Griffo Honors Badger For Military Service With Induction Into New York State Senate Veterans' Hall Of Fame
Published:
June 2nd, 2025
ALBANY - New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, announced last week that Lawrence "Larry" Badger of New Hartford has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.
Badger is a U.S. Army veteran who courageously served his nation during the Vietnam conflict, obtaining the rank of sergeant. He remains committed to helping veterans and their families and ensuring that the memories of fallen service members never fade away.
"It is an honor to recognize Larry and all the other men and women who have been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame this year," Sen. Griffo said. "Larry has selflessly and courageously served his nation with distinction. He remains committed to supporting and advocating for other veterans and their families and continues to be an active, dedicated and instrumental part of several organizations that support veterans in the region. I am grateful for Larry's service and all that he has done for the veteran community in the 53rd Senate District.”
Lawrence “Larry” Badger, of New Hartford, is a U.S. Army veteran who courageously served his nation during the Vietnam conflict, obtaining the rank of sergeant.
A graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, Mr. Badger enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College before enlisting in the Army as a Paratrooper Infantryman while the Vietnam War was escalating. He attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.; infantry training at Fort Gordon, Ga; and Paratrooper Airborne training at Fort Benning, Ga.
When Mr. Badger received his Airborne wings, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division and eventually the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of E-5 Squad Leader in June 1968. Mr. Badger served in numerous campaigns, including Phase III and V of the Vietnam TET Counter Offensive. During his service, Mr. Badger showed remarkable bravery, leadership and selflessness under intense pressure and difficult conditions.
After his tour in Vietnam, Mr. Badger volunteered an additional six months and was assigned to the 58th Infantry attached to the 93rd MP Battalion as a squad leader until he departed Vietnam in July 1969. He is the recipient of a Purple Heart after he was wounded on March 13, 1968, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Air Medal Citation, Good Conduct Medal and three Overseas Service Bars.
Mr. Badger remains committed to helping veterans and their families and ensuring that the memories of fallen service members never fade, and you will often find him working hard behind the scenes to ensure that veteran-related ceremonies and other events go smoothly. He plays an instrument role in many regional veterans’ organizations, including serving as vice-president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944; finance officer of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 490; an officer in the Masonic War Veterans Post 55; trustee of the VFW Yorkville Post 6001 and a director of Wreaths Across America for Rome, N.Y. He is also a member of the New Hartford American Legion Post 1376, Combat Infantry Association and the 173rd Airborne Association.
When Larry returned home, he was employed at the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years. He was the Chief Steward for the American Postal Workers Union for over 25 years and was also on the Veterans Committee for the Utica Post Office before retiring in 2008.
- Information from the Office of Senator Joseph A. Griffo
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