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Patrick Welch, president of Chapter 77 in western New York
and a member of VVA’s Board of Directors, has been
tapped by Erie County Executive Chris Collins to serve as
that county’s new Veterans Services Director. Welch,
a retired sergeant in the Marine Corps, is the recipient
of the Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart, and the New
York State Conspicuous Service Cross.
“As a Vietnam War veteran, I know the struggles some
veterans face after returning home from service,” Welch
said. “I also know the importance of providing our
aged veterans with excellent health care and, ultimately,
a proper and respectful burial. I consider it an honor to
work on behalf of Erie County’s veteran population.”
“As
both a decorated veteran and a successful businessman, Patrick
Welch will bring invaluable experience to the Office of Veterans
Affairs,” County Executive Collins said. “There
are currently over 80,000 veterans living in Erie County.
[In] Patrick Welch, these brave men and women will have a
strong and determined advocate in Erie County government.
I am confident Mr. Welch will use his impressive business
background and training to maximize the office’s limited
financial resources to provide the best possible service
to our current veterans and our newest generation of veterans
returning home from both Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Welch
is the executive vice president and chief operating officer
of Adaco Services, LLC in Williamsville, where he is responsible
for sales, marketing, client training, and business development.
He has over 40 years of private-sector experience and earned
both a Ph.D. in International Business and an MBA in Hospitality
Management.
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