Hamden Resident Inducted Into CT Veterans Hall Of Fame

HAMDEN, CT — One of Hamden’s own has been inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Michael Salvatore Gozzo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a Hamden resident, joins 10 others from around the state as part of the hall of fame's class of 2023.

The hall recognizes distinguished Connecticut veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service.

A ceremony took place Thursday evening in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the DVA campus in Rocky Hill.

The class of 2023 inductees are:

John Michael Chan – U.S. Army Air Force – Avon

Michael John Dalton – U.S. Army - Waterbury

Richard Guido DiFederico Jr. – U.S. Navy - Oakville

Maurice Joseph Fradette – U. S. Navy - Farmington

Michael Salvatore Gozzo – U.S. Marine Corps – Hamden

Richard Thomas Christopher LeFave – U.S. Army - Voluntown

Daniel Bernard Reilly – U.S. Air Force - Torrington

William Ford Law Rodgers – U.S. Marine Corps - Newtown

Lorenzo Anthony Santamaria - U.S. Marine Corps – Guilford

Charles Ferdinand Smith – U.S. Air Force – Killingworth

Peter Charles Tragni – U.S. Army – Waterbury

Each veteran received a commemorative medallion and certificate recognizing their induction.

"Each year, it is a great honor to participate in the Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and have the opportunity to be among so many brave Americans who answered their country's call of duty," Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said in a news release.

Bysiewicz and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch were joined by several elected officials and leaders of the state’s veterans’ community at Thursday's ceremony.

"Thank you and congratulations to each of this year's inductees,” Bysiewicz said. “I can't express enough the gratitude and appreciation we have for your service to our country, for your commitment to your community, and for all your contributions to the State of Connecticut.”

Welch congratulated the inductees on their service and their lifelong accomplishments.

"You made a significant impact during your military service, and then pledged unwavering commitment, service, and volunteerism to our communities, including persistent, compassionate support and advocacy to our Service members, veterans and families in our great state of Connecticut and beyond," Welch said. "With gratitude and in celebration, we welcome you into the Class of 2023 of the CT Veterans Hall of Fame."