Albany, NY - May 17, 2017 - Today, Senator Todd Kaminsky inducted Valley Stream resident Sergeant Kenneth Murphy into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, recognizing him for his honorable and selfless service to the nation and his fellow veterans. Senator Kaminsky honored Sgt. Murphy in a ceremony at the New York State Capitol in Albany.
“Sergeant Kenneth Murphy is the epitome of a selfless, quiet hero,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “His sense of duty to his community and nation as a soldier, veteran and police officer are second to none. His commitment to service and dedication to others is why I am proud to induct him into the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.”
“I am very grateful for the experience and enjoyed meeting Senator Kaminsky,” said Sgt. Kenneth Murphy. “The event was done with a lot of class and it was an honor to be included with so many great people and have the opportunity to talk with them. I also enjoyed meeting veterans from all over the state and felt such comradery between the veterans who have served in Vietnam, Korean War, & WWII. I was also impressed with the 99 year old woman next to me who was an army nurse in WWII and also the two WWII Vets who fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal and were 100 and 101.”
About the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame:
The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. It is a chance for the Senate to honor the heroic New Yorkers, to whom we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.
About Sergeant Murphy:
Sergeant Kenneth Murphy is a veteran of the Vietnam War who served his country honorably and heroically in the Marine Corps from 1966 - 1968. At the age of 17 he was eager to enlist, but his father would not sign the necessary paperwork until Kenneth graduated from high school.
Kenneth started his career with the Marines at Basic Training on Parris Island. While deployed, he was stationed just outside of Da Nang, Vietnam, where he sustained injuries from gunshots in his left leg and left shoulder. He spent the next two and a half years recovering from the injuries. During a 1970 ceremony at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, Kenneth received a Silver Star for his bravery in combat and two Purple Hearts.
After his recovery, Kenneth moved back to New York, where he belonged to the Brooklyn Disabled Veterans and then the Valley Stream Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a member, he helped organize events for veterans. He also continued to protect his community by serving on the Valley Stream Auxiliary Police Force.
Kenneth currently lives in Valley Stream and is a staple of the community. He has been a beloved bartender at Hempstead Golf and Country Club for over 27 years, and managed a local softball team for nearly 20. His wife of 27 years, Anna-Maria Murphy, just recently passed. Their son, Kenny, and his wife, Patricia, live in Bellmore with their newborn baby, Joseph Anthony.