Celebrating 100 Remarkable Years: Happy Birthday, Mr. Raymond Hanley!
The Syracuse VA Medical Center was honored to celebrate a milestone birthday for Mr. Raymond Hanley, a distinguished U.S. Navy, and World War II Veteran, who turned 100 years old on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Mr. Hanley joined the Navy in 1943, serving as a Naval Aviation Storekeeper in the Atlantic Command. He played a vital role in inventorying supplies essential for repairing blimps, with his service taking him to Brazil during critical naval operations. After his service, Mr. Hanley embarked on a successful career as an electrician and shared over 70 beautiful years of marriage with his wife and best friend.
To honor his incredible life and service, the Syracuse VA Medical Center, along with local police, and our own VA police officers celebrated with a special drive-by tribute at his home in DeWitt. Adding to the celebration, Mr. Hanley was presented with a certificate from Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, extending heartfelt wishes for a happy 100th birthday and recognizing his extraordinary contributions. Special thanks were extended to the DeWitt Police Officers for organizing the police vehicle drive-by tribute, and to Paul Dennis, a Navy Veteran and retired VA employee, who crafted the beautiful wooden display frame for Mr. Hanley's certificate. Additionally, heartfelt recognition went to Stephen Roberts, who volunteered through the VA’s Volunteer in Home Visitor Program (VIVP) to visit Mr. Hanley weekly for the past 18 months, exemplifying true dedication and compassion.
If you're inspired by Stephen’s dedication and are interested in joining the Volunteer in Home Visitor Program (VIVP), please contact Rebecca Bernys at 315-802-8619 or rebecca.bernys@va.gov.
The Syracuse VA Medical Center remains proud to honor the incredible lives of our Veterans and their legacies.