The Fulton County DAV Van and an American flag at the entrance of the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor

JOHNSTOWN — Hundreds of veterans gathered for the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club on Sept. 14.

Open free of charge to veterans and their families from across the region, the event brings people together to enjoy a hot meal and recognizes service members for their sacrifice.

Assemblyman Robert Smullen, second from right, stands with veterans during the 4th annual Veterans Picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club on Sept. 14. From left: Kirk Simonds of Mayfield, Army veteran Dave Berham of Mayfield, Smullen, and Army veteran Rich Smullen of Meco. Dusten Rader/Express Editor

Host Assemblyman Robert Smullen said with more than 350 veterans who made reservations, the event is bigger than ever.

“This is a fantastic success,” Smullen said. “If you look at the list of who volunteered and donated, it serves as testament to how much Fulton County loves its veterans. If you love your liberty, thank a veteran.”

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik speaks with Glamour Girls Marie Wicklund and Sandy Peters during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik met with constituents during the picnic, thanking them for their service.

“This is a great opportunity to thank veterans in the greater Fulton County community,” Stefanik said.

Veteran Gilbert Wendt, 103, left, served as the Pine Tree Rifle Club’s Guest of Honor during the 4th annual Veterans Picnic on Sept. 14. He was presented with a display case of his service medals and certificates by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Sen. James Tedisco. Wendt of Gloversville, stands with his son, Mark, of Johnstown. Dusten Rader/Express Editor

Veteran Gilbert Wendt, 103, who was a master sergeant for the Army Air Corps, served as the Pine Tree Rifle Club’s Guest of Honor. Wendt was presented with a display case of his service medals and certificates by Stefanik and Sen. James Tedisco.

  • Supervisor John Blackmon, Fulton County Sheriff Rich Giardino, and Jack Wilson stand with veterans during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Fulton County District Attorney Chad Brown, Supervisor John Blackmon, Johnstown Mayor Vern Jackson, and Marines veteran Dan Cameron of Johnstown during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, right, stands with veteran and Johnstown Mayor Vern Jackson and his wife, Peggy during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Town of Johnstown Supervisor and Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Wilson poses with his Army veteran son, Patrick Wilson of Gloversville during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • John Stortecky and his wife, Nancy, of Benson during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • A POW/ Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Dennis Haggerty and Cinderella of Johnstown during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Rick Gray and his wife, Lori, of Pleasant Lake speak with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Assemblyman Robert Smullen stands with Sue McNeil during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Glamour Girls Marie Wicklund and Sandy Peters during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Veteran Gilbert Wendt, 103, left, served as the Pine Tree Rifle Club’s Guest of Honor during the 4th annual Veterans Picnic on Sept. 14. He was presented with a display case of his service medals and certificates by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Sen. James Tedisco. Wendt of Gloversville, stands with his son, Mark, of Johnstown. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • The 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Congresswoman Elise Stefanik speaks with Glamour Girls Marie Wicklund and Sandy Peters during the 4th annual picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club in Johnstown on Sept. 14. Dusten Rader/Express Editor
  • Assemblyman Robert Smullen, second from right, stands with veterans during the 4th annual Veterans Picnic at Pine Tree Rifle Club on Sept. 14. From left: Kirk Simonds of Mayfield, Army veteran Dave Berham of Mayfield, Smullen, and Army veteran Rich Smullen of Meco. Dusten Rader/Express Editor