Noank Navy Veteran To Be Inducted Into CT Hall Of Fame

NOANK, CT — Twelve men and women will be inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2022, according to a statement from Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and state Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi. The Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service.

Thomas Olson, U.S. Navy, Noank, was among those inducted.

Saadi said in a statement: “Since 2005, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame has formally recognized veterans in our state who, after discharging from military service, have distinguished themselves through a life of service at the local, regional and state levels as leaders in veterans’ organizations, in public service, and as volunteers and community advocates. These men and women have enriched their communities through their commitment and application of their talents, to bettering the lives of others. Publicly recognizing and honoring these veterans each year is one of the highlights of serving as Commissioner as it is these honorees who embody the true meaning of service to our nation and to our communities.”

Bysiewicz and Saadi will be joined by leaders of the state’s veterans’ community at the induction ceremony Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. the CT National Guard Armory Drill Shed. Each inductee will receive a commemorative medallion and certificate recognizing their induction.

“For nearly two decades the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame has recognized veterans, who sacrificed everything as they served their country and continue with a lifetime of service to their communities," Bysiewicz said in a statement. "While these brave men and women come from different backgrounds, they all share the same characteristics – courage, strength, pride, and selflessness. Congratulations to this year’s inductees! Thank you to the 2022 class for their bravery and their continued leadership and commitment to bettering our communities and state.”

The 2022 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame inductees are:

1. Edwin Gomes, U.S Army, Bridgeport - Posthumous
2. Craig Jordan, U.S. Navy, South Windsor
3. Alvin Kinsall, U.S. Navy, New London
4. Thaddeus Martin, U.S. Air Force, Suffield
5. Daniel Matthews, U.S. Marine Corps, Winsted
6. James Matthews, U.S. Army Reserve, Winsted
7. David Paul McCaffrey U.S. Navy, Somers
8. Thomas Olson, U.S. Navy, Noank
9. Regina Rush-Kittle, U.S. Marine Corps/Army Reserve, New Haven/Rocky Hill
10. John Waggoner, U.S. Navy, Preston
11. Ronald Weil, Sr., U.S. Army, Hamden
12. Michael Zacchea, U.S. Marine Corps, Brookfield - Posthumous