MONTICELLO – To open up the latest Veterans Committee of the Sullivan County Legislature on Thursday, October 10, Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency Director Stephen Walsh was honored with an Appreciation Award for his dedication, friendship and loyalty to Sullivan County veterans. Clarence Rundle, a veteran and retired Sullivan County transportation employee, presented Walsh with a plaque. 

“It’s a true privilege to be here today to honor someone who has made such a meaningful difference in my life and our veterans’ lives,” Rundle said. “[Steve] has been more than just a leader; he’s been a heartfelt advocate of the veterans of this county. Through his work, he has gone the extra mile to ensure veterans receive care and support they deserve. 

“But what makes him truly special is outside his commitment to the agency,” Rundle continued, “Steve is always present at local veterans events to show his genuine care for each individual.”

Rundle went on to say that Walsh has helped strengthen the bond amongst veterans in teh community and created safe spaces for veterans to not only find help but to feel understood. 

“So Steve, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Rundle. “Your dedication and kindness has touched so many lives and we are incredibly grateful for the work you do.”

Upon accepting the plaque from Rundle, Walsh showed his appreciation to the veterans of the county and those in the room. 

“I have no choice to work hard and go the extra mile at my job because the people in this room and all the veterans here, they taught me a lot of things,” he said. “I strive every day to be worthy of their deeds, what we need to do and our mission with cooperating with the VA and other agencies.”

District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez, Chair of the Sullivan County Veterans Committee as well as member of the New York State Veterans Committee and National Veterans Committee, also said some words about Walsh’s dedication. 

“One of the few things that I have shared through the time with Steve, has been to make phone calls and be involved with the National Committee,” Alvarez stated. “One of the first things that really caught my heart was the first time we called the National Committee, not only did the people know who I was, but they knew who Steve was and he had direct communication with them also.”