"As a state senator and a Rockville Centre resident, I'm proud to select Daniel Brandi to be my first New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductee," said Senator Skelos. "On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our nation and the cause of freedom.
As a highly-decorated veteran of the Korean War and a retired Sergeant from the Rockville Centre Police Department, Daniel Brandi has spent a lifetime protecting us at home and abroad. Brandi exemplifies everything that the Veterans Hall of Fame was intended to honor and I thank him for all that he's done for our community."
In 1948, Mr. Brandi joined the United States Navy at age 17. During the Korean War, Mr. Brandi completed three tours of duty-primarily serving as a gunner's mate aboard the USS St. Paul CA 73 Heavy Cruiser. Participating in eight major military campaigns, Brandi spent 27 months in the war zone, including the longest naval siege in American military
history, the Battle of Wonsan Harbor.
In recognition of his heroic service, Brandi was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal with eight battle stars, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean War Medal, the National Defense Medal, the United Nations Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal and the Occupation Medal-Asia.
After his honorable discharge, Brandi spent 22 years as a member of the Rockville Centre Police Department reaching the rank of Sergeant. Since his retirement, he has been a security consultant for the Rockville Centre School District.
Brandi is a member of the Nassau County Police American Legion Post #1050, the Korean War Veterans Association, the United War Veterans of Nassau County and the New York City/Long Island Chapter of The Chosin Few.
Skelos will designate a new Hall of Fame inductee each Veterans Day. To view the New York State Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame, visit Senator Skelos's web site at www.senatordeanskelos.org.
