Greene County honors Vietnam veteran Barbara Caldara

CATSKILL―Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Barbara Caldara, a Vietnam War veteran whose decades of service extended well beyond her military career, was honored Saturday as Greene County's 2026 Veteran of the Year.

The ceremony, held at the Historic Catskill Point, brought together fellow veterans, county and state officials, and community members to recognize Caldara for her military service and continued dedication to helping others.

The tribute included a color guard, prayer and patriotic music as those gathered paid tribute to Caldara and her contributions to the country and community.

A lifelong Greene County resident who lives in Earlton, Caldara began her military career in 1966 at just 19 years old through the Army Student Nurse Program.

Two years later, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant and deployed to Vietnam, where she served as an emergency room nurse with the 312th Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai.

In 1969, she returned to the United States and was assigned to Fort McArthur Army Hospital, where she remained until transitioning to the Inactive Reserves in 1972.

Caldara resumed active service in the Army Reserve in 1980, continuing her military career for another 20 years before retiring in 2000 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Her military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Caldara's dedication to caring for others continued throughout her civilian career as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner.

She spent 20 years with Greene County Public Health, serving as administrator of Greene County Family Planning before retiring in 2009.

Even in retirement, Caldara remained committed to helping those in need. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Community Hospice in both New York and Florida.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she once again answered the call to serve, returning to assist Greene County Public Health with contact tracing, testing, vaccination clinics and other response efforts.

Saturday's recognition was part of the Greene County Veterans Service Agency's Honor A Veteran program, which holds two ceremonies annually. The May ceremony pays tribute to a deceased veteran, while the November ceremony recognizes a living veteran for their military service and contributions to the community.