Senator John Liu Inducts Army Veteran, Aaron Yi, Into New York State Senate Veterans Hall Of Fame

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Contact: Soojin Choi | press@johnliusenate.com | 347-556-6335

Albany, NY – State Senator John Liu yesterday inducted Army veteran and Flushing resident, Aaron Yi into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to recognize the extraordinary service and achievements of New York’s veterans who have distinguished themselves in both military and civilian life. 

Born and raised in Flushing, Aaron Yi has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to service and community. He was a proud United States Army veteran who served as a Private First Class E-3 until he was honorably discharged due to injuries sustained during combat training.

After his medical retirement from the Army, Yi earned his Associate's degree from LaGuardia Community College and Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Queens College. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he enrolled in the Institute for Career Development’s Ability Cisco Academy, a program created to teach IT skills to students with disabilities. Although the institute has since been dissolved, its mission lives on through Yi’s ongoing commitment to empowering others.

Following his graduation from the program in May 2021, Yi became the first student to transition into a teaching role at the Academy, where he began as a teaching assistant. There, he provided accessible instruction tailored to students with diverse needs, drawing on his own journey as both a veteran and a student to create a meaningful, supportive classroom experience. Yi’s teaching philosophy, shaped by the Army’s values of selfless service and never leaving anyone behind, continues to inform his approach to education and advocacy. Passionate about bridging gaps in healthcare and technology, he is now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology at SUNY Broome, preparing for a future at the intersection of patient care, data, and service delivery.

State Senator John Liu stated, “Aaron Yi embodies the spirit of community service, resilience and commitment that defines the Veterans Hall of Fame. He turned adversity into strength, using his experience to inspire, support, and teach others, especially those facing similar challenges. His inspiring journey from soldier to student to teacher and advocate is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance, and truly deserving of our gratitude and respect.”

Aaron Yi stated, “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the 2025 New York State Veteran Hall of Fame. This recognition affirms the values instilled in me through military service—service to others and commitment to community—and I am humbled that these principles are acknowledged by the leadership of our great state. As a proud Queens native and U.S. Army veteran, I remain dedicated to uplifting others and making a positive impact in my community. I accept this honor with heartfelt gratitude and a renewed resolve to continue giving back.”