FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2025
Local Veterans to be Honored for Their Service
by County Executive McCoy at Crossgates
-Following Ceremony Attend Military Expo Presented by Veterans Miracle Center-
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 Diane Armbruster, John Charles Hudspath III, and Nicholas Popolizo on Thursday, November 6 at 10:00am at Crossgates (on the first floor near 110 Grill).
Diane Armbruster is a Veteran who served in the New York Army National Guard attaining the rank of Colonel from February 20, 1992 to August 31, 2024. Her first assignment after completing training was with the 42nd Infantry Division as a Cable Systems Installer. Later, she’d be deployed with the 42nd Infantry Division to Tikrit, Iraq in 2005 as part of Task Force Liberty supporting approximately 23,000 Soldiers. She was also deployed to Camp Behring, Kuwait in 2012 as part of the 27th Military Engagement Team. During her military career, she would receive numerous medals which included the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. When she returned from service, she’d graduate from Rutgers University with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. After 25 years, she would retire from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office in December of 2019 as a Detective Sergeant.
John Charles Hudspath III is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd Class from 1968 to 1969. He was a Nuclear Power Plant Operator and worked on nuclear water plant operations on the USS Enterprise Off the coast of Vietnam in support of ground troops. During his Military career, he received numerous medals which included the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Campaign Medal –Korea, and the Republic of Vietnam Air Forces Meritorious Unit Citation. When he returned stateside, he continued his work in water treatment for towns in Illinois, Albany County, Port of Albany, the Town of Bethlehem and Town of New Scotland.
Nicholas Popolizo is a Veteran who served in the United States Navy as a Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class from April 3, 1944 to March 7, 1946. He trained as a Torpedoman in Great Lakes, Illinois and attended advanced Torpedoman School in San Diego, California. He was also a plank owner on the USS Boxer and served with Carrier Assistance Service Unit 22. He’d receive the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal for his service. When he returned home, he became a New York City Firefighter from 1951 to 1979 and would rise the ranks to become Captain of Rescue 4.
This will be the 22nd such event County Executive McCoy has hosted since 2013, having honored some 61 Veterans.
Following the ceremony guests are encouraged to visit a Military Expo near APEX Entertainment presented by Veterans Miracle Center. From 10am to 4pm eighteen vendors will be onsite at Crossgates showcasing their services for both Veterans as well as active service members.
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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