The City of Albany renamed Hawk Street between Washington Avenue and Elk Street “L/Cpl Richard Rockenstyre Way” in honor of L/Cpl. Richard Rockenstyre, a marine killed in action on Aug. 31, 1967 in North Vietnam.
American Gold Star Mother Dorothea Rockenstyre was joined by her family, several Gold Star Mothers from recent wars, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, former U.S. Rep. Michael R. McNulty, the Patriot Guard Riders and the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans, some who went to Albany High School with Rockenstyre. There were military families in the crowd from all branches of service.
The street is located opposite the state Capitol alongside the park where the Gold Star Family and Viet Nam War Monuments are located.
LCpl. Richard Rockenstyre was stationed in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam when he was killed at the age of 19, three months shy of his 20th birthday.
Photos and reporting by Tom Heffernan Sr.
