New York Sen. Jim Tedisco recently honored an Army veteran who was just appointed to serve as the National Historian for the American Legion during the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
David W. Lockhart of Hadley, N.Y., was given the New York State Commendation Award and a Proclamation for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, and was appointed to a one-year term as a National Historian of the American Legion.
“David Lockhart is an outstanding and dedicated veteran who has served his country with honor and continues to serve as a strong voice for his fellow veterans,” said Tedisco. "It is quite the honor for Saratoga County and the 44th Senate District, which is where the turning point of the American Revolution is located, to have one of our outstanding veterans serve as the National Historian for the American Legion as we prepare to begin the 250th anniversary of the birth of our great nation.”
Lockhart was born and raised in Corinth, N.Y. After graduating from Corinth High School in 1981, he joined the Army as a food service specialist. His first duty station was Fort Jackson in South Carolina, and later served in Germersheim, Germany. While in Germany, Lockhart met his wife, Celia. They have been married since 1984 and have three children and a granddaughter.
While in the Army, Lockhart earned the Good Conduct Medal, which is given for exemplary conduct, efficiency, and fidelity, or who honorably completed three years of active service. He was also given the Army Commendation Medal, awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service while serving with the Army. Finally, he was given the Army service ribbon and Overseas service ribbon.
After being a specialist 4th class, he was honorably discharged in 1984 and began working for the International Paper Company in Corinth from 1984 until its closure in 2003. He also worked as a wastewater treatment plant operator in Glens Falls, N.Y.
After retiring from the workforce in 2013, Lockhart was active in his community, coaching Little League teams for 16 years and Babe Ruth teams for three years. He is a trustee of the Friends of the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga and has participated in Saratoga County’s Deceased Veterans Program since 2008, which is a monthly public event that honors deceased veterans from the area with military honors.
He served as sergeant-at-arms, adjutant, vice commander and commander at the county level. At the department level, he served on the membership team and as the department National Cemetery Chairman. He was also president of the Department Press Association in 2021.
Lockhart joined Horace D. Washburn American Legion Post 533 in Corinth in 2002. He served as sergeant-at-arms, adjutant, vice commander and commander at the county level.
Since 2022, Lockhart has been chairman of the Department Media Alliance Committee. He has also been a member of the National Media & Communication Council since 2021.
“I’m proud to honor David who is always there for our veterans at countless events and programs, with a NYS Senate Proclamation and the Commendation Award for all he does in service to our state and nation,” said Tedisco.