I was honored to recognize Richard Acritelli as the 1st Senate District’s 2026 inductee. Richard served in the United States Army Reserve and New York Air National Guard where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

His passion for history and service to our veterans has helped shape our region for generations to come. Richard is a history teacher at Rocky Point High School and a professor at Suffolk Community College. He is also the host of Fog of War and Humanity video series and a weekly columnist for the South Shore Press. 

Mr. Acritelli was also one of the driving forces behind the new expansion of the Military History Museum in Rocky Point, which preserves the military history of the region and our nation. 

It was my privilege to induct Richard Acritelli for the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame for his service to our nation, his continued support of our veterans, veteran organizations, and important efforts to expand the public’s knowledge and reverence for our veterans and military history.