N.Y. Introduces Commemorative Medals to Honor
Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

New York State is paying tribute to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars with the introduction of new commemorative medals. Approved in 2023, these medals are designed to recognize and honor the service of military members who served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021, as well as those who served in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.
Veterans or their families can apply for these medals online through the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs website. To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of military service during the specified timeframes and demonstrate residency in New York State.
While these medals are not intended for wear on military uniforms, they serve as a meaningful gesture of gratitude from the State of New York, the New York State Legislature, and Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of its service members who participated in these significant military operations.
Go to: New York State Military Awards and Decorations
For more information or to apply, eligible individuals are encouraged to visit the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website (above).
Veterans or their families can apply for these medals online through the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs website. To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of military service during the specified timeframes and demonstrate residency in New York State.
While these medals are not intended for wear on military uniforms, they serve as a meaningful gesture of gratitude from the State of New York, the New York State Legislature, and Governor Kathy Hochul. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of its service members who participated in these significant military operations.
Go to: New York State Military Awards and Decorations
For more information or to apply, eligible individuals are encouraged to visit the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website (above).
A New Bill before the State Assembly that will benefit many
of our disabled veterans.
of our disabled veterans.
Bill A.2965-A (Pheffer- Amato)/S.2058 (Addabbo) will amend the real property law and establish a tax exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Please contact your Assembly person and Senator to have them support and vote YES for this bill, which would benefit many of our members and veterans across the state. This is important, if you are also a member of the VFW, you will have received an e-mail from Robert Mitchell with a link to contact your Assembly and Senate representatives. If not, you will have to contact them directly. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Smith.

NYS Korean and Vietnam War Commemorative Medals available
The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is now issuing Korean War and Vietnam War commemorative medals approved by the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
The legislation, signed by the governor prior to Veterans Day in 2022, establishes the New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal and the New York State Korean War Commemorative Medal.
The medals are not for wear on a uniform but were designed and authorized as a way for the legislature to thank veterans of these wars for their service.
The law made the Division of Military and Naval Affairs responsible for designing and distributing the medals.
“On behalf of the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul, we at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs are proud to be able to play a role in recognizing the military service of those who fought in Korea and Vietnam,” said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.
Veterans can apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/. Applicants can use an online firm to request the medals, or they can print out and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be New York State resident now, or have been a New York State resident when they served in Vietnam or Korea, and must provide a digital or paper copy of their Department of Defense Form 214 (DD214) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as proof of military service in Vietnam or Korea.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be award posthumously.
The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs is now issuing Korean War and Vietnam War commemorative medals approved by the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
The legislation, signed by the governor prior to Veterans Day in 2022, establishes the New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal and the New York State Korean War Commemorative Medal.
The medals are not for wear on a uniform but were designed and authorized as a way for the legislature to thank veterans of these wars for their service.
The law made the Division of Military and Naval Affairs responsible for designing and distributing the medals.
“On behalf of the legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul, we at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs are proud to be able to play a role in recognizing the military service of those who fought in Korea and Vietnam,” said Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York.
Veterans can apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/. Applicants can use an online firm to request the medals, or they can print out and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be New York State resident now, or have been a New York State resident when they served in Vietnam or Korea, and must provide a digital or paper copy of their Department of Defense Form 214 (DD214) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, as proof of military service in Vietnam or Korea.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be award posthumously.
Helpful Links
Monroe County
Monroe County American Legion
Monroe County Honor Guard
Monroe County Auxiliary
Monroe County Legion Riders
District/State/National
New York State Legion
New York Legion Magazine
National American Legion
SAL, Detachment of NY
Other Veteran Links
Military Service Records (Request DD214)
vietnamwar50th.com
Compeer of Rochester
Walter Reed research study flier
Sunny Mike Foundation
Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families
Monroe County American Legion
Monroe County Honor Guard
Monroe County Auxiliary
Monroe County Legion Riders
District/State/National
New York State Legion
New York Legion Magazine
National American Legion
SAL, Detachment of NY
Other Veteran Links
Military Service Records (Request DD214)
vietnamwar50th.com
Compeer of Rochester
Walter Reed research study flier
Sunny Mike Foundation
Veteran Benefits, Financial Resources, and Discounts for Military Families