The 2011 Mary G. Roebling award was presented to State Senator Betty Little at a Saratoga Springs ceremony on Friday, April 29, where the Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) hosted the First Region 2011 spring meeting.
It included a formal dinner and the awarding of the annual award.
Mary G. Roebling (1905-1994) was a prominent and influential American businessperson during the 20th century.
She was active in finance, women’s right, politics, philanthropy and advocated for a strong military.
Twice married and widowed as a young woman, she later studied at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania—attending night classes because the University prohibited women from attending day classes.
Roebling went on to become the first woman to lead a major financial institution as president of the Trenton Trust Company.
Senator Little was recognized for her continued commitment to members of the Armed Services and carrying on the values set forth by Mrs. Roebling.
Her advocacy includes sponsoring Patriot Plans I and II, laws which expanded and enhanced programs, benefits and protections received by New York State military personnel.
In 2004, Senator Little sponsored a law designating a portion of the scenic I-87 Adirondack Northway the “Adirondack Veterans’ Memorial Highway.”
Senator Little also joined the New York State Division of Veteran Affairs two years ago in hosting a “Veterans Friendly Campus” program at Adirondack Community College to educate area colleges and veteran advocates about financial benefits available to veterans.
She’s attended numerous overseas deployment and welcome home ceremonies and marches in the annual Christmas Eve Road March in Queensbury to remember those serving abroad during the holiday season.
Senator Little said she takes to heart the sacrifices of military personnel and their families.
Her son, Commander David Little, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Navy War College and Top Gun.
His brother, Robert, served eight years in the Navy, including three years aboard a submarine.
“Our efforts as elected officials will never rise to the level of meeting the sacrifices that have been made by our soldiers throughout the years,” Senator Little said.
“But it is very important to me that we do our best to ensure our service men and women and veterans are taken care of whether they returned home 50 years ago, or our returning home next week.”
Also honored at the event were Peter Volberg, who received the Master Sergeant Arthur McMillan Award, Mrs. Ann Swezey, recipient of the Command Sergeant Major James McDonald Award, and SFC Arthur Coon, who received the Patriotic Service Award.
Major General Patrick A. Murphy, New York State’s Adjutant General, was the guest of honor.
