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Today, Congressman Paul Tonko presented medals to a local veteran during an awards ceremony. The medals, from the Department of the Navy, were presented to Mr. Bruce Covey this morning at Congressman Tonko’s downtown Albany office. Mr. Covey was entitled to these medals but had not previously received them. Congressman Tonko’s office was able to assist in acquiring the overdue medals at Mr. Covey’s request, including the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Congressman Tonko helped procure a total of eight awards for Mr. Covey. They are the Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to assist our nation’s veterans,” said Congressman Tonko. “Bruce’s service and commitment to our nation is worth remembering. My office was happy to correct the record and help provide Bruce the recognition he deserves. Today, I know I am not alone when I say, on behalf of our entire country, thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

In September 1972, Mr. Covey and his unit were in the waters of North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin. Their assignment was to run a blockade to prevent ships from reaching enemy ports. On September 14, 1972 they rescued an A-7 pilot who had been hit by enemy fire on his return from a mission. The pilot was able to eject close enough to Mr. Covey’s ship that they were able to pick him up. On September 16, 1972 they encountered enemy artillery fire while observing and reporting on enemy activity on shore. The ship received damage from the 70 artillery rounds fired, but no injuries resulted.

Mr. Covey was born in Albany and raised in Selkirk. He attended Ravena Central School District and joined the Navy, where he served for 6 years. Bruce then joined the Naval Reserves for an addition 14 years. Bruce continued his life of service and worked for the New York State Office of Mental Health as a Maintenance Supervisor at the Capitol District Psychiatric Center. He recently retired. Bruce and his wife Deborah, who joined this morning’s ceremony, reside in Latham where they raised two children, Benjamin and Emily.

Photographs of this morning’s ceremony can be found here http://bit.ly/tonkocoveymedals

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