East Rockaway man a veteran Hall of Famer

First Sgt. Thomas Seifert of East Rockaway was selected by Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) to be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Seifert, 43, was one of the youngest recipients of the award. He was honored at a ceremony on Aug. 19 at the Robert F. Garrison Post No. 3350 on Main Street, where he is a member.

“We had a ceremony in Albany and Tom couldn’t make it,” said Skelos, who chooses one outstanding veteran each year from the 9th Senate District for the honor. “But I’m almost glad you couldn’t,” he said to Seifert, “because I think you’d rather receive the award right here with your family, your friends and your neighbors ... myself, and all of New York, are honoring you today, and we say thank you.”

Seifert has had a distinguished 18-year career with the New York State Army National Guard, leading his men on and off the battlefield. On Sept. 11, 2001, as squad leader of B Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division, Seifert provided assistance at the World Trade Center site. Later that year, and throughout 2002, he led B Company in Operation Noble Eagle at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also served in Iraq and was a platoon leader.

Seifert has received the Humane Service to New York Medal, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He is currently assigned to Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment of the 27th Brigade Combat Team.

In addition to his military service, Seifert has been a patrol officer for the Suffolk County Police Department for 16 years. He is a founding member and current vice president of the department’s veterans association.

In addition to his membership in Post No. 3350, Seifert is a merit badge counselor for Boy Scout Troop 121. He is also involved in a number of other community activities in his hometown.

“This is an incredible recognition for his great service to our nation,” said Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony Santino. “This has always been a family that gave, and never asked anything in return.”

“We have a fallen leader of our own,” said Deputy Mayor Richard Meagher, referring to Mayor Ed Sieban, who died on July 3. “We are honored, and wish he could be here to tell you that with us.”

Legislator Francis Becker said that there is nothing more to say to Seifert than “thank you” — and, Becker joked, “we wish we could send you to Disneyland.”

Mayor Brian Curran thanked Seifert for being “the greatest of role models to the kids in our country.”

Seifert stepped to the podium amid loud applause and a standing ovation. “I quite simply want to thank everyone for being here,” he said. “My wife, who I would be lost without, my children, my mom ... my family, my VFW family — thank you.”

Seifert is the third recipient of the award in Skelos’s district. It was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York who have distinguished themselves in both the military and civilian life. Two previous recipients, Lester Wilensky of Rockville Centre and Daniel Brandi of Oceanside, were also in attendance.