2022 Guilderland Hometown Heroes

Banner Program

The Town of Guilderland and the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce has partnered again for the Hometown Heroes Banner Program. 2022 Celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the program! The program proudly recognizes active duty and veteran service members, both living and deceased. Each banner honors a specific current or former Guilderland, Berne, Knox or Westerlo serviceperson, and will include his or her name, branch of service, and photo.

All banners are located at Tawasentha Park unless indicated otherwise.

Sergeant Ellsworth “Guy” Bucey
US Marine Corps, 2005-2012

Banner located on Pole 12 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Ellsworth “Guy” Bucey was a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. Served in Iraq War in ’06 and ’08. Was a local reservist from 2005 to 2012. Honorably discharged due to service related disability. Guy lives and works in Guilderland with his family, as the Director of Operations at InovaBed. As well as one of the Owners and Head Brewers at Mixed Breed Brewing in Guilderland Center.

Charles C. Ciaccio, Hospital Corpsman
US Navy, 1943-1946

Banner located on Pole 10 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Charles J. Ciaccio served in the US Navy Reserve from May 20, 1943 through April 29, 1946 and was stationed at the US Naval Hospital in Pearl Harbor. His rank upon discharge was Hospital Apprentice 1^st Class which is a Petty Officer First Class. He was a hospital corpsman who provided medical care and acted as a hospital photographer. Dad went on to college at Hobart College under the GI Bill and eventually settled in Altamont where he lived for over 60 years. He was the Guilderland High School Principal for 23 years.

Staff Sergeant Horace McDonnell
US Army, Korean Conflict, 1948-1952

Banner located on Pole 21 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Horace enlisted in the US Army in 1948 and completed basic combat training at Camp Gordan, Georgia. He then trained as a radio operator assigned to the 490th Signal Relay Company. He was later deployed to Korea and then Japan. Horace was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Japan Occupation Medal w/ 5 Bronze Service Stars, 2 Oversea Service Bars, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Good Conduct Medal. 

After completion of his military service Horace began his post military career working at the Albany Stratton VAMC Medical Center ending his career as Assistant Chief, Building Management Service after 30 years of federal service. 

Specialist John McDonnell
US Army, Cold War Service, 1975-1978

Banner located on Pole 8 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

After graduating from Guilderland High School, John enlisted in the US Army. He completed basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri and his advance training (Military Police) at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Upon completing training he was assigned to the 15th MP Police Brigade, 554th MP Company at Patch Barracks, Germany. While in Germany he was assigned to a variety of duties to include Provost Marshal Desk Operation, garrison patrol and investigative assignments. John was also assigned to several temporary details in support of other military operations to include SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium. Upon discharge he was awarded the Cold War Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. 

After completion of his military service John began his post military career at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in the Police Service. At the time of his retirement, John was the Chief of Police at the Stratton VA as well as the Upstate NY Regional Police Chief, concluding a career that spanned 35 years of federal service. John is a member of ‘E.J. Knapik’ AMVETS Post 35.

Specialist Joseph McDonnell
US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2004-2009

Banner located on Pole 7 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

After graduating from Guilderland High School, Joseph enlisted in the US Army. He completed both basic combat training and his advance training (Military Police) at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. Joseph also completed Unit Armorer training and the Combat Life Saver Course. After completing training he was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. During the course of his enlistment he deployed to Iraq (OIF) and then to Afghanistan (OEF). While in Iraq he served as a Military Police Officer and was also part of a team providing basic combat training to Iraqi military forces. Joseph earned numerous awards during his enlistment including the Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Two Campaign Stars, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and Army Good Conduct Medal. 

After completion of his military service Joseph enrolled in college and earned a degree in Emergency Management from Schenectady County Community College. He then began his post military career working at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center where he continues to serve as the facility Emergency Manager. 

Corporal Michael McDonnell
US Marine Corps, 1974-1976

Banner located on Pole 5 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Michael enlisted in the Marines after graduation from Guilderland High School and completed basic combat training at Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduation he was assigned to the 1st / 155th Howitzer Battery at Marine Base 29 Palms, California where he received advance training and certification as a Ground Radio Repairman. Upon discharge he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After completion of his military service Michael began his post military career working at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center where he became a supervisor in the Laundry Plant. He later transferred to the VA Medical Center in Marion, Indiana.

Specialist Nicholas McDonnell
US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2011-2015

Banner located on Pole 6 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

After graduating from Guilderland High School, Nicholas enlisted in the US Army. He completed both basic combat training and his advance training (Combat Engineer) at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. Additional training including Counter Remote Controlled Improvised Explosives, Route Recon Clearance Operator, Electronic Warfare Operation Course and the Combat Life Saver Course. After completing his training he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. During the course of his enlistment he was deployed to Afghanistan (OEF) serving as Combat Engineer. Nicholas earned numerous awards during his enlistment including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star and Army Good Conduct Medal. 

