Local veteran Jason Kaatz has been inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Kaatz joined the U.S. Army in 1964, serving in Vietnam from November 1964 to December 1967 in the following:
- 161st Assault Helicopter Company
- 52nd and 14th Combat Aviation Battalions
- 17th Aviation Group
- 1st Aviation Brigrade
While in Vietnam, he was also assigned to the following:
- Republic of South Korea Tiger Division
- South Vietnamese 22nd ARVN Division
- 5th Special Forces
- Special Operations Group in Bhin Dhin Province
Kaatz was honorable discharged in March 1970. He is a highly-decorated veteran, with medals including the Vietnam Service Medal with three battle stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 50 Devices, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Award.
Upon his return, Kaatz served on the national executive committee of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, as the Queens County Commander and commander of the Bell-Oak Post 648.