February 4, 2019

Rep. Haines Participates in Wartime Service Medal Ceremony

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

EAST HAMPTON – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) participated in a Connecticut Wartime Service Medal Ceremony hosted by the East Hampton Lions Club with American Legion Post 197 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5095 on Friday, February 1^st.

Rep. Haines presented the medals alongside Department of Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Thomas E. Saadi and State Senator Norm Needleman. The ceremony honored twenty East Hampton Veterans, four were awarded posthumously.

“It was a privilege to participate in this ceremony to honor our local veterans who served our country during times of war,” said Rep. Haines. “It is important for us to remember the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families to keep our country safe and defend the freedoms we hold dear.”

The ceremony was made possible by the East Hampton Lions Club with the help of many volunteers; the colors were presented by the VFW Post 5095 Color Guard, the invocation was given by Father Frank Gilbert from Saint Patrick’s Church, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 8, the National Anthem was sung by East Hampton High School Student Ethan Valencia, remarks were given by Sen. Needleman, Rep. Haines and Commissioner Saadi, the recipient names were read by American Legion Commander James “Pete” Brown, the benediction was given by former VFW Commander Ron Christopher and Taps was played by Portland and District Pipers.

The Connecticut Veterans Wartime Services Medal was established in 2005 by the state legislature to honor all Connecticut veterans with qualified wartime service. Before this, the state had not issued such a medal since World War I. In subsequent years, the state has authorized awards to be made posthumously on or after November 12, 1918. In order to receive the medal, a veteran must qualify according to three conditions; veterans must have served during a qualified wartime for longer than 90 days, unless the engagement was less than that, he or she must have received an honorable discharge, and lastly, must currently reside in the state of Connecticut. For more information visit portal.ct.gov/dva.

Representative Irene Haines Co-Sponsors New Law Signed by Governor to Expand Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that expands important benefits for the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1239, which Representative Haines co-sponsored and strongly supported, renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the […]

June 27, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

The 2025 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to represent the people of East Haddam, East Hampton, and Salem at the State Capitol. This session, I remained focused on the values and priorities that matter most to our communities—local control, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. […]

June 17, 2025