Rockville Centre vets welcome new Hall of Fame inductees

With two veteran Hall of Famers with ties to Rockville Centre looking on, First Sgt. Thomas Seifert of East Rockaway was selected by Sen. Dean Skelos (R-RVC) to be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Seifert, one of the youngest recipients of the award, was honored at a ceremony on Aug. 19 at the East Rockaway American Legion Post, 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, who has been an officer of the Suffolk County Police Department for 16 years, has had a distinguished 18-year career with the New York State Army National Guard, leading his men on and off of 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.

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.

"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."

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."

Seifert stepped to the podium amid loud applause and a standing ovation. "I quite simply want to thank everyone for being here," he said.

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 were in attendance. Lester Wilensky, a World War II combat veteran from Rockville Centre and Daniel Brandi, president of the New York /Long Island chapter of the Chosin Few, an organization of combatants of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea in November and December of 1950, formerly of Rockville Centre, were both on hand to watch Seifert receive the prestigious award.

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