Borrello honors Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Dispenza
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BROCTON -- State Sen. George Borrello honored U.S. Army veteran and longtime veterans advocate Lori Dispenza Saturday during a special ceremony at American Legion Post 434 in Brocton recognizing her induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
Dispenza, a Portland native and graduate of Brocton Central School, served more than a decade in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her military career included assignments in Alaska, South Carolina, Honduras, Southern California and Fort Drum, as well as a 15-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq, with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. She earned numerous military awards and decorations during her service.
"Lori's story is really one of two extraordinary chapters of service," Senator Borrello said. "She served our country with distinction in the Army, and when that chapter ended, she came home and found another way to serve by dedicating her career to helping her fellow veterans."
After leaving the Army in 2010, Dispenza earned a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from SUNY Fredonia and an advanced certificate in Veterans Services. She joined the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency in 2014 and later served with the New York State Department of Veterans' Services before returning to Chautauqua County as a Veterans Service Officer in Dunkirk. During her career in veterans services, she has represented hundreds of veterans and filed thousands of claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Behind every one of those claims is a person: a veteran or a family trying to navigate a complicated system and receive the benefits they have earned," Senator Borrello said. "That is where someone like Lori makes such a difference. She understands the system, but more importantly, she understands the people she is serving because she has worn the uniform herself."
The ceremony brought together Lori's family, friends, fellow veterans and community members. The program included ceremonial observances led by American Legion Post 434 Commander Timothy Lindquist and the Post Honor Guard, the National Anthem performed by Brocton Central School students, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dispenza's daughter, Willow, and niece, Maddie Parker.
Tributes were also offered by Chautauqua County Clerk Greg Carlson, a retired U.S. Air Force Major and former director of the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency; Liz Nixon, representing Assemblyman Andrew Molitor; Amanda Hall, Administrator of Fredonia Place Assisted Living; and veteran and friend Keith Sowa.
Senator Borrello formally presented Dispenza with her Veterans Hall of Fame recognition and commemorative challenge coin before she addressed those gathered for the ceremony.
"I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition," said Lori Dispenza. "The Army taught me the importance of serving something larger than myself, and that commitment didn't end when I took off the uniform. Being able to spend my career helping fellow veterans and their families has been incredibly rewarding. To be recognized here at home, surrounded by my family, friends, fellow veterans and so many people who have been part of that journey, makes this honor even more meaningful."
"Lori has never stopped looking for ways to help others," Senator Borrello said. "On behalf of the people of the 57th Senate District and the New York State Senate, I thank her for her service to our nation, her devotion to her fellow veterans and her continued service to the community we are both proud to call home."