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo, teaching Sunday school and serving as the church sexton for nearly 20 years. Don willingly devoted much of his time and talents to the church and his community, and always went above and beyond to help those in need.

He is remembered by his wife of 64 years, Ina, his daughters, Donna and Carol, and his five grandchildren for his laidback personality and lighthearted sense of humor. Don found great joy in the simplest of life's moments, relaxing and spending time with his loving family.

Alfonso Zona was one of many Navy servicemen who was stationed in Guam after answering the call of duty during World War II. He served on the island as a Seaman Second Class working with heavy machinery. Alfonso helped build bases, roads, airstrips and hospitals, and played a critical role in rebuilding the infrastructure of the island after its recapture by the United States.

After his service, Alfonso became a truck driver for Zonalite Corp, retiring at the age of 62. Later, he decided to go back to work for the Town of Waterloo up until his death at the age of 80. He is remembered as an extremely hard working, passionate and caring individual by all who knew him.

Donald Ash was a World War II Navy veteran, who served our Nation with dignity and pride. He lived by the Navy's motto, risking his own life and safety to defend our American values. Upon Donald's discharge, he began working at Carrier Corp. of Syracuse. He stayed with the company until 1976, at which point he retired.

Donald remained involved in his community and his fellow veterans. He was appointed as Commander of the Hastings-Paris VFW Post #8823. He was also a member of the American Legion of Central Square, and the Parish American Legion. His time in the Navy and service during World War II was one of Donald's proudest achievements, and he took great satisfaction in knowing he was able to give back to the Nation he cherished so much.

In addition to his generous spirit, Stoney showed great bravery and heroism throughout his life.

At the United States was entering the Vietnam War, Stoney enlisted in the United States Marine Corps alongside one of his close friends. During the war, Stoney saw a great deal of combat and fought in several battles. Despite this great danger, he was always sure to write home to his concerned mother, Estella, to update her on his experiences and assure her of his safety. In the midst of one battle, Stoney was wounded and received a debilitating injury. He was honorably discharged from the US Marines and awarded a Purple Heart for his courageous sacrifice.

After the war, Stoney returned home to the community that he loved. He worked for several years at Goulds Pumps, and also at the Seneca Army Depot. Stoney kept himself busy, and in his spare time, raised cows on his private farm.

After growing up on his family farm in Ovid, New York, Bud entered into the US Army in 1949 and remained in the Reserves after his discharge. With the start of the Korean Conflict in 1950, Bud was soon recalled to active duty and was sent across the globe to aid in the fight for democracy overseas. He served as an ambulance driver with the 343 General Hospital Unit in Japan, where he transported wounded soldiers from the local airstrip to the 343 General Hospital. In recognition of the life-saving services he provided for his fellow servicemen and civilians during the Korean War, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal.

Those who served with Bud remember a deeply humble man who formed lasting friendships wherever he went. A devoted veteran, Bud remained close with many of his fellow servicemen and was a life member of the Ovid VFW Post 6200 and Ovid American Legion Post #463.

After his honorable discharge from the service, Bud married Joyce Whitney and raised six children in Ovid. While employed at the Willard Psychiatric Center, Bud also worked as a school bus driver for South Seneca Central Schools, and delivered Milk for Tarr's Dairy.

Bud passed away on April 5, 2011 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Joyce; and their children Lola Caskey, Jim Williamson, Robin Kane, Stephen Wayne, Rebecca Anne Williamson and Tim Williamson; their 12 grandchildren; and 9 great grand children.

Fighting with the 913th Army Battalion, Private First Class Matthew M. Flood served in the Rome-Arno Campaign for its entirety. Immediately after the liberation of Rome, Matt continued to fight in the North Apennines, where German forces were still hidden in the crevices of the mountains. Heroically, Matt and his fellow soldiers continued to fight off any German soldiers they encountered, further securing Rome's freedom and the safety of its citizens. Matt worked as a Mechanic in the U.S. Army, but like in all combat situations, each soldier was expected to perform beyond his specific assignment. Matt was injured in battle and received a Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and dedication to our Nation.

After almost three years of fighting, Matt returned home from Italy to Seneca County. He developed a true passion and skill for agriculture and opened and operated several successful dairy and crop farms in our area. Ever the talented mechanic, Matt enjoyed fixing old cars and appliances, and spending time with his 10 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Jack was one of the nearly 300,000 Air Force members who were trained at the Sampson Air Force Base. After training at Sampson, he was sent to Korea in 1953. After his service in the Korean Conflict, he returned to the base where he would serve until its close.

