The family of Sgt. Thomas S. Cook, who gave his life in service to his country in Vietnam, was presented with Cook's Purple Heart, presented posthumously in a ceremony by Rep. Richard Hanna.

In addition to the Purple Heart Medal and other honors bestowed on the family, Cook's mother was given a beer coin by the congressman.  She said it was exactly what she needed, and the gesture broke some of the somberness of the occasion.

Joining Hanna were State Senator Joe Griffo, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, and members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944, and the New Hartford American Legion Post 1376.

Joseph Fraccola and Vincent Egresits presided over the event.

The honor bestowed on Cook was also the first made following the designation of the 22nd Congressional District as the first Purple Heart District in the nation.

 

 

 

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