Albany County has had a proud history of its residents serving our state and country. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, thousands of Albany County residents have put their lives on the line for their community, and they deserve to know that their service has not gone unnoticed. Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy will recognize two exceptional individuals who have bravely served our country. 

County Executive McCoy, for the first time since the pandemic, will hold his biannual Honor a Living Veteran ceremony and honor Penny Lee Deere and Hartley “Willie” Williams on Thursday, November 4 at 10:00am at Crossgates Mall (on the first floor near 110 Grill).

Penny Lee Deere is a 65-year-old veteran who enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19, and served in the Gulf War. When she wasn’t on active duty, she founded Mindbodysoulpenny, Support Our Troops/Art4Vets, and Listening Library, all of which are programs to help veterans after service. 

Hartley “Willie” Williams is an 87-year-old veteran who enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 19, and served in the Korean War.  Willie participated in Airborne Electronics Navigation Equipment Repair during his service, and moved to Antigua where he was the Rotary President. He returned to Albany County to live out his retirement with his wife. 

This will be the 14th such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 40 veterans.