Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus released the following statement on Tuesday about his upcoming deployment overseas with the U.S. Navy.
“I have been notified that in the near future I will be mobilizing overseas for the United States military,” Neuhaus said. “I, along with many other Orange County residents, have an obligation to fulfill my commitment as a member of the armed services. Over the past five years, my administration has put together a tremendous leadership team. I’m confident that they, along with the County workforce, will continue to work diligently for the taxpayers of Orange County.”
Neuhaus is currently serving in the United States Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant Commander, assigned to special operations. He anticipates being called to active duty early in 2019 and the assignment will likely include an overseas deployment. Neuhaus has been deployed in the past, including last year when he spent a month in South Korea.
Sometime later this year, Neuhaus anticipates undergoing training within the United States. During this training as well as during deployment, he expects to be capable of regular contact with County staff.
“We have a solid managerial, legal, and financial team in place and I expect to be able to be in contact with all of them,” Neuhaus said. “Orange County will continue in the positive direction it’s been heading under my administration. I look forward to completing my mission and returning as quickly as possible to get back to my family and my County work.”
Local leaders comment about County Executive Neuhaus’ impending deployment overseas
“Freedom, family, and community. These are the foundational values of our democracy, and they are the core values espoused by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. On behalf of the Association of Counties, I commend Steve Neuhaus for his military service and his continued commitment to the people of Orange County. In preparation for his U.S. Navy deployment, County Executive Neuhaus has put in place a detailed and careful governance plan that ensures that the people of Orange County will be in the capable hands of his administration. We thank County Executive Neuhaus for his service and continue to support the ongoing work of all Orange County officials as they continue to serve the people of Orange County.” NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario
“I commend every man and woman who serves in the armed forces to protect our freedoms and our way of life. It is very commendable for our County Executive to have such a strong commitment to protect our country. I pray that God keeps him safe while he undertakes this mission.” State Senator John Bonacic
“We are all grateful for the County Executive’s service and commitment to this country. Under his leadership, the business community and economic development initiatives have both flourished. I know that trend will continue during his deployment due to the competence of his hard-working and dedicated team. I thank him for bravely protecting our freedoms and wish him a safe return.” Orange County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lynn Allen Cione
“Steve has put his county and country ahead of his family and personal well-being time and time again. This call to duty should make Orange the envy of every County because we have a County Executive who has exemplary personal and professional leadership skills. Moody’s has stabilized our finances, the private sector economy is on the rise, we have major infrastructure projects completed and more underway. While I hate to lose him for a few months, the cause is noble and we will all pull together as a County to do what needs to be done while County Executive Neuhaus is deployed.” Town of Monroe Supervisor Tony Cardone
“As a retired member of the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh with 22 years of service, I certainly understand the commitment that County Executive Neuhaus made when promising to protect our country. I encourage every resident of Orange County to support our men and woman in uniform that are deployed to protect our freedoms and I certainly wish him Godspeed and a safe return.” City of Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker
“I thank County Executive Neuhaus for his service as he joins the thousands of men and woman deployed who are protecting our way of life, our rights and freedoms. We will be praying for him, his family and all our military families. I, along with the residents of the City of Middletown, stand behind our County Executive and support his efforts. Godspeed.” City of Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano
“Being a soldier has helped Steve Neuhaus relate well to people of all backgrounds. Being a soldier is one reason why. His traditional American values are part of the fabric that makes our County and our country so special. Those of us in organized labor salute that service and look forward to working with County Executive Neuhaus remotely, as well as his team here his team here. Together, we will continue to grow the Orange County economy and improve the quality of life for all Hudson Valley residents.” Todd Diorio, President of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council
“We live in a time in our country when men and women choose to wear the uniform and protect our great nation. Steve Neuhaus is one of those brave people to step up and accept the challenge. I applaud him for his service and wish him and those who serve with him a safe return from their dangerous duties.” Orange County Legislator Tom Faggione
“A heartfelt thank you to Steve for his continued service to our County and our Country. May God watch over him, and all our service men and women, who are called to serve and protect our freedom.” Orange County Legislator Kevin Hines
“Steve Neuhaus is a dedicated public servant. I am proud of his service to our community and of his service to our country as an officer in the United States Navy. I salute Steve for sacrificing time away from his family and his job as our County Executive to defend the freedoms we enjoy. It is incumbent on all of us as a community to support our troops and I ask every Orange County resident to join me in keeping Steve and all of our service members in their thoughts and prayers.” State Senator William Larkin
“On behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 957, we wish Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus Godspeed during his deployment overseas with the U.S. Navy. Our County Executive is a true patriot and we salute his service to our country, and his selfless commitment to the freedoms that we all hold dear. We pray for Steve’s, and all members of the military's, safe return to loved ones.” Mike McGinn, President Fraternal Order of Police Jason Conklin Memorial Lodge 957, Monroe
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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