Saratoga County honors Staff Sergeant Charles F. Wantuch at veterans ceremony

Saratoga County officials and elected representatives gathered June 16 for the county's monthly Honor to the County Veterans ceremony to recognize Staff Sergeant Charles F. Wantuch for his military and later civilian service.

Frank McClennan, director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, opened the program and asked attendees to observe a moment of silence for a B‑52 crew lost the previous day. McClennan read Wantuch's service record, saying Wantuch enlisted Sept. 14, 1971, served as a weapons mechanic in Thailand during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged July 6, 1975, with the rank of sergeant. "Charles's commitment to duty exemplified the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism," McClennan said.

Town of Milton Supervisor Scott Ostrander, speaking for the town, described Wantuch as "a devoted husband, father, patriot" and highlighted an invention Wantuch developed — a bore obstruction detection indicator — that led to an Army Commander's Award for civilian service. "His dedication and innovation led to the development of the bore obstruction detection indicator," Ostrander said.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett, an Army veteran, emphasized the technical skill and quiet dedication of weapons mechanics and called Wantuch's family his "greatest legacy." Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner praised county staff who research honorees and said Wantuch combined manual skill with inventive thinking.

Saratoga County District Attorney (named in the transcript as "Brad E. B.") offered a certificate of appreciation from the DA's office to Wantuch's family. Abby Burke delivered remarks on behalf of Assemblywoman MaryBeth Walsh, who could not attend, and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko presented a congressional remembrance and said a flag would be flown over the U.S. Capitol in Wantuch's honor, with a certificate documenting the flight to be provided to the family.

State Senator Jim Tedisco announced the New York State Senate had approved the Liberty Medal for Wantuch and described the presentation process for that state honor. "The Liberty Medal was voted unanimously for his behalf," Tedisco said.

McClennan also noted that a display case honoring Wantuch would remain on view in the county building for 30 days and thanked volunteers and staff who support the monthly program. County historian Lauren Robertson sang "Amazing Grace" during the indoor portion of the ceremony. The program concluded with a closing prayer, a short honor-guard drill, a group photograph for the family and the intention to proceed outside for a flag‑raising portion of the event.

The ceremony combined biographical remarks about Wantuch's military duties overseas, recognition of post‑service civilian work at the Watervliet Arsenal, and presentations of county, state, and federal honors to the Wantuch family. The county encouraged the public to view the commemorative display and the Saratoga 250th anniversary materials referenced during the program.

Next steps: county staff will provide the family with the certificates referenced during the ceremony and the Wantuch display will be available in the county building for about 30 days.