Two busloads of veterans are heading to Washington D.C. today as part of Assemblyman Steve Hawley's annual Patriot Trip. They left early this morning from the Batavia Downs parking lot.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is announcing there are still several openings available to take part in his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, 2002. Veterans and their family members will be hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit historical sites and landmarks constructed to pay tribute to their service and the nation they’ve fought for. This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations, including the Arlington National Cemetery, and the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, with a stop in Gettysburg.
“Some of the most meaningful memories of my lifetime come from experiences I’ve had on our Patriot Trips witnessing heroes who’ve risked their lives to defend our country get to see the monuments built to honor their bravery and sacrifices,” said Hawley. “After having to pause the tour due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am very excited to begin our trips once more and encourage all interested to look into joining us on this incredibly meaningful journey.”
Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost between $425 to $500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details.
Assemblyman Hawley encourages those interested, or who knows someone who might be interested but who may need financial assistance, to contact their local veterans’ services agency. They may be able to provide some assistance, so Hawley encourages those interested to reach out to their county’s agency using the numbers below:
- Genesee County: 585-815-7905
- Orleans County: 585-589-3219
- Erie County: 716-858-6363
- Monroe County: 585-753-6040
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is announcing the resumption of his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, where veterans and their family members are hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit many historical sites and landmarks erected to pay tribute to their service to America. This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations throughout the DC area, including the Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials. The trip also stops in Gettysburg.
Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost between $400-500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details.
“Every year, taking veterans to the memorials built to honor their service is one of the most fulfilling experiences I partake in, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to do it again this year,” said Hawley. “Our veterans are the reason we are able to peacefully enjoy all this country has to offer, so it’s been my honor to take them to see some of the most awe-inspiring, historical places in our nation over the years.”
Submitted photo: Hawley stands alongside veterans at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. during the 12th Patriot Trip in 2019.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is saddened to announce that his annual Patriot Trip in which he brings veterans to landmarks and historical sites throughout the Washington, D.C. area will be canceled this year due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, especially as new variant cases in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals continue to increase. All participants who have signed up for the trip will be fully refunded for anything paid toward it.
“Having to cancel a trip that means so much to veterans, their families, and I was an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately the well-being of veterans and their families has to be our top priority,” said Hawley. “Amidst the spread of COVID-19, it is also very difficult to know for certain that planned destinations will be reasonably accessible. Ultimately, however, the thought of even a single veteran or one of their loved ones falling seriously ill is what caused me to have to make this difficult decision because their well-being is more important than any event.”
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that this year’s annual Patriot Trip, taking place from September 16-19, will be the most affordable ever. Hawley will join veterans and their guests on his annual trip to Washington D.C., visiting various landmarks and historical sites.
Thanks to the generous contributions of many organizations and individuals, the cost to veterans and their selected guest for this year’s trip will be lower than ever in the trip’s fourteen-year history. The cost to veterans and their guest will be far below the original $475 per person, and includes all food, accommodation and travel expenses required for the trip. Although costs are not yet finalized, Hawley is hoping a cost of $350 or less per person will be attainable.
“Following an outpouring of financial support from the community at large, individuals, businesses and veteran-advocacy groups, I am elated to announce the cost to veterans and their guests for this year’s Patriot Trip will be lower than ever, and I’m hopeful the final cost will be between $300 and $350. With confirmed stops this year at Gettysburg, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Veterans Memorials around the National Mall, the National Marine Museum, the Arlington National Cemetery with Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other landmarks and museums, it’s going to be a trip to remember for all who attend.”
Any interested veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 or HawleyS@nyassembly.gov to learn more about the trip and to make reservations.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley [kneeling on right] poses for a photo with Assemblyman Michael DenDekker [kneeling on left] and veterans in front of the Vietnam War Memorial during 2018’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
Submitted photo and press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced today that his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will unfortunately be postponed this year in the wake of the COVID-19 virus’ presence in America.
The intent behind this postponement is to protect our veterans who were interested in traveling to Washington, D.C. With all that is known about COVID-19, it was decided that 52 men and women on a bus traveling across various state lines where health regulations could vary radically, and would not be in the best interest of veterans.
Hawley, who has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006, was just as disappointed about the decision, but understands this temporary pause is in the best interest of the continued well-being of the veterans of our community.
“The Patriot Trip is the highlight of every year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduchak, a World War II veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington, D.C. Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans.
"I haven’t missed a trip for 12 years, and I wouldn’t miss it this year were it not for the risks. I am willing to postpone this year’s trip to ensure all of my friends I’ve made through the trip will be healthy to travel next year. And as for next year, I hope to see as many veterans as possible turn out for the tentative trip date of September 16-19, 2021.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) departed to Washington, D.C., for his 12th annual Patriot Trip last week.
Hawley, local veterans and their family members will visit a host of famous military memorials in the area of the nation's capital.
The group left from Batavia Downs at 7 a.m. last Thursday and will spend four days visiting historical sites such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol rotunda and the Vietnam War Memorial to name a few.
The group made a stop in Gettysburg, Pa., to visit the Civil War battlefield, and then headed to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington County, Va.
“I’m eager to embark on this journey with some of our finest veterans,” Hawley said. “This trip is consistently one of the highlights of my year.
