Since 2013, Gary L. Flaherty has thrived as the director of the Columbia County Veterans Service Agency. Based in Hudson, New York, the agency provides benefits to military veterans, active-duty service members, widows and their families, including services such as counseling, reintegration into civilian life, benefits for widows, and state, local and federal referrals. As part of his responsibilities as the agency director, Mr. Flaherty conducts outreach initiatives to source veterans, families and widows to help them file for compensation and benefits, as well as counsels veterans and manages the agency’s food pantry. Likewise, he maintains affiliation with an equine therapy program for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Flaherty served as a regional commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars and sat on the board of directors of the Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth and the Special Olympics in Washington for 15 years. Among his other notable appointments, he was also a co-founder of the Korean Special Olympics, served as an elected town supervisor in Canaan, New York, for four years and served on the county board of supervisors for an additional four years. Since 2022, he has further chaired the New York 19th Congressional District Veterans’ Advisory Council.
Recognized as a life member of Disabled American Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Mr. Flaherty is a member of his local American Legion. He is a former command sergeant major in the United States Army, and he received numerous military decorations for his service, including a Legion of Merit and six Army Commendation Medals, among other accolades. To wit, he has received more than 100 awards for his community service efforts, such as the Lincoln Award from Young Republicans of Columbia County, New York, in 2023 and induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017. Previously, Mr. Flaherty was named an Outstanding Young Man of America by the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1973 and earned the Eagle Award in 2006.
In accounting for his success, Mr. Flaherty credits his upbringing and the influence of his parents when coming of age. Notably, he grew up in a patriotic community in West Virginia, where civilians were often encouraged to serve in the military. Looking toward the future, Mr. Flaherty aims to continue advancing the scope of the Columbia County Veterans Service Agency to help more veterans, widows and their families achieve the benefits to which they are entitled. He follows the motto, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
Contact Mr. Flaherty:
