Orange County Government

Office of County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Rebecca Sheehan

July 12, 2024 845.291.2700

County Executive Neuhaus presents MaryKay Messenger with Citizen of the Month Award for July

Messenger recognized for 29-years of service in the US Army and her Community outreach

Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has named United States Army Sgt. Maj. MaryKay Messenger, a Newburgh native, and long-time community volunteer, with July’s Citizen of the Month Award.

“I have had the honor and privilege of working with Sgt. Maj. MaryKay Messenger for many years. There hasn’t been an event, whether it be a memorial or a celebration in Orange County for which MaryKay has not been front and center,” said Neuhaus. “Our county and country have been blessed with her beautiful voice, and although she is retiring, I know she will remain as active as ever in our community.”

Messenger is well-known as an amazing soloist throughout the Hudson Valley region and beyond. She was the premier vocalist for the United States Military Academy Band in West Point for 29 years and sang her last concert on July 6^th,

“It was bittersweet,” said Messenger, who is officially retiring on March 1, 2025. “I relished the majestic Trophy Point Hudson River view, along with the class of 2028 cadets and an enthusiastic crowd for the last time from a performance aspect. I was flooded with overwhelming memories that caused me to get emotional on my final selection of ‘God Bless America.’”

Although Messenger is best known for her angelic voice and vocal accomplishments, she strongly supports her community with her participation in Hudson Valley Honor Flights, Play for Your Freedom, and the American Red Cross. Messenger is certain that she will continue to give back to the community in any way that she can after retirement.

“When it came down to choosing July’s recipient for Citizen of the Month, it was obvious that it should be MaryKay,” said Neuhaus who stated that Messenger is always inspiring people to do good things. “She has been doing great things her whole life and I know she will continue to do wonderful things in and for Orange County long after her retirement.”

Messenger pinpoints her most fulfilling experience, “I would have to say being a Guardian and Bus Leader for Hudson Valley Honor Flights. As it is one of the best ways to say thank you to our nation’s heroes and hear their stories.”

Messenger's singing career in the military band has taken her all over the world, from Norway to China, where she was the first American vocalist to perform with the military band of the People’s Liberation Army in Beijing. She has also had the opportunity to perform with stage companies from opera to musicals and the opening ceremonies at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and the Bicentennial Concert at Carnegie Hall.

“I am honored to be serving Orange County, the county I was born and raised in despite moving to Ulster in my twenties,” said Messenger who expressed surprise that she was selected to receive the Citizen of the Month award. “Orange County is the place my family had their businesses, I graduated elementary, middle, and high school, and Mount Saint Mary College. My life has come full circle right back to where I started. Thank you, County Executive Neuhaus and the Orange County community for this prestigious award.”

Messenger resides in Milton, N.Y. with her husband, David, and daughters, Emma and Grace.

Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information.

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @Orange County NY Govt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus’ NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on You Tube.

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Photo Captions: Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus with July’s Citizen of the Month Award recipient, Sgt. Maj. MaryKay Messenger.

Rebecca Sheehan

Assistant to County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus

Director of Public Information & Media Relations

Orange County Government Center

255-275 Main Street, 3^rd Floor

Goshen, New York 10924

Main: 845-291-2700

Direct: 845-291-3255

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