104-year old WW II Navy air traffic controller Jean Wallace Otto Macintosh
Navy veteran Hugh McAuley
Senator Stewart-Cousins greeting veterans
In a room filled with American veterans, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced two Senate District 35 residents whom she will induct to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Sen. Stewart-Cousins selected World War II veteran Ensign Jean Wallace Otto Macintosh, of Irvington, and Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran Hugh McAuley, of Greenburgh, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame honoring veterans from each Senate District for their service in uniform and to their communities.
“I am so excited to recognize the amazing Jean Wallace Otto Macintosh, who at 104 is still going strong. Jean served as an air traffic controller in the Navy during World War II, training fighter pilots to use radar for night missions. She has been a pillar of the community in Irvington for nearly 80 years, launching the Irvington Meals on Wheels Program, and even playing curling up to the age of 94. To be able to recognize Jean while she is surrounded by family and other veterans, and see them give her a standing ovation, was truly special.” Sen. Stewart-Cousins said.
Sen. Stewart-Cousins also selected Hugh McAuley, long-time veterans advocate and Chairman of the Greenburgh Veterans Advisory Committee. McAuley was deliberately not notified in advance of his selection, so that Sen. Stewart-Cousins could surprise him.
“Everyone who knows Hugh McAuley, knows he embodies the meaning of commitment to others, beginning with his time in the Navy where he served aboard the USS Saratoga as an aircraft mechanic during the Vietnam War. Hugh is a leader, an advocate and a tireless educator on veterans issues. It was a real privilege to surprise him with this honor,” Sen. Stewart-Cousins said. “Jean and Hugh are prime examples of veterans whose service doesn’t stop when they leave the military. Both of these outstanding veterans deserve their place in the Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Sen. Stewart-Cousins made the announcement to a crowd of nearly 200 veterans at the Westchester Veterans Recognition Breakfast at the Anthony F. Veteran Park in Ardsley, organized by McAuley and the Town of Greenburgh Veterans Advisory Committee.
“An event like this reminds all our veterans that they are not forgotten, that they matter and that their community loves them,” McAuley said. “We want to thank Sen. Stewart-Cousins and the other officials here today, for their support for the veterans community not just today but every day.”
Since taking office, Sen. Stewart-Cousins has selected 21 veterans for induction to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. This year’s ceremony is set for May 28 at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
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Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins represents a significant portion of Yonkers, the Town of Greenburgh, and the Town of Mount Pleasant in the 35th NYS Senate District. To learn more about her legislative and community efforts, click here.
