Senator Bill Weber is honored to announce the posthumous induction of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. This special recognition celebrates Mark’s dedication to his country, community, and fellow veterans. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Mark’s wife, Jeanne Woods, will be present to accept the award on his behalf.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mark Woods Jr. was inspired to serve by his uncle, a Vietnam War veteran. He attended The Citadel, a prestigious military college, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. His early assignments took him to Berlin at the end of the Cold War and later to Bosnia as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
After leaving active duty, Mark served as a corrections officer and border agent before joining the NYPD, where he worked on foot patrol, in the Vice Squad, and later in the elite Joint Terrorism Task Force. Following 9/11, Mark was recalled to active military duty and deployed to Iraq, where he served in Civil Affairs and helped rebuild civil society in conflict zones.
Following his second honorable discharge, Mark returned to the NYPD and became deeply involved in veteran advocacy. He served as Deputy Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and later as Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program at BRIDGES, where he provided critical services to veterans in crisis.
Senator Weber stated, “Mark Woods Jr. exemplified the spirit of selfless service. His dedication to his country, his community, and especially to his fellow veterans, was unparalleled. This induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is the least we can do to ensure Mark’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service will be remembered and honored.”
Carlos Martinez, LMSW, CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES, shared: “I can think of no one more deserving at this moment. Mark Woods is the purest example of a serviceman dedicated to his country and his community. He was humble, passionate and undeniably committed to seeing our community be better. I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a selfless man like Mark Woods and his enduring legacy than his induction to the NYS Veterans Hall of Fame.”
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann also reflected on Woods’ legacy: “I am proud to help honor the life and legacy of Mark Woods as he is inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. Mark dedicated his life to protecting, serving, and uplifting others; from his service in the United States Army, to the streets of NYC as an NYPD officer, to his compassionate work with our local veterans, and finally his time as Town Councilman. His unwavering commitment to his community and helping others will always be an inspiration. Clarkstown and NYS will always remember Mark Woods, and we proudly give thanks for his lifetime of service to all.”
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor veterans who have not only served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces but who have also gone on to make significant contributions to their communities. Mark Woods Jr. is a shining example of that legacy.