FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2025
Local Veterans to be Honored for Their Service
by County Executive McCoy at Crossgates
Guilderland, NY – Albany County has had a proud history of its residents serving our state and country. They have put their lives on the line for their community, and we want to make sure they know that their service has not gone unnoticed. Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy will recognize three exceptional individuals who have bravely served our country.
County Executive McCoy will hold his biannual Honor a Living Veteran ceremony and honor Richard Filkins, Jackie Jones, Jeremy Martelle on Thursday, June 12 at 10:00am at Crossgates (on the first floor near 110 Grill).
Richard Filkins is a Vietnam War Veteran that served in the United States Navy as a diesel mechanic, attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class from January 1966 to January 1972. He was a Diesel Mechanic aboard the USS Hickman County—LST 825 that would bring troops weapons up and down the rivers of Vietnam that came under fire. Later, he’d maintain EMD Diesel Engines aboard the USS Boston and provide fire power from the ocean. After his service, he’d work for Selkirk Diesel Yard as a Machinist and has been a volunteer firefighter for Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company since 1978.
Jackie Jones is a Gulf War Veteran that served in the United States Navy as a Mess Specialist, attaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. She completed her training in San Diego and was stationed at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital from 1989 to 1990. During this time, she was deployed to support Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Bahrain. When she returned stateside, she continued her public service as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer for the Albany County Airport Authority. She would later work for NYSDOT until her retirement in 2023.
Jeremy Martelle is a Gulf War Veteran who served in the United States Airforce as a Master Sergeant. He reported for active duty and training at Lackland Air Force Base in August 1991. He’d later be deployed to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During one of his tours, he’d receive a mission to support NATO and U.S Armed Forces aircrafts during the international armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the end of his enlistment from active-duty, he briefly enlisted with the NY Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia New York. Jeremy would receive numerous awards and medals for his outstanding contributions. After his service, he’d work as an Operations and Security Manager at Albany International Airport and later would become the Associate Vice President of CHA Consulting, the largest engineering firm in the Capital Region.
This will be the 21st such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 58 veterans.
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About Crossgates:
Crossgates is the Capital Region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination offering an impressive selection of national brands and the newest retail concepts. The center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Primark and Best Buy, while offering more than 180 retail shops, including Apple. Crossgates offers 10 entertainment venues and over 20 on-site eateries, such as Dave & Buster’s, Get Air, Billy Beez, Apex Entertainment, Maggie McFly’s and Regal Cinemas with IMAX. Or simply relax at our award-winning day spa, Spa Mirbeau. Located adjacent to a dual-branded 192-room Homewood Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel, Crossgates is your destination to EAT. SHOP. PLAY. STAY. Additional information regarding Crossgates can be found at shopcrossgates.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Pyramid Management Group, LLC:
Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates, is one of the largest, most innovative, privately-held real estate developers in the northeast. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, Pyramid’s portfolio of dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment destinations dominate the northeast with 9 properties located throughout New York and Massachusetts. For nearly 50 years, Pyramid has built its reputation on being first, fast, ahead of the curve and always what’s next, leading the industry in combining the best elements of traditional retail with world-class dining and entertainment, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.pyramidmg.com