JASON SKINNER INDUCTED INTO NEW YORK STATE SENATE VETERANS’ HALL OF FAME

 

 Jason Skinner, Director of the Livingston County Veterans Service Agency, was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame by New York State Sen. George M. Borrello during a ceremony Wednesday in the Livingston County Legislative Chambers.

  Mr. Skinner, a U.S. Army Iraq War veteran, was recognized for his tireless service to his fellow veterans. As director of the Veterans Service Agency, he has made it a priority to advocate for funding for veterans services and programs, particularly those aimed at preventing veteran suicides. Sadly, Livingston County at one time had one of the highest rates of veteran suicide in New York State.

  “Jason’s devotion to his fellow veterans is recognized across New York and the country. His efforts to help veterans struggling with depression and mental illness saves lives,” Sen. Borrello said. “In combat, the members of our military never leave a fellow soldier behind. Jason has adopted that credo as his mission in life. It is a privilege to be able to nominate him into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”

  Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes has known Mr. Skinner for many years, seeking his help for veterans who call her office.

  “I cannot think of a person that has done more for veterans in Livingston County than Jason Skinner,” Assemblywoman Byrnes said. “After serving his country, he has continued to dedicate his life to the service of his fellow veterans. I am thrilled to see Jason honored with this recognition.”

  Mr. Skinner thanked Sen. Borrello for nominating him for the Veterans Hall of Fame.

“I am honored to be recognized and would like to share some credit with the Livingston County Board of Supervisors,” Mr. Skinner said. “Many people supported projects I have started but, ultimately, I always had the assistance of others.  I am proud to join the ranks of the Veterans Hall of Fame. My Uncle Jeff Scherz was inducted in 2010 for his service in WWII. He continued serving his community as a mayor and judge for 22 years.

“The military instills a sense of responsibility and prepares veterans to become stewards of their community. Public service is a great career path for veterans who need to continue serving honorably, especially with the support of a great employer like Livingston County.”

Mr. Skinner is President of the New York State County Veterans Service Officers’ Association and a member of the National Association of Counties’ Veteran and Military Service Standing Committee. He also spearheaded the creation of the Livingston County Veterans’ Monument, which features 250 red metal poppies, each representing a particular veteran.

The swiveling, metal poppies emulate a waving American flag. The bright red poppies, ranging in height from 1 foot to 3 feet, were individually handcrafted by veterans and friends and families of veterans.

  Raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jason Skinner joined the U.S. Army in 2003, and went to basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He trained at the U.S. Army Quartermaster School in Fort Lee Virginia to be a cook. Assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, his unit, the 3rd Squadron of the 17th Cavalry, deployed to Iraq.

  After serving 14 months, conducting civil affairs missions, convoys and guard duty in Iraq, he was accepted to the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officers Academy and promoted to the rank of corporal. Before leaving the Army, Mr. Skinner helped train the next generation of his unit to deploy to Iraq.

  Mr. Skinner was honorably discharged March 25, 2007. Among his awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon. Following his military service, Mr. Skinner and his wife Amy settled in Springwater, N.Y.

  Mr. Skinner worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs for five years before becoming Livingston County Director of Veteran Services in 2015. As director, he has helped many veterans and their widows and children, receive the benefits they are entitled to.

  His advocacy for the Dwyer Peer Support Program to prevent suicide and for veterans’ services in general, resulted in 150 percent more revenue to each county Veteran Service Agency in New York.

  “Jason served his nation with honor and distinction as a member of the U.S. Army,” Sen. Borrello said. “He has dedicated his life since leaving the military to assisting his brother and sister veterans who also answered their nation’s call. He is an inspiration.

  “Freedom isn’t free. Preserving it takes courageous people like Jason Skinner who are willing to risk everything and sacrifice anything up to and including their lives in defense of our country and the ideals we hold dear. We will never take their service and sacrifice for granted.”

  Mr. Skinner is New York State County Service Officer Association President (NYCVSOA), National Association of Counties Veterans and Military Families Vice Chairman (NACO), a member of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) and Finger Lakes Veterans Advocacy Council (FLVAC) President.

  The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created in 2005, to honor those veterans who have distinguished themselves in their military service and continue to devote themselves to serving their neighbors, communities and country. All qualities that define Mr. Skinner.