"I’m grateful to spend time with our heroes and visit some of the most important sites in our nation’s history.”
This morning, for the 12th time in as many years, a group of veterans departed with Assemblyman Steve Hawley from the parking lot of Batavia Downs for Hawley's annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
The veterans will visit historic monuments in Washington.
Pictured with Hawley are Jim Freas, of Medina, and George Bakeman, of Albion.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that seats are still available for his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., which will take place Sept. 19 – 22.
This will mark the 12th year Hawley has hosted the trip which allows local veterans and their family members to visit a host of famous military memorials in the Washington, D.C., area.
The group will be staying in the newly redesigned Bethesda Marriott Hotel, located near downtown Bethesda, Md., featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, the new M Club Lounge and multiple dining and drink options on premises. Check in will be on Sept. 19 and check out will be Sept. 22.
Anyone is now permitted to sign up, although priority will still be given to residents of the 139th Assembly District. The approximate cost of the trip is $400 per person and that includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.
**Those planning to visit the White House must sign up before July 30.
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XII, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley helps Bill Wakeman with his bag as he prepares to board the Trailways bus for Hawley's 11th Annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
The trip is a chance for veterans to visit war memorials in the nation's capitol. Each year, Hawley hosts two busloads of veterans on the trip.
In a statement issued after the departure, Hawley said: “Each of us owes our local veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice to defend the values and freedoms we hold dear.
"I am so grateful to be able to share the unforgettable experience of visiting our nation’s capital with these brave men and women each year on our Patriot Trip, and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [center] poses with veterans of the Air Force at a memorial honoring Air Force veterans during last year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
If you or a veteran you know wants more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XI, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov.
To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)[center] poses with veterans of the Air Force at a memorial honoring Air Force veterans during last year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 11thannual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 20 – 23.
More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2017 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.
Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.
Only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After Aug. 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139thAssembly District may apply. The approximate cost of the trip is $400, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.
“The Patriot Trip is one of my favorite events throughout the year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduzak, a World War Two veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington D.C.
“Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XI, please call 585-589-5780 or emailcarneyj@nyassembly.gov.
To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, with three of the veterans joining him this morning for his annual Patriot Trip to Washington.
The annual trip is a chance for veterans in Hawley's district to tour some of the historical landmarks in Washington, D.C.
Pictured with Hawley are Jime Freas, Earl Schmidt (director of Veterans Services in Orleans County), and David Kusmierczak (in back).
(Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined veterans and their family members in Washington, D.C., during last year’s Patriot Trip.)
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his ninth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 15 – 18. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2015 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.
Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The trip can accommodate about 100 veterans and family members so those looking to sign up should do so as soon as possible.
“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.
"Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
Space is limited and signups are first come, first served, with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran. If you or a veteran want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or e-mail carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
Some 100 veterans and family members departed from the Batavia Downs parking lot this morning with Assemblyman Steve Hawley and his staff for Hawley's annual Patriot's Trip to Washington, D.C.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today invited his constituents to attend his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. Hawley, a veteran and son of a veteran, is hosting this trip for the eighth year as an opportunity to honor veterans and their family members and give them an opportunity to share stories and experience our country’s most famous war memorials. After this year’s trip, which will take place Sept. 17 - 20, more than 1,000 veterans and their family members will have participated in Hawley’s events.
“This is one of my favorite events each year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I continually push for recognition and honoring of our country’s heroes and their family members. This is an opportunity for veterans of all backgrounds to reminisce and share experiences while visiting some of our country’s greatest monuments. I have also invited Congressman Chris Gibson to join us, as he earned the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. His presence will make the experience even more special.”
Space is limited and sign up is first come, first served with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany veterans. The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes a three-night stay, meals and admittance to memorials and historical sites.
For more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780, 585-813-1608 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. View photos from previous years at http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced his eighth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 17–20. More than 100 veterans and family members participated in the 2014 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.
Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.
"Through experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage as many of my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
Space is limited and sign-ups are first come, first serve with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran.
If you or a veteran want more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780 or 585-813-1608; e-mail: carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us
To view photos from previous years use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, checkered shorts, is with a group of constituents on his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C.. With Hawley at the National Museum of the Marine Corps are Ed and Dorothy Morgan, Robert Ballard and Rose Schlegal.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is in the midst of his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., with a group of residents from his district. He sent us these pictures.
Above, Jack Toth at the World War II Memorial.
Below, a group shot and a shot of some of the travels with Hawley and Rep. Chris Collins.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced that he will be hosting Patriot Trip VI, an annual journey with local veterans to visit the monuments, museums and memorials dedicated to America’s courageous armed service members.
This year’s trip will take place from Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22 and include visits to landmarks such as the World War WII, Vietnam, Korean and Iwo Jima memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
“The Patriot Trip is a solemn and captivating experience that highlights the depth of the bravery and sacrifice our heroic veterans have contributed to our nation,” Hawley said. “Over the past five years, this event has provided indelible memories for me and the veterans I have had the honor of traveling with, and I look forward to sharing this experience with more of our heroic service men and women who have given so much to protect our freedom and way of life.”
Hawley, who served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves as well as with the National Guard, is the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Patriot Trip VI will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $350. For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.
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