Hometown Hero John Gates
By: Joe Parker
Updated: January 28, 2013
Staff Sergeant Gates' company has suffered injuries, and tragically -- three soldiers were killed while performing their recent missions in Afghanistan. These young men were all native New Yorkers, and their loss has profoundly affected the communities around them, and their fellow brothers in arms.
His twin brother, Patrick, says John's courageous duties take him away from the ones he loves most, his wife Sarah, and his children Sabrina, Burke, and Morgan, and other family and friends.
John's passion for serving his country and community is not isolated to the military. He served as a Lieutenant with the Barneveld Fire Department and as a School Board Member of the Remsen Central School District, as well as, a member of the Leon R. Roberts American Legion Post in Holland Patent.
Patrick says he cannot wait for his brother's safe return to Remsen, and says John continues to lead his soldiers proudly, professionally, and in the highest standards and traditions of the United States Army.
Eyewitness News salutes you Staff Sergeant John Gates -- and we're proud to have you as our Hometown Hero.
