Suffield Resident Elected To Connecticut Veterans Hall Of Fame

HARTFORD, CT — A dozen men and women, including a Suffield resident, have been elected to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, which recognizes distinguished veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service.

Thaddeus Martin of Suffield, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is among the new class of honorees announced Friday.

"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," Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi said. "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."

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, "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. 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."

Bysiewicz and Saadi will be joined by leaders of the state’s veterans’ community at the induction ceremony, which is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at 5 p.m. at the CT National Guard Armory Drill Shed. Each inductee will receive a commemorative medallion and certificate recognizing their induction.

Other Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Edwin Gomes, U.S. Army, Bridgeport (deceased)
• Craig Jordan, U.S. Navy, South Windsor
• Alvin Kinsall, U.S. Army, New London
• Daniel Matthews, U.S. Marine Corps, Winsted
• James Matthews, U.S. Army Reserve, Winsted
• David Paul McCaffrey, U.S. Navy, Somers
• Thomas Olson, U.S. Navy, Noank
• Regina Rush-Kittle, U.S. Marine Corps/Army Reserve, New Haven/Rocky Hill
• John Waggoner, U.S. Navy, Preston
• Ronald Weil, Sr., U.S. Army, Hamden
• Michael Zacchea, U.S. Marine Corps, Brookfield (deceased)