Times Union: Duty Calls: Vietnam veteran to represent New York heroes

A former 25th Infantry Division soldier who served in the Vietnam War has been selected to be one of our nation’s 40 2026 Purple Heart Patriot Project honorees.

Former Army Staff Sgt. George Bates, of Washingtonville in Orange County, who earned two Purple Hearts for battle wounds in the war, will represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes as New York state’s representative at the multi-day tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s combat wounded, according to Bob Driscoll, a spokesman for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission.

CLICK HERE to read the full article in the Albany Times Union.