Daemen College : News : News Releases
Patrick W. Welch Named 2010 Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree
Patrick W. Welch, Ph.D., Director, Daemen Center for Veterans and Veteran
Family Services Office, Named 2010 Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree
July 6, 2010
Contact: Mike Andrei
Director-College Relations
(716) 839-8472
mandrei@daemen.edu
Daniel Aikin
Communications Director
Office of NY State Senator
Michael H. Ranzenhofer
(716) 631-8695 (office)
(716) 807-1216 (cell)
Patrick W. Welch, Ph.D., Sgt. USMC (ret) Director, Daemen College Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services Office, has been selected as a 2010 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree for his distinguished military service. Welch was nominated to the Hall of Fame by New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R) 61st District.
The Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services at Daemen College serves as a comprehensive program to provide aid assistance to veterans seeking a degree from Daemen. As Director of the Center, Welch is also responsible for recruitment and retention of Veterans and assisting in the development and implementation of College-wide military recruitment and marketing plans.
“I am humbled to be inducted into the NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame and wish to thank Sen. Ranzenhofer for sponsoring me,” said Welch “While it is given to me personally, I accept in honor of my classmates from Kenmore East High School who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.”
“We are very fortunate to have a veteran of Patrick's stature to lead our program,” said Daemen President Dr. Martin J. Anisman. “Daemen College has worked closely with him to create a campus environment that is supportive of veterans’ needs. We congratulate Patrick on the honor of being named to the New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame. It is well-deserved.”
The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Their meritorious service to the nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of gratitude and admiration.
Welch started his military service as an infantry squad leader with the 3rd Division in Vietnam in 1965. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being badly injured in combat. As a result of his injuries, Patrick spent the next two years in rehabilitation and had to learn how to walk again.
Prior to his work at Daemen College, Dr. Welch advocated for over 100,000 veterans as the Director of Veterans Services for Erie County. During his tenure, Veterans Services and Daemen College signed an agreement, allowing all veterans, especially returning active-duty veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, to obtain assistance in receiving an education from Daemen College.
Welch also hosts a local radio show on WECK 1230 to promote opportunities for veterans.
Among Welch’s distinguished awards are the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service Medals, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
Patrick and his wife, Carol, have been married for 42 years. They have four daughters, three son-in-laws and four grandchildren. His daughter, Deanna, joined him in Albany to witness his induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame.
As documented by the Veterans’ Hall of Fame, more New Yorkers have served in the Armed Forces of the United States than from any other state. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice have earned New Yorkers the accolades and honors of their countrymen, including a record 20 percent of all Medals of Honor ever granted, more than any other state.
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