Medal Recipient PHILLIP YOCKEY - Vietnam Veteran Video 7 of 18 HD

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by United States Army Buffalo Recruiting Commander Captain Randy Warren and VA Western New York Healthcare System Chief of Staff Dr. Grace Stringfellow, and Buffalo Naval & Military Park President Paul Marzello for a ceremony recognizing the service of Vietnam War veteran Sergeant Phillip Yockey. Higgins said, “Sergeant Yockey dedicated his life to serving and protecting the country and community he loves. We are eternally grateful for his commitment and honored to have this opportunity to recognize the great sacrifices he’s made.” Phillip Yockey was born on May 30, 1949 to parents, Phillip Glenn Yockey, Sr. and Dolores Agnes Snyder. The family, including Phil’s sister Phyllis, lived in the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. At the age of 19, Phil enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training in 1968, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he worked in the Army’s 37th Transportation Group. In September of 1971, Yockey’s Staff Sergeant, Issac Wright, wrote to him saying, “I want to express to you my deep admiration and thanks for the way that you have done your job… It would be an extreme pleasure to serve with you again in the future…” Sergeant Yockey was discharged, fulfilling his initial service commitment, and reenlisted in 1971. He began a new Transportation Group assignment with United States Army in Europe. While serving in Bremerhaven and Frankfurt, Germany, Sergeant Yockey spent his off-duty time earning his high school degree. He later returned stateside serving in the 505th Signal Company at Fort Huachuca in Arizona before his discharge on February 18, 1979 after nearly 10 years of honorable service. During his service, SGT Yockey was exposed to Agent Orange, an herbicide that was sprayed to remove vegetation providing enemy cover during the Vietnam War, and is now associated with various health conditions. As a result of Agent Orange induced diabetes, he lost his legs and moved out of his beloved Black Rock neighborhood to the Buffalo VA Hospital’s Willow Lodge, where he has access to direct care. Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park President Paul Marzello said, “With SGT Yockey’s name enshrined on our Wall of Honor, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park continues to fulfill our mission of honoring our Veterans. Recognition for Mr. Yockey’s Vietnam service and sacrifices, compounded by Agent Orange exposure, make this ceremony and long overdue presentation of his medals at VA Western New York Healthcare System very special.” During a ceremony at Willow Lodge, Congressman Higgins presented Sergeant Yockey with the following medals he earned over 50 years ago: Good Conduct Medal, with Bronze Clasp & three loops: representing more than 9 years of "honorable and faithful” service in the United States Army National Defense Service Medal: Awarded for active duty service during the Vietnam War Vietnam Service Med