Senator George Borrello Honors Retired Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin, Jr. with Induction into 2025 NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

ALBANY, NY — Senator George Borrello announced that retired Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin, Jr. of Allegany County was selected as the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame honoree for the 57th Senate District. He was formally recognized during a ceremony in Albany today.

A decorated veteran and distinguished leader, Brig. Gen. Austin’s career spans more than 37 years of exemplary service in the United States Army. Beginning his journey in 1977 as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard Military Police, he rose through the ranks with extraordinary dedication, ultimately serving as Deputy Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command. His service included deployments during the Cuban Refugee Crisis, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Katrina, and in the theaters of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

After retiring from active duty in 2014, BG Austin made his home in Cuba, New York, where he has become a tireless advocate for veterans. Through his involvement with programs such as the Veterans Outdoors Experience and Community Veterans Outreach, he has worked to ensure that local veterans receive the care, resources, and support they deserve, including those struggling with the invisible wounds of war.

“Brigadier General Austin represents the best of our nation’s military and the very heart of what the Veterans Hall of Fame stands for,” said Senator Borrello. “His lifelong dedication to service—both in uniform and here at home—is a powerful example of duty, leadership, and compassion. Through his inclusion in the Hall of Fame, his contributions will forever be honored as part of our state’s proud legacy of military service and community leadership.”

In 2024, Brig. Gen. Austin was honored as the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), recognized at the local, state, and national levels for his exceptional service to fellow veterans.

In addition to his volunteer efforts, BG Austin has made an impact as an educator, guest lecturing at both Cuba-Rushford High School and St. Bonaventure University, encouraging younger generations to live by his guiding principle: “Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin, Jr. lives in Cuba with his wife, Karen, and continues to be a source of inspiration and leadership within the community.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created in 2005 to honor outstanding veterans from across the state who have distinguished themselves both in military service and through exemplary community involvement.

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