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

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

Among them is SSG Charles M. Pickett of New Haven.

In 2007, Pickett continued a family legacy of military service when, at age 39, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He served seven years and tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and led route-clearance teams during Hurricane Sandy with the 250th Engineer Company, Connecticut Army National Guard.

In recognition of his service, SSG Pickett received the Combat Action Badge, three Army Commendation Medals, and numerous additional awards.

"Like his father, Navy veteran and State Senator John F. Pickett Jr., and his grandfather, World War I Army veteran John F. Pickett Sr., both of Middletown, Charlie continued to serve his country after the military as a dedicated veteran advocate and leader," a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont reads.

"Wanting to combat the veteran suicide crisis in America and realizing there were no open veteran service organizations in New Haven, Charlie organized the chartering of both the VFW New Haven Post 12150 in 2015 and the American Legion Post 210 in 2018, while working as an award-winning English teacher at the Sound School," a news release from the Governor's Office reads.

"Understanding that social connectedness is a valuable, community-based suicide prevention strategy, Charlie organized and volunteered for countless social and charitable activities, seeking to build a thriving veterans community in New Haven," the news release reads. "Charlie also organized both the Save Our Cemetery campaign in 2024, and the America 250 Connecticut Veterans Coalition in 2025, a joint VFW and American Legion effort, which developed and coordinated veteran-focused programs statewide, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary."

Pickett was the first Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran to be commander of the VFW Department of Connecticut (2025), and he was the first Municipal Veterans Representative for the City of New Haven (2021), acting as the coordinating representative in all matters concerning veterans in the Elm City, according to the Governor's Office.

Thursday's induction ceremony is set to 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.