ALBANY, NY (607NewsNow) — State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today announced the induction of Steuben County native and retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Scott M. Ward into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

Ward, a highly decorated Army veteran and respected community leader, was selected by O’Mara to represent the 58th Senate District. Each year, state senators are given the opportunity to nominate one veteran from their district to be honored in the Hall of Fame, which was established in 2005 to recognize military service and civilian achievement.

“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,” said O’Mara. “I remain grateful that the New York State Senate provides this opportunity to salute the service of local veterans who have also devoted their civilian lives and made difference-making contributions to local communities. Scott Ward served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan with bravery, distinction, and excellence. Then he returned home to Steuben CouSenty where he has dedicated his life’s work to service in agriculture, education, and stronger communities. Scott has positively impacted so many lives and I am proud, through the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame, to express our collective gratitude and respect.”

Ward was commissioned through the ROTC program at Cornell University in 1988 and served in numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including Infantry Platoon Leader, Light Armored Cavalry Troop Commander, and Battalion/Brigade Operations Officer. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and earned many distinguished military honors, including 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 Army Achievement Medal (2OLC).

His combat deployments included service in Fallujah, Iraq from 2004-2005 as Senior Military Advisor to the Iraqi Intervention Forces. Later, he served as Officer in Charge of the South Carolina Agribusiness Development Team 3-49 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2013. Ward also played a key role in preparing over 4,500 soldiers for overseas deployment while serving stateside at Fort Dix and Fort Jackson.

Since retiring from the Army, Ward has continued to serve his community. He and his wife, Kari, operate Windydale Farm in Avoca and remain active in numerous local organizations. Ward currently serves on the Bath Central School District Board of Education, is Vice President of the Steuben County Farm Bureau, and sits on the Board of Directors for American Legion Charles E. Westcott Post 0173. He is also a member of the Safety and Security Team at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church, a GST BOCES agriculture advisor, and a member of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s agriculture advisory committee.

Though unable to attend the official induction ceremony held in Albany, Ward will be honored by Senator O’Mara at a local event to be scheduled in the near future.