Senator Jim Tedisco and the New York State Senate paid tribute to Korean War veterans, including Paul O’Keefe, during a ceremony at the Senate Chamber. Paul O’Keefe was selected as a 2024 NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductee.
“Paul O’Keefe is a patriot and truly a ‘Veterans Veteran’ who is beloved in the Capital Region veterans community for his heroic service during the Korean War and all he continues to do as an advocate for veterans and chaplain at many veterans events and ceremonies,” stated Senator Tedisco.
During the Korean War, Paul O’Keefe served in the 24th Infantry Division. This division joined the Republic of Korea’s troops as some of the first U.S. forces to aid South Korea. The division, despite being heavily outnumbered, managed to delay the advance of North Korean forces, enabling the United Nations to fortify its defenses in South Korea. The 24th Division sustained significant casualties, with 3,735 Americans killed and 7,395 wounded.
After his military service, Paul O’Keefe worked at General Electric Silicones as a lab technician, retiring after 33 years. He remains active in veteran affairs as a Chaplain and member of American Legion Post 91. His presence is noted at community events where he represents Korean War veterans. O’Keefe also serves as Chaplain for the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, participating in the monthly “Honor Our Deceased Veterans” program.
Additionally, Paul O’Keefe has been a firefighter for 65 years with the Hemstreet Park Fire Department in Mechanicville, New York, where he also fulfills the role of Chaplain. He frequently engages with school groups and youth to speak on veteran service and community involvement.
O’Keefe’s philanthropic efforts include leading the Albany Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where he successfully carried out fundraising initiatives, notably pushing a wheelbarrow from Mechanicville City Hall to Albany City Hall three times to raise funds.
