Branford Veteran Among 14 To Be Inducted Into CT Veterans Hall of Fame: Gov. Lamont

BRANFORD, CT — Fourteen veterans will be inducted on Thursday into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, the state’s official tribute to former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued to make significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

Among them is U.S. Air Force veteran Thomas M. Brockett of Branford.

Brockett was born and raised in Branford. He and his wife, Carolyn, are the proud parents of three children, grandparents of four, and great-grandparents of two. He is a retired labor attorney.

After high school, he served as an air traffic control specialist in the U.S. Air Force, including service in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Connecticut War Time Service Medal. After serving his country, Brockett was employed as an air traffic control specialist at Chicago O’Hare International Airport until 1981.

Following his career in air traffic, Brockett returned to school and received degrees from Gateway Community College, Wesleyan University, and a juris doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Brockett practiced union-side labor law, serving working-class residents. In 2000, he was honored as Alumni of the Year at Gateway Community College.

In addition to his professional career, Brockett has been an active member of the Branford community for more than 40 years. He is a member of the American Legion, where he served as Judge Advocate. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Brockett served as a baseball coach for countless teams and as President of Branford Little League for many years. He was an elected town representative and the minority leader of his party. He proudly authored a resolution that was unanimously adopted to fly the POW/MIA Flag on all Branford public buildings. Brockett has also served as a director for the community dining room. Currently, he serves as the president of the historic Branford Center Cemetery, which celebrated its 380th anniversary this past year.

Thursday's induction ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the historic Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill.

About the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame

"The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates the many veterans from Connecticut who have gone above and beyond in their service to our nation by continuing to contribute to our communities in so many ways, even after leaving the military," Lamont said. "These veterans answered the call to serve our nation and then returned home to continue strengthening our state through leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. This class of inductees reflects the values of dedication and selflessness that define Connecticut."

Administered and sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department on behalf of the Office of the Governor, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to formally recognize veterans who have made significant post-military contributions, honoring individuals whose lives exemplify continued service. Inductees are selected for their achievements in areas such as public service, community leadership, education, nonprofit work, and advocacy on behalf of fellow veterans. Honorees are nominated throughout the year by members of the public, which are then reviewed and selected by a committee consisting of the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, members of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, and several veterans from across the state who have been appointed by the governor.

"The men and women inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame remind us that military service is often just the beginning of a lifetime of leadership,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. "This year’s class includes veterans who have shaped young minds as public educators, strengthened communities through nonprofit board service and entrepreneurship, and stood as tireless advocates for veterans and their families."

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch noted the range of contributions represented by this year’s class of inductees.

"This year’s inductees reflect the diversity of ways veterans continue to serve," Welch said. "They include leaders deeply engaged with veteran service organizations, advocates who have worked to improve access to benefits and services, and community members who have devoted countless hours to strengthening civic life across Connecticut."

Eligibility requires nominees to have been born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years. Furthermore, they must meet the definition of “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

For more information on how to nominate a veteran for a future class of inductees and to read the names and biographies of inductees from previous years, visit portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame.