Hudson Valley County Executive To Be Deployed Overseas

GOSHEN, NY — A county executive in the Hudson Valley will be putting on a uniform and fulfilling his obligation to United States sometime next year. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced Tuesday, Oct. 30 his upcoming deployment overseas with the U.S. Navy.

"I have been notified that in the near future I will be mobilizing overseas for the United States military," Neuhaus said. "I, along with many other Orange County residents, have an obligation to fulfill my commitment as a member of the armed services. Over the past five years, my administration has put together a tremendous leadership team. I'm confident that they, along with the county workforce, will continue to work diligently for the taxpayers of Orange County."

Neuhaus is currently serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves as a lieutenant commander, assigned to special operations, according to a spokesman.

The county executive anticipates being called to active duty early in 2019, with a likely assignment to include an overseas deployment. Neuhaus has been deployed in the past, including in 2017 when he spent a month in South Korea.

Sometime before the end of 2018, Neuhaus said he anticipates undergoing training within the United States. During this training as well as during deployment, he expects to be capable of regular contact with county staff.

"We have a solid managerial, legal and financial team in place, and I expect to be able to be in contact with all of them," Neuhaus said. "Orange County will continue in the positive direction it's been heading under my administration. I look forward to completing my mission and returning as quickly as possible to get back to my family and my county work."

Local leaders commented about Neuhaus' impending overseas deployment, commending him for his service.

Orange County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lynn Allen Cione said she was grateful for the county executive's service and commitment to the United States.

"Under his leadership, the business community and economic development initiatives have both flourished. I know that trend will continue during his deployment due to the competence of his hard-working and dedicated team. I thank him for bravely protecting our freedoms and wish him a safe return," she said.

Town of Monroe Supervisor Tony Cardone said that Neuhaus has put his county and country ahead of his family and personal well-being time and time again.

"This call to duty should make Orange the envy of every county because we have a county executive who has exemplary personal and professional leadership skills," he said. "While I hate to lose him for a few months, the cause is noble and we will all pull together as a county to do what needs to be done while County Executive Neuhaus is deployed."

"As a retired member of the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh with 22 years of service, I certainly understand the commitment that County Executive Neuhaus made when promising to protect our country," City of Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker said. "I encourage every resident of Orange County to support our men and women in uniform that are deployed to protect our freedoms and I certainly wish him Godspeed and a safe return."

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Photo caption: Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. Photo credit: Submitted.