Albany County has had a proud history of its residents serving our state and country. They have put their lives on the line for their community, and we want to make sure they know that their service has not gone unnoticed. Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy will recognize three exceptional individuals who have bravely served our country. 

County Executive McCoy will hold his biannual Honor a Living Veteran ceremony and honor Thomas W. Bellow, Margaret Mary Franklin and Brian Lawler on Thursday, November 2 at 10:00am at Crossgates Mall (on the first floor near 110 Grill).

Thomas Bellow was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps Infantry who served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon. When he returned home, Bellow served as a member of the American Legion Thomas B. Flynn, Jr. Post in Watervliet, was the Commander of the VFW Post 729 for five years and is currently a member of the Legnard Curtin American Legion Post 927 in Green Island. He has also been active with the Elks and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Margaret Mary Franklin is a veteran who served in the United States Navy Reserve as a Ships Serviceman 3rd Class. She supported the Master of Arms Unit as Naval Security to the Commander at the Naval Support Facility in Saratoga. She stood watch, monitored all access control points at the main gate, was the control room operator and was responsible for overseeing the installation, maintained journal entries and mustered the unit on a daily basis. Margaret has worked for several Albany County departments for over 20 years and is currently employed at the Albany County Department for Aging.

Brian Lawler is a veteran of the Global War on Terror who served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry. He was a Staff Sergeant who spent time in South East Asia, Australia, Japan and other locations around the Western Rim. After separating from service, Lawler joined the Albany County Sheriff’s Office as a Correction Officer. Lawler then went to the Police Academy to become a Deputy Sheriff. During that time, he also returned to the reserves and was deployed on various assignments to South Africa, Norway and Iraq. Lawler was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. 

This will be the 18th such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 49 veterans.