NISKAYUNA – Congressman Paul Tonko presented medals to a local veteran during a ceremony today. The medals, from the Department of the Navy, were presented to Mr. Joe LaValle this morning at Ingersoll Place in Niskayuna. Mr. LaValle was entitled to these medals but had not previously received them. Congressman Tonko was able to assist in acquiring the medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

“It is an honor to present these well deserved medals to Joe,” said Congressman Tonko. “His service, and the service of so many veterans to our nation, enable us to enjoy the freedoms that we do each and every day. Joe’s sacrifice is worth remembering, worth stopping to reflect upon, and certainly deserving of these long delayed medals. I know I am not alone when I say thank you to him for his service.”

Mr. LaValle was born in the Bronx in 1947. He attended Christopher Columbus High School before joining the Naval Reserve on December 7, 1964 - Pearl Harbor Day. He served in Vietnam. Mr. LaValle currently resides at Ingersoll Place in Niskayuna.

A photograph of this morning’s ceremony can be found here http://bit.ly/FOaxa9.

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