A decorated U.S. Army veteran from Steuben County has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame for his military valor and lifelong community service.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Scott M. Ward, a native of Steuben County and Cornell University ROTC graduate, was selected by State Senator Tom O’Mara to represent the 58th Senate District in this year’s statewide honor. Ward was among approximately 60 veterans recognized at a ceremony in Albany on Tuesday.
“It is a great honor to induct Scott Ward into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame to ensure that his service to our nation and his commitment to area communities will always be remembered,” O’Mara said. “Scott Ward served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan with bravery, distinction, and excellence. Then he returned home to Steuben County where he has dedicated his life’s work to service in agriculture, education, and stronger communities.”
Ward, who could not attend the Albany event, will be honored at a local ceremony at a later date.
Commissioned in 1988, Ward rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during a career that included leadership roles such as Infantry Platoon Leader, Cavalry Troop Commander, and Battalion Operations Officer. He served in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq, he worked as a Senior Military Advisor with the Iraqi Intervention Forces in Fallujah from 2004 to 2005. Later, he was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as Officer in Charge of the South Carolina Agribusiness Development Team 3-49.
Following active duty, Ward held key training and mobilization roles at Fort Dix and Fort Jackson, helping prepare thousands of soldiers for deployment.
His commendations include the Bronze Star Medal (OLC), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Airborne Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (OLC), Army Commendation Medal (OLC), and the Army Achievement Medal (2OLC).
After his military retirement, Ward returned to Avoca, where he and his wife Kari operate Windydale Farm. He serves on the Bath Central School District Board of Education and is Vice President of the Steuben County Farm Bureau. He is also involved in the American Legion, local agriculture education programs, and serves on Congressman Nick Langworthy’s agriculture advisory committee.
Ward and Kari have three children—Bradley, Christopher, and Danielle.
The New York State Senate established its online Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2005 to honor both military and civilian accomplishments. Each senator selects one veteran annually to represent their district.
Past inductees selected by O’Mara include veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam who also held significant roles in local government and veterans’ affairs, such as Philip C. Smith, Roswell Crozier Jr., and Dennis L. Wolfe Sr.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].