Jack travelled extensively during his nearly 20 years of service in the Air Force. He would serve in Greenland and later return to Korea. Even after marrying his wife Janet and starting a family, he continued to serve our Nation. Janet Hilyer and their two children even lived in Taiwan for two years while Jack was stationed there. Once back in the United States, his family traveled with him to Texas, California and Montana .

Jack had a passion for studying and preserving history. After his retirement from the Air Force, he began to take part in Civil War re-enactments. He even attended the 125th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

Jack was also an active member of the Waterloo American Legion Post 435, the Waterloo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6433, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the D.G. Caywood Camp #146. He will always be remembered for his devotion to ensuring the courage and sacrifice of his fellow servicemen and all of those who served before him would never be forgotten.

Alfred was a very proud member of the U.S. Navy. He loved American freedoms, values, and tradition, and served our Nation with great enthusiasm and dignity. Unfortunately, in 1969, a boiler explosion injured Alfred, making him ineligible to serve any longer.

After being honorably discharged, Alfred returned to Seneca Falls, New York and attended Eisenhower College, receiving a Bachelor's in Engineering. He then moved to Massachusetts to jumpstart a successful career using the skills he first developed with the Navy. From Holden to Worcester, to Boston to Shrewsbury, Alfred travelled throughout the state working with different engineering corporations. In 1991, he began working for the Massachusetts Department of Labor as a magistrate.

Alfred Lesinski was a well-travelled man with high spirits. His time in the Navy made a lasting impression on Alfred, as he loved to sail and spend time on the water.

Aurin was born in South Carolina, and soon moved to Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Morgan State University, a biblical school, and is one of the University's most accomplished graduates to date. He was a deeply religious man, who found solace and respite in his faith.

Aurin used to tell the story of a particular battle in Saigon where he was in hiding under a pool table with a Catholic priest. The two men faced death if they moved from their spot, so together, they waited for enemy forces to move on. After 24 hours of not knowing whether he would make it out alive, Aurin had converted to Catholicism, just to be on the safe side.

Though Aurin shared some stories of his military life, much of it is lost to history. After 30 years of dutiful service to our Nation, Colonel Timmons retired from the Army. While he loved his Nation deeply and was proud of his service, it was not his nature to be boastful, and he rarely spoke of his time serving in Vietnam.

Before he enlisted in the Navy, Dana had a distinguished academic and athletic career at Cortland State Normal School, where he was Captain of the football team two years in a row and president of his senior class. His athleticism and leadership would serve him well in the Navy.

Dana's time as a petty chief officer and trainer at the former Sampson Naval Base, now the site of the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, had a unique significance in his life. Aside from being the start of his honorable service to our Nation, Dana's son Richard was born during the time he was stationed at Sampson. Richard West would go on to have an outstanding Navy career of his own, serving proudly in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm and attaining the prestigious rank of Rear Admiral.

During World War II, Dana bravely served aboard the destroyer USS Gyatt. Returning home, he worked to receive his Master's degree from Syracuse University and went on to devote his life to educating others. For 36 years, he was a coach, teacher, mentor and later, principal to the students of the Port Byron School District.

Dana also served as commander of both the Port Byron and Cayuga County branches of the American Legion, and remained committed to preserving the legacy of the base where he once trained by becoming a member of the Sampson World War II Veterans. In addition, he chaired the Cayuga County United Way and the County's human services board.

Dana's loyalty and commitment to his community earned him great respect from all who knew him. In 1999, after Port Byron had constructed a new high school, the district sent out a survey about naming the school. The feedback from the community overwhelmingly supported naming the building Dana L. West High School.

For twenty years, James dedicated his life to serving and protecting the citizens of our great Nation, fighting in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. James was a highly decorated and respected serviceman, earning a total of seven medals, including a Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his loyal service. Because of his hard work, dedication, and exceptional leadership skills, James had a tremendously successful career in the military, eventually attaining the prestigious rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Though James's public reputation was that of a notable and highly respected military man, his family remembers him as simply James, Dad, or "Papa": a man with a kind smile and a big heart. His granddaughter, Morgan, has fond memories of her grandfather assembling her toys and presents every Christmas morning, surrounded by mounds of crumpled wrapping paper and plenty of good company.

James's life was anything but ordinary. From the hundreds of men he led during his service in the Army, to his many friends and family members, James made an enormous impact on countless individuals' lives. He will never be forgotten.

