This file photo shows the U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lori Dispenza serving as the guest speaker at the Military Women’s Memorial event in Washington, D.C., in 2012.

State Sen. George Borrello announced that Staff Sgt. Lori Dispenza of Dunkirk is his honoree for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The prestigious award recognizes veterans who have demonstrated exceptional service to their country and continued commitment to their communities.

“Lori Dispenza embodies everything this award is meant to honor, and then some,” Borrello said. “She answered the call to serve her country at a young age and spent more than a decade meeting some of the most demanding assignments the Army has to offer, from the mountains of Alaska to Central America to the battlefields of Iraq, where she served a grueling 15-month combat deployment in Kirkuk. She did all of that with professionalism, dedication, and distinction, earning commendations that reflect the caliber of soldier she was.

“But what truly sets Lori apart is what she did when she came home. Rather than stepping back from service, she doubled down on it, dedicating her post-military career to fighting for her fellow veterans, helping them cut through bureaucratic red tape and access the benefits they earned and so rightfully deserve. Lori is exactly the kind of person this recognition was created for, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to call her my honoree for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Originally from Portland, Dispenza enlisted in the United States Army in 1998 as a 92Y Supply Sergeant. Over more than a decade in uniform, her assignments took her from Alaska to Fort Jackson, S.C.; Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras with Joint Task Force-Bravo; recruiting duty in Southern California; and Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division. Her service culminated in a 15-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq, with A Company, 1st BSTB, 1st BCT. She rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned numerous commendations, including four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Service Star.

Following her honorable discharge in 2010, Staff Sergeant Dispenza pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from SUNY Fredonia in 2012 and an Advanced Certificate in Veterans Services from SUNY Empire State College in 2014. That same year, she was honored to serve as a guest speaker at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Day event in Washington, D.C.

Her post-military career has been defined by the same dedication that marked her time in uniform. She began working with the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency in 2014, helping veterans and their families navigate the complex process of securing benefits and support. In 2016, she joined the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, expanding her advocacy statewide. Over the past 12 years, she has represented hundreds of veterans and filed thousands of claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2025, she returned to Dunkirk as a Veterans Service Officer with the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, bringing her considerable expertise home to her community.

“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected by Senator Borrello as his honoree for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” Dispenza said. “When I enlisted in the Army, I made a commitment to serve something larger than myself, and that commitment didn’t end when I took off the uniform. Advocating for my fellow veterans and helping them access the benefits and support they have earned through their own service is not just my profession; it is my calling.

“So many veterans face significant challenges navigating the system after returning home, and if I can help ease that burden in any way, then I know I am honoring the sacrifices we all made together. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and I accept it not just on my own behalf, but on behalf of every veteran in Chautauqua County and across New York State who continues to fight for the care and respect they so rightfully deserve.”.

Dispenza will be honored at a ceremony in Albany on Tuesday. A separate event in the district will be held at a future date.