BG (R) Barry Hartman ’64 has been named the 2026 Veteran of the Year by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Uncle Sam Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. The honor recognizes nearly five decades in uniform and his continued work to preserve New York’s military history.
Hartman enlisted in the Army in 1958 before attending West Point. After graduation, he served with tank and armored cavalry units in West Germany before completing two combat tours in Vietnam. During his first tour, he commanded a cavalry troop in the Central Highlands. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device.
After retiring from active duty in 1992, Hartman continued serving in the New York Guard, a volunteer force that supports the New York National Guard. He rose to brigadier general and served as the Guard’s deputy commander before retiring in 2006.
Hartman has since helped preserve the stories of fellow service members as a trustee and secretary of the Friends of the New York State Military Museum. The New York State Senate also recognized his service with its Liberty Medal, the chamber’s highest individual honor.
