Bill Swetow, who joined the Army after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, says 75 years after WWII we are at another moment where we need every American to join the fight against COVID-19
Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan today announced the release of a new COVID-19 vaccine PSA featuring 102-year-old WWII Army Veteran Bill Swetow (WATCH HERE). As part of County Executive Ryan’s continued effort to get residents vaccinated safely and equitably, Swetow offers a first of its kind PSA that will air on local television, radio, and social media channels.
“Getting vaccinated is our ticket to staying safe and fully reopening our community,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “As a Veteran, and as County Executive, I want to thank Mr. Swetow for his service during WWII and his continued service in encouraging residents to get vaccinated.”
Swetow, who joined the Army after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, decoded messages as a cryptographer and then became a statistical control officer during WWII. Now a resident of Woodland Pond Senior Living Community in New Paltz, Swetow states in the ad, “When our nation needed us and Uncle Sam came calling, we answered! We fought the Nazis and stormed the beaches of Normandy. And over 75 years later, we are at another moment where we need every American to do their part.” Swetow continues, “We are not asking you to fire a gun, dig a trench, or go to a foreign land. But we are asking you to join the fight, the fight against COVID-19. And We Want You to get vaccinated.” Swetow concludes by saying that getting vaccinated is safe, accessible, and your duty.
Through Ulster County’s continued efforts to make the vaccine accessible to all, the county has held pop-up vaccination clinics in churches, community centers, and recently teamed up with Stewart’s Shops to offer vaccines with free ice cream and coffee. 59.3% of Ulster County residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine making Ulster County one of the highest vaccinated counties in the region. Individuals looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine should visit VaccinateUlster.com for more information.
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