State Senator Michael Balboni announced the induction of three outstanding local veterans into the newly established New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, including William Baxter of Manhasset.

The first-of-its-kind online Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the US Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community and significant accomplishments as civilians. The Veterans Day tribute may be accessed through Balboni's website: www.senatorbalboni.com or the Hall of Fame website: www.senate.state.ny.us/sws/vethallfame/index.html.

Balboni (R-East Williston Park), chairman of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, said, "The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame honors all who serve our country, but it also singles out for special recognition those whose contributions to their communities have improved the lives of veterans both here in New York State and throughout the nation. The three outstanding designees that I name today are deserving of a place among New York State's most outstanding veterans for their decades of staunch advocacy on behalf of all veterans."

The inaugural class of Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees includes more than 30 veterans from across the state who continue to serve with distinction as leading members of their communities, including Balboni's designees, William A. Baxter, Peter Holowecki and John Patrick Tipping.

William A. Baxter of Manhasset has earned a place among New York State's elite veterans through his honorable military career and nearly 60 years of service to his community as a leader in the American Legion. The US Army veteran was assigned to train recruits as Infantrymen during World War II. He later joined the 107th Infantry of the New York National Guard where he attained the rank of CWO III, overseeing all military functions of the Guard, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. Mr. Baxter joined the American Legion in 1947 and has been a member of the Manhasset Post #304 for 55 years. In 1980, he was elected Post Commander, a position he held for two terms. He has also held every other elected position at the Post headquarters. At the county level, he has served as Nassau County Commander and is currently the Chaplain. Mr. Baxter was named Legionnaire of the Year by the District of Nassau, Queens and Suffolk Counties.

Peter Holowecki of Mineola honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, and has distinguished himself with more than four decades of devoted service to his community. In 1972, he began a long and distinguished career in veteran leadership with his election as Post Commander of the Williston Post #144 American Legion. He went on to become Nassau County Commander in 1979, District Commander in 1991 and Department Vice Commander in 1995.

Mr. Holowecki has served as Nassau County American Legion Legislative Chairman since 1980 and is an active member of the Veterans Advisory Board at Long Island State Veterans Home located at Stony Brook University and the Northport VA Medical Center. In addition, he has been the National Legislative Council liaison to Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy since 1998 and is a member of the National American Legion's Membership and Post Activities Committee.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Mr. Holowecki was named Department of New York American Legionnaire of the Year in 1995 and was presented with the Nassau County Distinguished Service to Veterans Medal in 1992.

John Patrick Tipping of Elmont was chosen for the Hall of Fame by Senator Balboni for his more than three decades of staunch advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families. Mr. Tipping served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 57th tank battalion, the famed 2nd Armored Division, known as "Hell on Wheels."

Since being honorably discharged in 1953, he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of veterans through his leadership positions in the American Legion. A member of the Elmont Post #1033 since 1962, he has served as the Nassau County Commander of the American Legion, the New York State Commander and National Vice Commander.

As a former State Legislative Chairman for the New York State American Legion, Mr. Tipping traveled to Albany on a weekly basis to lobby on behalf of veterans. He was instrumental in creating the law that exempts veterans' organizations from state taxation. He also traveled to Washington, DC in support of veterans' initiatives, where he met with Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Balboni announced that he plans to designate new Hall of Fame inductees each Veterans Day.