U.S. Army Major General Peter S. Lennon receives the Veterans Hall of Fame plaque from Senator Peter Oberacker at the Capitol in Albany. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN — U.S. Army Major General Peter S. Lennon, also mayor of the Village of New Berlin, was inducted to the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame at the Capitol in Albany in early June.

Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C-Schenevus) honored Lennon at a luncheon and also spent time with him on the New York Senate floor.

Oberacker said Lennon is a true patriot and deserves the highest recognition and that it was a true honor to introduce him to several senate colleagues including the chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.

Lennon said, “I am humbled by Senator Oberacker’s nomination and the New York State Senate’s selection of me to join this amazing team of patriots and heroes.”

“I am only one in the long, long line of New Yorkers who have answered the call to wear the cloth of our nation, most of us are ordinary citizens who have, each in our own way, had the opportunity, the honor and the responsibility to both defend and represent the America we love,” said Lennon.

“Many of us continue to find ways to serve after we take off the uniform. I share this honor with my wife, Elaine, as a testament to all the sacrifices made by the families of our service members,” he added.

Town of New Berlin resident and owner New Berlin Storage Betsey Baio said, “Major General, Mayor Peter Lennon is the true definition of the quiet leader. He and his wife Elaine chose to return to Peter’s hometown of New Berlin, not to retire, but to make a difference.”

Baio said that in just a few short years, he has worked tirelessly to make their corner of the world a better place to live, raise a family, and do business. His list of accomplishments for the community is incredible, from securing a major grant for the nursing home, supporting their local VFW, being involved with the farmers market, community yard sales and much more.

“We are blessed that he has brought his skills and leadership from serving our country for over 40 years to our upstate New York area. It is an honor to call him a friend,” she added.

The major general’s military career totals nearly four decades (Active and Reserve) with leadership assignments in war-zone and non-combat environments. The highly decorated veteran received two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service medal, three Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, seven Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Award.

“We owe so much to our veterans, starting with our freedoms and our way of life,” said Oberacker.

He commended Major General Lennon, and all veterans for their service and sacrifice to our nation.

After retiring from the military, Lennon returned to Central New York where he remains active in numerous military support activities. He is also mayor of the Village of New Berlin and was a driving force for Chenango County’s Innovative Readiness Training (Medical) program, and the initial director of the Chenango Micro-loan Program.

Due to COVID-19, the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame induction ceremonies were held virtually over the last two years. Biographies of all inductees can be viewed at www.nysenate.gov/honoring-our-veterans.