Lewisboro Councilman Frank Kelly was honored at a recent gathering for his career in the United States Army. It came after Kelly, who career has been for more than 20 years, was promoted to colonel.
The late-October gathering, which was held at Mount Kisco's American Legion hall, was attended by fellow elected officials and friends. Kelly was presented with a state Senate proclamation by former Assemblyman Robert Castelli, who did so on behalf of state Sen. Greg Ball; a Westchester County Board of Legislators proclamation by County Legislator Peter Harckham; and a state assembly citation from a representative of Assemblyman David Buchwald.
Kelly, who was first elected in 2009 and has lived in Lewisboro for nearly two decades. He has been a lawyer for about 25 years and has three children, all of whom either attend or have been in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district.
Kelly said that he joined the army after law school. He served with folks who did missions in Central America, including hurricane reaction, bringing medical service, and building schools and wells.
In 2001 retirement was a possibly but then 9/11 happened. Eventually he was deployed to a combat role in Iraq, where he served in 2006 and 2007 with a unit responsible for clearing IED's. After Kelly returned home he used his law background in a what is called a legal support office, which provides support domestically. Additionally, he went to the United States Army War College and received a master's degree in strategic studies. He is now involved with the 641st Regional Support Group, which has a presence in St. Petersburg, FL., which he visits.
Kelly's current background includes two important jobs.
“It's very interesting,” he said about what it's like to be an elected official and in service
Kelly explained how his service was useful for emergency management locally and how his town experience has helped with his regional support group role. However, he explained that he tries to avoid discussing politics with others in the army.Kelly is also decorated, having earned several medals. According to Castelli, these included the Bronze Star, the Army Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Instrumental in having the event was fellow Lewisboro resident Evelyn Kahlow.
Find out what's happening in Bedford-Katonahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
