Title: Director
Company: Columbia County Veterans Service Agency
Location: Canaan, New York, United States
Gary L. Flaherty, retired command sergeant major in the United States Army and director at Columbia County Veterans Service Agency, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in veteran services.
With over 20 years of experience to his credit, Mr. Flaherty has excelled as director of Columbia County Veterans Service Agency since 2013. Previously, he served in the United States Army for 23 years, retiring at the rank of command sergeant major. Before embarking on his professional path, Mr. Flaherty pursued an education at Columbia College, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1979.
In addition to his primary vocation, Mr. Flaherty remains affiliated with various organizations in relation to his areas of expertise. He maintained involvement as a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America, and is a member of the American Legion. He has also contributed to the board of directors at Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth from 1995 to 2010 and the Washington Special Olympics for 15 years. He was likewise active as past regional commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the chairman of New York’s 19th Congressional District Veterans’ Advisory Council since 2022.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Flaherty has accrued several accolades throughout his career. He was presented with the Eagle Award in 2006, the Young Republicans of Columbia County New York’s Lincoln Award in 2023 and inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2017. The Junior Chamber of Commerce recognized him as an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1973 and he was cited on CBS News in 1968. Over 100 awards have been bestowed upon him for his outstanding community service. He accepted numerous honors during his military career, including the Legion of Merit, the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, the Bronze Star Medal, and six Army Commendation Medals, and was the three-time recipient of the VFW Active Soldier of the Year award.
Mr. Flaherty grew up in a very patriotic community in West Virginia where military enlistment was highly encouraged. His brother and two uncles were in the military, instilling in him a desire to serve. He considers having attained the rank of command sergeant major in the U.S. Army, the second-highest enlisted rank, as his most significant career achievement. In the immediate future, he will continue assisting the veterans’ community.
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