Yorktown Veteran Honored with Nomination to Veterans' Hall of Fame

Yorktown resident and veteran John T. McQuillan was formally congratulated by town officials on Tuesday for his service and commitment to both his country and community.

Retired Sergeant John T. McQuillan, who served as a communications technician in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, was nominated by the Yorktown American Legion Post #1009 to the Inaugural 40th District Veterans' Hall of Fame.

Created and hosted by Senator Greg Ball (R,C- Patterson), the Veterans' Hall of Fame is designed to honor outstanding veterans throughout the 40th Senate District.

Each city, town and village within the Senator’s district nominates a veteran to be honored at a district-wide Hall of Fame awards ceremony on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Putnam County Emergency Services Building in Carmel.

"We stand as a great community, even during tough times, on their shoulders and their commitment and their sacrifice, and they represent the greatest that America has ever had," Ball said of the veterans. 

McQuillan has earned a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon and Expert Marksman Award. He is a graduate of Pace University, and is also very active in the local veterans community. He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 49 and has spent 26 years as a member of the Yorktown American Legion Post #1009. McQuillan was  for 50 years of Scouting Leadership. 

"John not only put his life on the line for our freedoms, but he came home and continues to be an active member of our community," Ball said. "I am honored and humbled to accept the nomination of John McQuillan to the 40th District Veterans' Hall of Fame."

Yorktown Supervisor Susan Siegel, who read a proclamation on behalf of the town, said the town was proud to nominate McQuillan to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame and called him a "shining example of selfless service to his community."

McQuillan thanked his fellow veterans at the American Legion who nominated him for the honor, as well as the town board members and the town of Yorktown.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, Senator Ball is also hosting a first-of-its-kind Hudson Valley Veterans' Thanksgiving Dinner, which is set to take place on Saturday, Nov. 12.

All veterans living within Senator Ball’s district are invited to attend and bring one guest. Seating is limited. RSVP’s are required and can be made by calling the district office at (845) 279-3773 or emailing gball@nysenate.gov.