Giving Back on Veterans Day 2026
As our fourth year of giving back on Veterans Day approached, we looked forward to honoring a local veteran in the best way we know how, with the American flag. Our 2026 honoree was Paul “PJ” Higgitt Jr., a 28 year veteran of the United States Army. Serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and even Ground Zero of the World Trade Center, PJ has dedicated his life to public service and giving back in any way he can.
Military Career
After graduating from Lansingburgh High School in 1981, PJ enlisted in the Army and completed his training to become a wire systems installer. He spent two years serving in West Germany with the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. Upon returning to the states, PJ spent two years with the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. It was here he met his wife, Lisa, also a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. Newly married, PJ and Lisa then moved to Germany with their three-month old daughter to serve with the 3rd Infantry Division.
After completing active duty in 1990, PJ joined the New York Army National Guard serving with the 1st Battalion 105th Infantry. He then received an associates degree from the University of Maryland, and rose to the rank of sergeant. He was later reassigned to the 42nd Infantry Division in Troy, NY and prepared to go to Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission. In the early hours following the 9/11 attacks, those plans changed as his division was the first military deployment to Ground Zero. What began as a search and rescue mission turned into the coordination of communication equipment for all first responders on the scene. At this time, PJ had served 20 years in the military and could have retired. Instead, he chose to continue serving our country and deployed to Iraq with his division.
PJ was deployed to Forward Operating Base in Tirik, Iraq, serving with Task Force Liberty in the Sunni Triangle. He assisted battalions with the operation and maintenance of tactical and commercial communications systems. Upon coming home, PJ was appointed Sergeant Major and served as the senior enlisted communications advisor to the State Adjutant General at Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham, NY. He then retired from the military on Veterans Day in 2009.
Continuing to Serve
While PJ’s time in the military was over, he never stopped giving back in every way he could. He worked as a Correctional Lieutenant with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department before being appointed the Undersheriff in 2021. Through everything, PJ and his wife have shared a passion for fellow veterans and giving back to his fellow service members. While serving as Undersheriff, he knew of a veteran living in a shack; his wife had recently been moved into a nursing home. PJ worked to get him into veteran housing, ensuring he would have the means and ability to visit his wife. Recently, he even opened a food pantry to help give back to the community that raised him. Constantly involved in the community, PJ served two terms as a member of the Troy City School District Board, coached local Miss Softball and Pop Warner teams and is currently the District 1 Director of the NYS Order of Hibernians.
A Flagpole Fit for a Veteran
When we arrived at PJ’s home to install his brand new flagpole, many friends and family had come to join the surprise. Fellow veterans shared their stories of PJ, describing a compassionate and generous individual. Colonel Dan Travers served side by side with PJ and reflected on the honor of serving his country. He believes “you have to earn the privilege of wearing the uniform” and it isn’t a responsibility to be taken lightly. PJ embodies this belief every day, continuing to give back and support local veterans in need. As we prepared to dig the base of the flagpole, we asked PJ what the American flag means to him. To him, “it means everything. I’ve been in public service my whole life since I was 17, between the army and law enforcement. I’m extremely proud of the flag”. It was our honor and pleasure to give PJ the greatest gift of a flagpole to proudly display the American flag. As the flag was hoisted on the pole, his friends and fellow veterans stood and saluted the Stars and Stripes. An incomparable symbol of freedom and honor, it was our privilege to give that symbol to a veteran who embodies the values of our nation.
Check out our video of the day we surprised PJ! Learn more about our commitment to giving back to the community in any way we can here.