Middlesex Heritage Group

Middlesex Heritage Group
From: Amberle Kelly
 
Middlesex Heritage Group is proud to honor Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. (“Win”) Harper at this year’s twenty-second annual Middlesex Citizen Appreciation Day. This free event will be held at the Middlesex Hose Co. on Water Street in Middlesex, on August 2nd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will begin by honoring Win and celebrating his retirement as President of Middlesex Heritage Group. Light hors d’oeuvres, cake, and refreshments will be served.
 
Win Harper was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on February 12, 1944, and graduated from the city’s high school in 1962. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1966 and joined the United States Marine Corps soon after. He later earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1988.
 
Win Harper served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968 and returned for a second tour in 1972. During his tours, he served as a Forward Observer and Battery Commander, among several other assignments. He also served aboard a Navy Amphibious Readiness Group as the Fire Support Coordinator for the 33rd Marine Amphibious Unit.
 
Lt. Col. Harper’s service to our country did not end there. He served as a Series Commander, Assistant Director of the Drill Instructors’ School, and Company Commander of a recruit training company at Parris Island, South Carolina. Other assignments included Action Officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, Staff Secretary to General Al Gray, and the first Project Manager of the Joint Army/Marine Corps Unmanned Ground Vehicle Office, among many, many others.
 
On August 1, 1993, Lt. Col. Harper finally hung up his hat after nearly 26 years of service and retired from the Marine Corps. In 1999, Win Harper met and fell in love with Elizabeth Harper, and they were married in January 2002. In 2010, the Harpers moved to Middlesex, New York, where Win continued his service to his community.
 
Win Harper has never stopped serving the country and community that he loves so much. His dedication is reflected in his many accomplishments and awards, including serving on the Middlesex Zoning Board of Appeals from 2014 to 2025; obtaining several grants for the placement of Pomeroy Foundation Historical Markers; serving on the Board of Trustees for the Yates County History Center; the Middlesex Library Board; and the Middlesex Airport Foundation Board of Directors; volunteering with Literacy Volunteers; serving on the Wall That Heals Committee; establishing the Hometown Hero Banner and Wreaths Across America programs in Middlesex; receiving the Award For Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network; and becoming a published author.
 
These accomplishments represent only a small sample of Win’s many achievements and contributions to our country and community. We hope that you will join us to honor and celebrate Win!
 
For more information or questions, please call Amberle Kelly at 585-554-3607.