Sergeant Timothy McDonnell
US Marine Corps, 1977-1982/1984-1989

Banner located on Pole 9 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Timothy enlisted in the Marines after graduation from Guilderland High School and completed basic combat training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Timothy was then assigned to the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC and trained as a Helicopter Dynamic Mechanic. During his 10 years of service, Timothy was assigned to several units including the Marine Aircraft Group 26 at New River and Marine Aircraft Group 46 at the Naval Air Station in New Orleans, LA. As a helicopter mechanic, Timothy served on numerous aircraft carriers including the USS Inchon, Nassau, Guam, Trenton, Guadalcanal, and Wainwright completing several Mediterranean deployments in support of US and NATO operations during periods of instability in the region. Upon discharge he was awarded multiple awards including Meritorious Unit Citation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 2 Stars, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Good Conduct Medal (3 Awards). 

After completion of his service, Timothy returned to college and earned a degree in Occupational Therapy. After completing an internship at Albany Stratton VA Medical Center he relocated to Pennsylvania where he continues to work as an occupational therapist.

Second Lieutenant Edward C. Valachovic
US Army, 1963-1969

Banner located on Pole 11 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Bio coming soon.

Seaman First Class Gunnersmate Porter E. Bidleman
US Navy, 1944-1946

Banner located on Pole 9 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Seaman First Class Gunnersmate Porter E. Bidleman served on LCI 1077. Dates of Service – 1944-1946
Assigned to Asia Pacific Theater and was present during the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Lieutenant Colonel John J. Cipriano
US Army, 1972-1996

Banner is retained by family, not on display at the park.

John Cipriano was born in Glen Cove, NY in 1949 and moved to Vineland, NJ in 1957 and called that home until he entered the Army. John attended the Signal Officer Basic Course, FT Gordon, GA, and the Combat Communication Staff Officers Course, FT Sill, OK. From 1972-1975 John was a Project Officer, Combat Developments Command at FT Leavenworth, KS. In 1975 John graduated from the Army Airborne School at FT. Benning, GA. From 1975-1976, John was a Platoon Leader, then Company Commander of the 51st Signal Bn, 1st Corps Signal Support Bn. In Uijeongbu, Korea. Then from 1977-1980, John was a ROTC Instructor at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. In 1980 John was assigned to the units of the 32nd Air Defense Command as a Battalion and Brigade Signal Officer and Battalion Operations Officer in Ansbach, Wurzburg and Darmstadt, Germany. John met and married his wife, Lyn Manion when they were assigned together in Germany. John served in Germany until 1985.

In 1985, John attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA. Then from 1985-1989 Assigned as the Signal Personnel Management Troubleshooter at the Army Personnel Center in Washington DC. From 1989 to 1991 John was assigned to Army Headquarters in Heidelberg Germany as the Fielding Chief for the new Mobile Subscriber Equipment System. Then from 1991 to 1993 John commanded the 302nd Signal Battalion with over 1400 personnel and 12 companies in England, Belgium, Germany, and Italy.  Finally, from 1993 to 1996 John served Deputy Director of Information Management for the Military District of Washington. John retired from the Army on September 30, 1996.

1st Lieutenant Lyn Manion Cipriano
US Army, 1981-1986

Banner is retained by family, not on display at the park.

Lyn Manion Cipriano was born in Ilion, NY in 1958. In 1981, Lyn enlisted in the Army and attended Basic Training at FT Dix, NJ, and Officer Candidate School at FT Benning, GA. In 1982, Lyn attended Ordinance Officer Basic Course and the Missile Material Management Course at Redstone Arsenal, and Army Airborne School, at FT Benning GA. Also in 1982, Lyn was assigned as Executive Officer of Headquarters Company, 69th Air Defense Brigade, Wurzburg, Germany. Then in 1983 Lyn was assigned as the Direct Support Battery Executive Officer, 2nd Battalion 57th Air Defense Artillery, Ansbach, Germany. Lyn was Honorably discharged from Active Duty in 1983.

Both Lyn and John moved back to the Mohawk Valley in 1996 after John’s retirement. Most recently, John and Lyn bought a house in Guilderland, NY.

Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark
US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom

Banner located on pole 13 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

LTC Todd J. Clark was a Guilderland, NY resident, graduating in 1990 from Christian Brothers Academy. He continued his education, graduating from Texas A&M University (BS), Commissioned as an Armor/Cavalry Officer, graduated from US Army Armor Basic and Advanced Officer Courses, Naval Postgraduate School (Master’s Degree), and Command and General Staff College (Master’s Degree). He served in Kuwait and Bosnia with the 1st Cavalry Division with 2/12/CAV. As a troop commander, CPT Clark led Lightning Troop, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in the attack on Iraq for his first combat tour. Captain Clark was an advisor to the Iraqi Special Police Commandoes for his second combat tour. During his third tour, CPT Clark was on Brigade Staff of the 10th Mountain Division in Iraq. Major Clark then served as the S3 with 1/71 Cavalry Squadron of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan for his fourth tour. It was during this tour that he sustained IED injuries and spent eight months recuperating at Walter Reed Military Hospital, receiving his first Purple Heart. Todd then served as an XO with 1/89 Cavalry Squadron of the 10^th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as a senior advisor to the Afghan National Army for his fifth and last combat tour. LTC Clark was born in Albany, son of Colonel RJ “Jack” Clark, US Army (Retired) and Kathleen Murphy Clark, brother of Kyle E. Clark, husband of Shelley Wuenstel Clark, and devoted father of Collin Thomas and Madison Elaine Clark. Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark, Cavalry was killed during a “Green on Blue” attack on Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Afghanistan. He is Interned at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

The many awards and decorations bestowed upon him include: a four times Bronze Star Medal (x4), a two times Purple Heart Medal (x2), a three times Meritorious Service Medal (x3), a four times Army Commendation Medal (x4) and a three time Army Achievement Medal (x3).

SPC Matthew P. Daigler
US Army, 2017-Present

Banner located on Pole 2 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Matthew Daigler was born in Albany, NY in 1999.  Matthew graduated Guilderland High School in 2017.  Shortly after graduation Matthew decided to enlist in the United States Army.  He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  After completing basic training that November, he went to Fort Huachuca in Arizona to train as a Human Intelligence Collector.  Matthew graduated Fort Huachuca in April of 2018 and was accepted to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California to study Spanish extensively for one year. Matthew then attended Airborne Training School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In September 2019 he became stationed to the 82^nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he currently resides with his wife and two dogs.  Matthew was deployed to Northern Iraq from 6/2020 – 2/2021.  He has made his family proud and we glad he is safely stateside. 

Senior Chief Petty Officer Adrienne Daniels
US Navy, 1994-2004

Banner located on Pole 20 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Adrienne Daniels served in the United States Navy Reserves from May of 1994 through November of 2004, answering the call whenever necessary, including during the attacks on September 11. For her selfless service, she earned the Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the National Defense Medal, among others. Adrienne continues to give back to veterans to this day, serving as a board member of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans while lending her support the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center and other causes like the Hospitalized Veterans Week.

Private First Class Austin J. Grant
US Marine Corps, Active Duty

Banner returned to family, not on display in the park.

PFC Austin J Grant is a Guilderland High school Graduate class of 2019.  He was a member of the Dutchmen Varsity wrestling team for 6 years where he ultimately earned 2nd place in the 2019 section 2 championship along with multiple other athletic achievements. Austin chose to challenge himself, build self confidence and  most importantly serve his country by becoming a United States Marine where he serves as an 0313  LAV crewman with the 4th LAR battalion. He is currently an active Reservist completing his monthly drills at the US Marine Corps Reserve Center in Syracuse, NY. 

Sergeant First Class Robert R. Lynch
US Army, Vietnam

Banner not currently on display in the park.

Robert R. Lynch (Bob) was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 1, 1966.  He attended basic training in Fort Knox Kentucky where he also attending cooking school.  He was then assigned to Fort Bragg North Carolina where he was a cook within the engineering outfit.  On January 31, 1968 Bob was sent to Vietnam as a cook in the 36^th combat engineers.  Upon returning to the states in November of 1968 he left active service to become a member of the inactive reserves for 4 years.  Upon being discharged he enlisted in the Army Reserves 364^th General Hospital in Albany NY where he was a cook and began NCOIC training which he completed in 1985.  Bob retired from service in 1997.  In his civilian life Bob completed a successful career in 2006 retiring from the New York State Courts.  Bob raised his family in Guilderland where he remains a resident today. Bob is also a life member of the Guilderland Fire Department where he has volunteered for many years.

Bob has received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Numerous other service citations.

Gunners Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer John C. Meyers
US Navy, WWII

Banner not currently on display in the park.

John C. Meyers Sr. entered the service on March 7, 1944 to become a Gunners Mate 3^rd Class (GM3) in the United States Navy.  He served in that capacity on the U.S.S. Waldron.  He received the following awards: Pacific Theatre Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. Upon leaving active service in May of 1946 he remained in the Inactive Reserves.

GM3 Meyers raised his family in Guilderland and Altamont and was a bread salesman for a local bakery.  Later he moved to Florida before his death is 2012.

Petty Officer Terry A. Miltner
US Army, Vietnam

Banner located on Pole 3 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

After High School Terry joined the Army. His Father was a WWII veteran and his brother made a career in the Army so he felt that it was his duty to serve our country.  He served in the Army from April 1, 1970 to April 4, 1973 with the 981st Sentry Dog Handlers and detached to the 1st Calvary.  His position was a sentry dog handler and a tracker dog handler.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Sharpshooter (Rifle) award.

