Reps. Foncello, Bolinsky Celebrate with Newtown Veteran on Induction into Connecticut State Veterans Hall of Fame

Donna Monteleone honored in Capitol Ceremony

Hartford – After a moving ceremony at the State Capitol last Tuesday night, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) offered their congratulations to a Sandy Hook veteran, and Newtown community volunteer on her induction into the Connecticut State Veterans Hall of Fame, as part of its 20th class of honorees.

According to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame website, this special honor “was established to increase the awareness of the lifetime contributions of Veterans after completion of active, honorable military service. The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is not a military hall of fame; instead, it seeks to recognize Veterans for their countless contributions to society after their service.”

Tuesday’s induction of Donna Monteleone was presided over by elected officials, including Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Marty Foncello (R- 107), Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Major General Francis Evon, Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald Welch.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Donna for the past several years during which time she has served as the Commander of American Legion Post 202.  She is the embodiment of the American Legion’s Motto: Veterans Strengthening America,” said Rep. Foncello. “Her notable works, which are many, include helping veterans transition into their communities, providing access to medical services for veterans and advocating for healthcare for women veterans, and organizing services on major patriotic holidays. She also coordinates with local organizations such as Hearts of Hope and Valentines for Troops to ensure that our active military members know that we appreciate their service.”

Rep. Bolinsky expressed a deep appreciation for Ms. Randle, saying: “I first met Donna more than 20-years ago and have always taken notice of her terrific leadership skills, her dedication to serving others, the pride she displays in being a Veteran, and her love of Newtown, the community we both call home.  As Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said, Donna embodies the service, dedication, and contribution of a growing population of woman-Veterans. I salute Donna for her energy and all she does for others and thank her for recruiting me to be a member of what soon will be Post 202’s new Sons of the American Legion unit in Newtown.”

This year’s honorees include 14 members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and U. S. Coast Guard. According to the Hall of Fame Committee, veterans who served their country honorably during their military service, and who continue to serve their communities, state and nation after discharge are eligible. The first class was inducted in 2005.  Of note, 2025 marks the second straight year the Hall of Fame welcomed an outstanding Newtown Veteran, William F.L. Rodgers, inducted in 2024.

The Honoree from Newtown:

Donna Monteleone graduated from New York Polytechnic Institute in 1978 and was in the second class where women were commissioned through ROTC. She served on active duty in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1978 to 1983. She served with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and worked with the White House Communication Agency during President Carter’s visit in 1979. She was the sole female officer on a joint U.S. Army and Marine Corps Project featuring then-state-of-the-art vehicle mounted TV cameras, lasers, and audio equipment to conduct “war games.”

Ms. Monteleone is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Western Military Officers Association. She has been chairing “Valentines for Troops” for 19 years, which partners with local organizations and schools to create and send cards and care packages to active-duty military members. She is a fervent advocate for veterans in her community who may not be connected to local, federal, or state services. She is impassioned about raising awareness on issues affecting female veterans.

A ceremony to bestow Hall of Fame Honors on others in the 20th class will be held on January 23, 2025, at the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs campus at 287 West St., Rocky Hill, CT.  Inductees will receive a commemorative medallion and certificate recognizing their achievements from the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department.  The first class of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was inducted in 2005. To date, 113 veterans are honored in the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

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