ONEONTA - Senator Peter Oberacker (R/C-Schenevus) announced that Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Cetta, who served with both the United States Marine Corps and the New York Army National Guard is the 2023 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame from the 51st Senate District.
“Lieutenant Colonel Cetta is a true patriot and his service to our nation and his community deserves the highest recognition. t is my esteemed honor to select him as my 2023 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” said Senator Oberacker. “Joseph’s contributions, both at home and abroad, during his nearly four decades of service epitomize the definition of hero. Today he continues to make lives better serving as Walton Town Supervisor and as a firefighter with the Walton Fire Department. Service is near and dear to his heart, and we are all better off because of his efforts.”
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Cetta’s military career spanned nearly four decades (active and reserve) with both the United States Marine Corps and the New York Army National Guard.
Cetta received the Marine Corps. Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Human Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Born in Walton, Cetta knew at an early age that he wanted to serve his country, enlisting with the U.S. Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program after his junior year at Walton High School. Just five days after graduation, he arrived at Parris Island to begin his training. He then spent four years on active duty with VFMA-312 with two Western Pacific deployments that included duty in Japan, the Philippines, Okinawa, South Korea, Guam, and Wake Island before being honorably discharged in June 1983.
Two months later, he joined the New York Army National Guard and over the next 32 years held a number of leadership positions and was deployed to missions throughout New York State in response to natural disasters. Additional deployments took him to Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala on nation building missions.
Later, he was ordered to active duty and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan serving as Liaison Officer with the 42nd Infantry Division during each tour.
Cetta continues to give back to the community where he grew up. First serving as a village trustee in his hometown and now as supervisor.
Cetta has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country, his fellow service members, and his community, a press release stated.
“We owe so much to our veterans, starting with our freedoms and our way of life. I commend and thank Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Cetta, the rest of the 2023 hall of fame induction class, and all veterans for their service and sacrifice to our nation,” added Senator Oberacker.
The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductees may be former members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The exceptional men and women are chosen for this prestigious honor based on either service in combat or notable work performed after discharge from the service.
The Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held virtually and is available for viewing at https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/events/november-09-2023/veterans-hall-fame-ceremony. Additional recognition will take place in Walton at a later date.