James Vincent Ellis, Jr., a devoted father, husband, and honored Korean and Vietnam War veteran, passed away on December 9th, 2005 at the age of 73. James is survived by his wife, Mary, his six children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

In 1963, while Scott was working at the Seneca Army Depot, he was drafted into the United States Army. While serving in the Army, he travelled the world to help maintain peace in areas throughout Europe and the Pacific. He rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5 while in Germany, and worked chiefly in radio relay and as a carrier operator. His talents and skill earned him the Good Conduct Medal. In 1965, Scott left active duty and enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, in which he served until 1969 when he was honorably discharged.

Scott returned to Seneca Army Depot and worked as the Education Director until his retirement in 1993. Always one to keep himself busy, he served as a United States Deputy Game Warden for 10 years while at the Depot, a position which, as an avid hunter and fisherman, gave him great satisfaction and fulfillment. He also worked as a State Hunter Safety Instructor for over 45 years.

Scott's legacy is perhaps best defined by his enormous contributions to numerous regional publications like Field and Stream, New York Sportsman, Finger Lakes Sportsman, and the Finger Lakes Times. A true scholar, Scott penned his own fishing guide, Good Fishing in Western New York.

Growing up in Geneva as World War II was raging overseas, Sonny learned about patriotism and sacrifice during one of the most difficult times in our country's history. With the start of the Korean War in 1950, the United States once again found itself in an armed conflict, fighting for global freedom and democracy.

Sonny soon heard the call, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He would be one of more than 250,000 airmen who would be trained at the Sampson Air Force Base. He would always remember his basic training at Sampson, and the base itself as a symbol of his service to our Nation.

Sonny would serve throughout the Korean conflict until 1956, when he was honorably discharged from Loring Air Force Base in Maine. After his discharge from the Air Force, Sonny remained a proud veteran and a life member of the American Legion. He also had a successful 31-year career at the Willard Psychiatric Center, and was a familiar face to students of the South Seneca Schools as a bus driver for the district.

Jerry was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and moved to New York State in order to serve in the United States Air Force. He trained at Sampson Air Force Base, and later served at Sampson Hospital and as a member of the flight crew at the Base. After his term of service, Jerry chose to stay in the Seneca County region rather than returning to his home in Minnesota. Sampson, the land on which he trained and served, made a lasting impact on Jerry's life.

Jerry contributed enormously to Ontario County and surrounding communities. He worked as an Ontario County Highway foreman up until his retirement in 1991. Education was something that meant a lot to Jerry—he was instrumental in setting up a scholarship for Ontario County BOCES students for college. This fund, named the "Gerald H. Rickard Memorial Scholarship", is still awarded today, 11 years after its formation.

Leonardo Visco proved his dedication to our Nation in not one, but two times of war, serving in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Time and time again, Leo repeatedly risked his life to defend and uphold our freedoms as American citizens.

Leo was a highly decorated soldier. Among the medals he was awarded are the Bronze Arrowhead and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, signifying his dedicated service to our Nation during the Korean Conflict. Leo also received four Bronze Star Medals throughout the span of his military career. A rank above the Purple Heart, these medals are awarded to men who have demonstrated incredible bravery and heroism while engaged in combat against enemy forces. That Leo earned four of these prestigious medals in his lifetime is truly a testament to his heroism and courage.

The D-Day invasion of Normandy was the largest air, land, sea and military operation the world has ever known. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 service men. When it was over, the Allied Forces had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. This tremendous show of courage and sacrifice represents one of the most significant moments in our Nation's history. As mankind faced one of its darkest hours, the men who fought on D-Day turned the tide of World War II and helped preserve liberty for future generations across the globe.

Leroy Harrison Ace was one of those men. When Leroy disembarked from a port in Maryland in 1943, only a short time after he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, he did not know what was in store for him. He was sent to the beaches of Normandy, serving in what was one of the war's most important battles.

When the war ended, Leroy was officially discharged from service and returned home to Seneca County. Leroy is remembered for being a very easy-going man, who had a kind smile and a big heart. Leroy had two great loves in his life: music and his church. He would often play duets on the violin with his brother, Robert. Occasionally, Robert's wife, Ruth, would join them on piano, and together they would play for the church on Sundays.

In the two years that he served, Robert achieved many impressive accomplishments. He was awarded numerous medals and badges, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He also attained the rank of Specialist while in service, and served briefly in Fort Bragg, North Carolina before being transferred to St. Louis, Missouri.

Robert was one of the first members of the Vietnam Veterans Group of the Canandaigua VA. He encouraged many of his friends and fellow veterans to join the organization and receive its many benefits. Robert was also an avid fisherman and hunter, and greatly enjoyed the natural beauty of our region's fields, lakes, and forests.