Private Newton T. Ronan
US Army, 1943-1945

Banner returned to family, not on display in park.

Finished high school early to enlist in the US Army Air Corps. 1943-1945.

A2C Airman 2nd Class Sylvester Schiltz
US Air Force, 1950-1954

Banner located on Pole 14 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Bio coming soon.

Chief Petty Officer Wesley F. Smith
US Navy, Vietnam

Banner located at Crossgates, not on display in the park.

Wesley Smith enlisted in the Navy in 1968 and attended the Navy School of Music in Virginia, and later was promoted to Musician, 2nd Class. He was stationed in San Diego in 1969 and was deployed from May 1st – Nov 1st, 1970, on the USS Okinawa, USS America and USS Bon Homme Richard. Ports of Call included Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Auckland, New Zealand, Subic Bay Philippines, Hong Kong China and Yokosuka Japan. From 1972-1977, Wes was stationed at the Navy Reserve Training Center in Albany, NY.

In 1977, Wes transferred to the NY Army National Guard and was part of the 199th and the 42nd Division Bands, “The Governor’s Band”. He performed all over New York State in parades, concerts and ceremonies. During this time of service, he was also deployed to Germany and France.

After 38.5 years of service to our country, SFC Wesley Smith retired from the NY Army National Guard in 2007.

Technical Sergeant Eugene L. Spinnler
US Army, WWII

Banner located on Pole 17 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

Eugene was born in Legnano, Italy in 1915 from Swiss and Italian parents. In 1917, together with his mother and sister, he came to New York City to join his father who had immigrated in 1916. In 1921 the family moved to Schenectady, his lifelong home. Eugene graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Schenectady taking a technical electrical concentration.

From 1933 to 1936 he was in the 27th Infantry Division of the New York State National Guard. In 1943 he was inducted in the Army from Vermont where he had been working. He served with the 66th Infantry in the States and with the 28th Division “D” Company, 112th Infantry Regiment overseas. He was one of the US Soldiers who marched down the Champs Elysees celebrating the liberation of Paris in August 1944. He was in the famous photo and US Postage Stamp commemorating the event. In September 1944 he was wounded near Wallendorf, Germany and was evacuated to a hospital in England. On Thanksgiving day 1944, he returned to his Company. He was wounded in The Battle of the Bulge and again evacuated to England. He received two Purple Hearts. He was assigned to a base in France from May 1945 to December 1945 obtaining a T/5 rank. He was discharged from Camp Dix on January 5, 1946.

He was married on June 5, 1947 to Irene Ferri. He had two children and four grandchildren. He lived in Guilderland from 1950 until his death in 2005.

Staff Sergeant Gary Villeneuve
US Air Force, 1968-1972

Banner returned to family, not on display in park.

Staff Sergeant Gary Villeneuve grew up in Utica, New York.  In 1968 he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  While in the Air Force, Gary was a Doppler Radar Technician stationed in New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Germany.  In 1975, Gary joined the Schenectady Air Guard reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving in Greenland.  After a year in the Air Guard, Gary settled in Altamont, New York and took a job with the railroad.  He raised his family in the Capital Region and remains in Altamont.  Gary’s children and grandchildren are proud of his service and honored by this recognition.

Captain Carl J. Walters
US Army Airforce, 1942-1946

Banner Located on Pole 1 in Tawasentha Park, see map for details.

USAAF 1942-1946 was a test pilot and bomber pilot in WW2. He was the very first to fly the B29 with jet assist. Captain Walters flew bombers in the Japanese air offensive, and was awarded the Bronze Star, the Victory Medal and the American Theatre Emblem.

SPC4 George A. Zimmer
US Army, Vietnam

Banner returned to family, not on display in park.

George A. Zimmer of Berne, NY, August 30, 1943 to March 23, 2020 was the son of the late Cyrus and Elizabeth Zimmer of Schenectady, NY where he attended Linton High School and went on to Dayton and Union Colleges. After college, he began work at Chrysler Research Lab in Dayton Ohio before being drafted into the Army in 1965.  After two tours in Vietnam, George spent ten years at Knolls Atomic Power Lab, six years at Brookhaven National Laboratory, twenty years at Hewlett Packard and eighteen years at Delaware Engineering.

George served with the 1^st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, where he was known as “Zim”.  He held the rank of SPC4 as an 11B, Infantryman and Radio Telephone Operator, with assignments at multiple fire bases and combat outposts, including An Khe, Pleiku and Bong Son.  During his service, George was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, three Purple Hearts, the Army Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal – 1960s, two Presidential Unit Citations and the Combat Infantryman Badge.