Alleghany/Anderson Veterans Recognition Award Recipient

Alleghany/Anderson Veterans Recognition Award Recipient

Veterans One-stop Center of WNY (VOC) would like to express appreciation to the Anderson Family and The Allegheny State Park Historical Society (ASPHS) for presenting U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Billy Caviness (Ret.) of Wheatfield as the 2014 Alleghany/Anderson Veterans Recognition Award.   SSG Caviness served in the Army for 18 years with countless tours to Afghanistan and Iraq in designated imminent danger zones.  Serving Company B “Warriors” in Hawaii, Billy received Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Lapel Button, Overseas Service Bar Award, Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge with Carbine Bar, and Certificate of Achievement. 

Billy Caviness stated, “I am honored and privileged to receive a week paid vacation in which I accept on behalf of all Soldiers Past, Present and Future.  I am forever grateful to those that made this trip possible for this much needed family time.  Thank you.”

Billy, his wife Tina who also served in the Army National Guard for 10 years, their three children Billy Jr, Angelina, and Annabella will receive one week stay at Alleghany State Park in an electrified cabin, $200 gift card for groceries/souvenirs, firewood delivered to the site and dinner at The Red House Restaurant.  

Kim Jackson, Coordinator for Veterans One-stop Center of WNY states, “this annual award was made possible by Mrs. Annie Anderson and Lance Anderson in remembrance of Mr. Dade Anderson, a 36-year Park Ranger (Anderson’s Trail) who came up with the idea and are the award’s namesake. This contest is being run and underwritten by the Allegany State Park Historical Society, The Anderson Family, Rick Feuz, Sally Marsh and others, and in cooperation with Allegany State Park.  This is the second year running and thank you to the tremendous teamwork, collaboration, and partnership to Paul Crawford, ASPHS Award Chairman, and the ASPHS Board of Directors.  Thank you to our veterans, active troops, and their families for their loyalty, bravery and sacrifices.  Through your devotion, our strength is renewed.”

Billy’s story can be viewed on YouTube, “Level Black – PTSD and the War at Home” link http://youtu.be/1YbkZ8EpjQc.