State Lawmakers Honored Milford Veteran Gregory Smith

During a ceremony at the State Legislative Office Building Monday afternoon Milford resident Gregory Smith joined ten other state residents and was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, according to a prepared statement.

State Representatives Kim Rose (D-118) and Pam Staneski (R-119) both of Milford and members of the General Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee were on hand to congratulate Smith and applaud his service.

Smith, of Milford, served in the U.S. Navy. For 25 years Greg has been a VFW and VA Hospital volunteer, working to ensure that the needs of disabled veterans and wounded warriors are not forgotten. From 2006-2008, Greg served as Commander of the VFW Post 7788 and under his command the post achieved 100% membership with emphasis on attracting younger veterans.

For 12 years, Smith organized an annual event that brings more than 100 hospitalized veterans of Milford for dinner and entertainment. He regularly visits hospitalized veterans adding extra visits on and around major holidays. Smith also led successful efforts to fund and install a handicapped elevator and a bathroom for disabled and wounded veterans and is currently working to update the Milford Veterans Auditorium.

Additionally, Greg is also working with the Milford Rotary to provide a fully-trained service dog to local disabled veterans and sponsor a team to raise funds to remember Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) brain Robert Bill from Stamford who was killed in Afghanistan. Smith also leads the VFW Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarships for New Haven County as well as worked with several groups’ to collect and ship over 600 packages to Connecticut soldiers.

Finally, Greg Smith participates in local POW/MIA and 9/11 programs and has been the keynote speaker in Milford’s 9/11 Memorial Service representing the military in support of active duty personnel in the War on Terror.

“I am proud to call Greg Smith my friend, but more than that, I am honored to see him receive this momentous distinction. Milford is so fortunate and grateful to have such a wonderful advocate of our local veterans,” said Rep. Staneski.

“I am delighted that, with some persistence, my nomination of Greg Smith for the CT Veterans Hall of Fame was finally selected,” Rep. Rose stated. “Greg wakes up every day wondering what he can do for his fellow veterans, his service and continued commitment is extraordinary. He, along with the other members being recognized, deserve this tribute and all the thanks we can express for everything they have done, and continue to do for our country.”

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established to increase the awareness of the lifetime contributions of veterans after completion of honorable military service. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is not a military hall of fame. Those selected for the honor of induction are veterans who honorably served their country through military service and who continue to serve and inspire their fellow man with their deeds and accomplishments throughout their lifetime.

Each year the committee selects at least 10 inductees from applications received from across the state and nation.

These veterans have been leaders in a variety of areas, such as arts, education, public service, volunteer activities, and community and business leadership to name a few. Most importantly, they all have made significant impacts on the lives of others and their communities. To be eligible for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame the nominee must have served their country honorably in a branch of military service and continued to serve their communities, state and nation after discharge.