Senator Hoylman-Sigal Inducts Chelsea Resident and U.S Air Force Veteran Hector Vazquez into New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

NEW YORK — State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D/WF-Manhattan) inducted Technical Sergeant Hector Vazquez into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, which recognizes outstanding veterans who have distinguished military and civilian lives.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding New York veterans who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. According to the State Senate, “Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.” Annually, Senators name a veteran from their district to a place in the Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Veterans Hall of Fame Celebration was held in Albany on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Hector Vazquez has spent his life in service, from the cockpit of a C-141B Starlifter as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force to the streets of Manhattan.

His journey began at Aviation High School in Queens, where he honed his technical expertise before enlisting in the Air Force in 1985. Initially serving as an aircraft technician, Hector soon transitioned into the role of flight engineer. He trained in Oklahoma before joining the 702nd Military Airlift Squadron.

As a flight engineer, Hector supported critical missions worldwide, from Diego Garcia to the Arctic. During the Gulf War, he played a vital role in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, ensuring the success of military airlift operations.

After more than a decade in uniform, Hector returned to civilian life and settled in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City where he became a persistent advocate for his community. He worked closely with the Tenant Association at NYCHA’s Elliott-Chelsea Houses and later Fulton Houses to bring positive change to his neighborhood. Through his community work, Hector has collaborated with city agencies and local law enforcement, championing housing rights, public safety, and neighborhood improvements, ensuring his fellow residents always have a voice. 

Hector currently serves as a member of Manhattan Community Board 4, as well as on the Hudson River Park Advisory Council, the High Line Neighbors Council, and the Whitney Museum Education Council. He also volunteers with Paws of War, an organization supporting veterans through the training of service dogs (including Hector’s own Jojo).

Hector is a cancer survivor and proud father of two children, Malia and Darien. He credits his late mother, a compassionate registered nurse, with instilling in him the values of perseverance, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

With a lifetime shaped by service, Hector remains steadfast in his mission to uplift those around him. He encourages others to step up and be the change their communities need. His motto is simple: “Get involved!”

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: “Hector Vazquez represents the absolute best of the West Side of Manhattan. I was honored to induct him into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Hector bravely served our country as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War, using his expertise to ensure the success of military airlift operations. After his time in the Air Force, Hector came back to Manhattan to serve in a different way, as an active participant in community affairs. Over the last 25 years Hector has been a member of several important neighborhood groups, including the Tenant Associations at NYCHA’s Elliott-Chelsea and Fulton Houses and Manhattan Community Board 4. He continues to support his fellow veterans through his work with Paws of War, an organization connecting veterans with service dogs. Hector exemplifies what it means to serve both your country and your community. I thank him for his service and encourage everyone to follow his simple but powerful advice: ‘Get involved!’”

Technical Sergeant Hector Vazquez said: “I was honored to join Senator Hoylman-Sigal and my fellow veterans in Albany for the 2025 Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony. It was meaningful to be recognized both for my military service and for my work at home in Chelsea. My time in the service and my work with civic organizations in Manhattan have taught me that life is more meaningful when you get involved and dedicate yourself to helping others. I congratulate all of my fellow veterans who also received this honor and I thank Senator Hoylman-Sigal for this recognition.”