Walter Kittle inducted into the NYS Veterans’ Hall of Fame
ALBANY — Warwick resident Walter Kittle inducted into the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame during ceremonies held this week in Albany.
“Walter Kittle has distinguished himself with his thirty plus years in service to the United States, as well as continuing that service in his community,” said state Sen. Bonacic said in his press release announcing Kittle's nomination. “I am proud to have Walter Kittle represent the 42nd Senate District in the Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Thirty-two years of service
Kittle entered the Navy in 1981 when he was 17, and continued in both active and reserve service for the next 32 years.
Over that period, he held various ranks in the U.S. Navy and N.Y. Army National Guard. He also volunteered for three tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, as part of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, before concluding his military service in the N.Y.S. Air National Guard at the Stewart ANG Base in 2013.
Back home, Kittle has been active in his Greenwood Lake community as a member of the American Legion Post 1443 where he has held the rank of commander.
Kittle is also a Legion Rider which has the distinction of serving at military funerals. He has helped organize fund raisers for local organizations, raising $25,000 for the 1st Lt. Lou Allen Scholarship Foundation and $10,000 for the Castle Point Veterans Food Pantry.
As commander of the Legion Post 1443, Kittle found shelter for residents of his community affected by the power outages from the super storms that hit the area.
'Dedication and unselfishness'
“It is recognizing veterans like Walter Kittle, we are reminded of the dedication and unselfishness that went into the freedoms we enjoy today," Bonacic said. " I, along with my Senate colleagues and those in our district, congratulate and thank Walter for his devotion to his country and his community.”
A retired NYPD detective, Kittle and his wife, Jean, live in Warwick; they have two children, Tracy and Christopher.