Chancellor J. Michael Haynie and Col. (Ret.) Bill Smullen were among those recognized for decades of advocacy for those who served.
Three of Central New York’s most prominent champions for veterans, including Syracuse University Chancellor J. Michael Haynie, were honored May 28 at Madison County Distillery in Cazenovia, as WCNY launched its first “Mission: Honor Our Heroes”—an event raising funds to keep local veterans’ stories on the air.
Chancellor Haynie, Col. F. William (Bill) Smullen III, U.S. Army (Ret.), a Syracuse alumnus and former director of the University’s national security studies program, and Rear Admiral John Paddock, co-founder of Honor Flight Syracuse, were honored by WCNY.
The event secured funding for WCNY’s continued production and distribution of “Honor Flight Syracuse,” ensuring the voices and experiences of local veterans reach audiences across the region.
“I am humbled to be recognized as an advocate for Honor Flight Syracuse and Central New York veterans,” says Chancellor Haynie. “I have always believed that the debt we owe to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation’s defense can never be repaid, but it certainly can and should be acknowledged and honored. That’s what has driven Syracuse University to be a leader in veteran education, and that’s why I’m so proud to be a supporter of Honor Flight Syracuse.”