The Catskill Chronicle

NEW YORK STATE (May 4, 2013) – State Senator John Bonacic (R/I/C-Mount Hope) has announced that Richard R. Keiser will be inducted into the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves, both in military and civilian life.

Mr. Keiser’s heroism during the Vietnam War is complemented by his outstanding service to the community.

“I am proud to have Richard Keiser represent the 42nd Senate District in the Veterans’ Hall of Fame. His advocacy for veterans is impressive. His influence extends from the local level to the national level,” Senator Bonacic continued,

“At the local level, Mr. Keiser organized the Sullivan County Coalition of Veterans. At the state level, Mr. Keiser was instrumental in ensuring the Veterans Buy Back Bill be passed in 1999 and at the federal level, he served on Congressman Ben Gilman’s Veterans Advisory Council and is a veterans advocate at Castle Point in Virginia.”

Richard R. Keiser served his country admirably during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of sergeant. He is a disabled decorated combat veteran of Vietnam, US Army 101st Airborne Division. He was wounded on Hamburger Hill in May 1969. He is a member of numerous veterans organizations including: the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Charter member of Post 1615, Demeola Post and served as Commander).

Mr. Keiser has proven to be a leader in the military and in civilian life. Mr. Keiser remains current on veterans issues and continues to stay actively involved in numerous veteran organizations. He has taken on several leadership roles relating to veterans issues. As a New York State Commander of the American Legion, he helped work with members.

He was the County and State Commander of the New York American Legion and served at the national level as a National Executive Committeeman. He served as first president of the Sullivan County Coalition of Veterans. He has Mr. Keiser was on the board of directors of the Missing in Action home in Rockland County. He is presently Vice President of the Roscoe Kiwanis.

Professionally, Richard Keiser served for 33 years as an Orangetown Police Detective. During his time with Orangetown, he received numerous citations for heroism, exceptional police investigation and life saving. He also participated in the FBI Academy, New York City Homicide, New York City Sex Crimes and New York City Criminal Investigators Courses. He is also a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist.

Mr. Keiser has received several awards for his outstanding efforts, including New York State Veteran of the Year in 1994. He was named the NYS Crime Prevention Officer of the Year in 1995 and proclaimed an expert in State Supreme Court by Judge Murphy. He graduated 1st Place from the Rockland County Police Academy in 1972. Mr. Keiser is also a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart,which he served as Commander.

Richard R. Keiser lives in Roscoe after retiring from the Orangetown Police Department in 2004. Mr. Keiser is also a frequent writer in the Sullivan County Democrat on veterans issue.

The Senate will honor Mr. Keiser and other distinguished veterans from each Senate District on May 21st in Albany.