Councilman honored by Skoufis
Back on November 11, Veterans Day, Senator James Skoufis virtually inducted Highlands Councilman Tyrone King as a member of the state’s Veterans Hall of Fame.
On February 25, King stopped by Skoufis’ Newburgh office to pick up a plaque recognizing the honor.
“Last year, I nominated Ty King to be inducted into the state’s Veterans Hall of Fame,” Skoufis said this week. “Because of the pandemic, we weren’t able to have a ceremony or presentation. Last month, I was honored to finally present him with this much-deserved distinction. Everyone who knows Ty knows how committed he is to providing resources to his community, helping fellow veterans, and to public service. I’m beyond grateful to know and often work alongside such an involved and selfless veteran.”
King was grateful. Both he and Supervisor Bob Livsey mentioned the award at the March 8 Town Board meeting, and, the day he was honored, posted on his personal Facebook page about the honor.
“There’s nothing like receiving the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame award,” he said, pointing out that he was especially proud he’d received the award during Black History Month.
“I have received many prestigious awards during my 30 years of military service; however there is something extra special about being inducted into the Hall of Fame of my home state,” he added. “I truly appreciate New York State Senator James Skoufis for selecting me for such an awesome honor and recognition. Makes me extra proud knowing that we all can be included in the American dream … Hooah!”
King, a Highland Falls, attended the local public school system including O’Neill High School. He’s a retired command sergeant major in the U.S. Army, serving 30 years prior to his retirement in October 2014.
Since his retirement, he has worked as an advocate for veterans and their families. He is involved in the community and regularly meets with local students to discuss local, statewide, and national issues, as well as give his perspective on life in public service and serving the country.
“His dedication to public service is not only evident in his three decades serving our country in the Army but is present to this very day. Along with serving on the Town Board, he currently serves on the board of directors at Riverbank Historic House Museum, a historic site in Cornwall-on-Hudson, and is chairman at the Veterans Resiliency Coalition, which was nominated for the 2019 Military & Veterans Community Choice Awards,” Skoufis said.
King also organizes annual veterans resiliency award galas and founded an annual veterans suicide prevention awareness event. He is the founder of S4L Entertainment and Sports Management.
Five years ago, King brought back the celebratory Juneteenth tradition in Highland Falls, which is something else Skoufis lauded him for.
