Herb Loesch of Barker inducted into NYS Veterans Hall of Fame

Photos by Ginny Kropf: State Sen. Rob Ortt reads a tribute to Herb Loesch of Barker, who the senator just chose as this year’s inductee into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. He presented the tribute this morning at Medina Memorial Hospital, where Loesch is undergoing physical therapy.

MEDINA – State Sen. Rob Ortt has chosen a Barker veteran to be included in the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame for 2023.

Herbert Loesch this morning was honored for his service to the military and the community in a ceremony at Medina Memorial Hospital.

Loesch, who will be 95 on Jan. 12, is in Medina Memorial Hospital undergoing physical therapy due to a fall.

In previous years, the induction ceremonies have been in Albany, but this year Ortt delivered the honor to Medina Memorial. Ortt explained it is customary every year for each state senator to choose a veteran from his or her district to be added to the Veterans Hall of Fame, which is in Albany.

“By having it here, all his family and friends could attend,” Ortt said. “We make sure each veteran we choose is worthy of the honor, and Herb certainly is. He still wears his uniform proudly and is a member of the American Legion and VFW. I know he is very proud of his service.”

Two of Loesch’s comrades who served in Korea are still alive, and he keeps in contact with them.

“I’m amazed how Herb is a strong advocate for veterans,” said Ortt, who shared he was also in the military.

Loesch said he was honored Ortt chose him for this award.

“It’s wonderful the senator took time out to do this,” Loesch said.

Loesch served in the United States Army in Korea, as a medic with the 24th Division, obtaining the rank of sergeant 12T.

“He exemplifies what it means to be a patriotic American and proud military veteran,” Ortt read from Loesch’s profile. “A dedicated Army veteran, Mr. Loesch’s military career began when he enlisted in 1952, following his education at Alfred University, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, receiving a bachelor of arts.

One of the 1,000 toy Jeeps in Herb Loesch’s collection sits on the table at Medina Memorial Hospital’s board room, along with a plaque Loesch received and the poster describing his service in Korea.

“After basic training at Camp Pickett in Virginia, Mr. Loesch received advanced medical training at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. After training, he was deployed to Korea. For his service to our nation, he earned numerous recognitions and accolades, including the Korean Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (ROKDA), United Nations Service Medal and the National DEF Service Medal.

“In 1954, Mr. Loesch was honorably discharged from the Army. He became actively involved in the Barker Chapter of the American Legion Post No. 435, as well as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“Mr. Loesch collects, maintains and proudly displays military memorabilia at his home, including a collection of more than 1,000 toy Jeeps. He keeps a prominent military display of World War II and Korean War items at Barker High School, utilizing these collections to discuss our nation’s military history and encourage young people to pursue careers in the armed forces.

“During local parades, Mr. Loesch can be found in the lineup with his restored World War II Willys Jeep, wearing his full military uniform. He remains an active member in his community and serves as treasurer in his church and the Western New York John Deere Club. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 639 and volunteers to place flags at military gravesites.

“Mr. Loesch currently lives in Barker with his longtime partner, Grace. His two children also reside in New York state.”

Ortt told Loesch, “It is an honor for me to recognize veterans like you.”

Ortt added how impressed he was that Loesch maintained a military display at his former high school.

“That is such an important thing,” Ortt said. “Young people today get out of high school and don’t consider the military as a career. Herb is one of those veterans who not only served, but came home and advocated for veterans and served his community. Korean War veterans sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Pretty soon there won’t be any Korean War veterans.”

Loesch was suggested for the honor by Peter Morris, a fellow member of the Western New York Two Cylinder (John Deere) Club, where Loesch has served as treasurer for 30 years.

Among those who attended the ceremony in the hospital’s board room were his partner Grace Bodine; Loesch’s two children, son Terry Loesch of Canandaigua and daughter Tracy Stevenson and her husband Mark of Appleton; his pastor the Rev. Tom Gardner; Al Hain, president of the WNY Two Cylinder Club; Bob Gilsanin from the Sheret American Legion Post in Albion; and several other family and friends.