CONTACT: Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, (518) 786-4581

FOR RELEASE: Monday, Jun 02, 2008

WHO:

Cohoes Mayor John McDonald, female members of the New York Army and Air National Guard, Exhibit Curator Gertrude B. Hutchinson, the Archivist for the Foundation of New York State Nurses, Tor Shekerjian, 2nd Vice President of the Spindle City Historic Society

WHAT:

Members of the Capital Region press corps are invited to preview a new exhibit at the Cohoes Visitors Center that highlights the accomplishments of area women who have served in the military and are currently serving in the New York Army and Air National Guard. Media walk through of “Women in the Military -- A Retrospective” Exhibit designed to highlight accomplishments and contributions of women in U.S. Military service

WHEN:

2:00 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2008

WHERE:

Visitor’s Center, 58 Remsen Street (ground floor of the Cohoes Music Hall)

BACKGROUND:

Coverage Opportunities: Female members of the New York National Guard, including some who have made contributions to the exhibit will be available for interviews. Cohoes Mayor John McDonald will also be available to speak with members of the press. Women in the Military -- A Retrospective: The exhibit is being sponsored by The Spindle City Historic Society of Cohoes and Cohoes Remembers Vets with the assistance of the New York National Guard. The exhibit opens on June 3, and illustrates the opportunities afforded to women in the military and reveals the contributions made through their military service as camp followers, in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps, National Guard and Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS). This retrospective also highlights women who served from Cohoes and Evelyn Pinkert “Pinky” Brier, first woman flight instructor for WWII fighter pilots. Pinky’s story is a very compelling testimonial to the silent service that women gave to this country. The exhibit will be available for view at the Cohoes Visitor’s Center, 58 Remsen Street, the ground floor of the Cohoes Music Hall from June 3 -- 27, 2008; hours are 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Friday. There is a special evening showing from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday June 5, 2008.