Senator Helming Announces Bristol Vietnam Veteran, David Brisbane, is the 2025 Inductee Into NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Senator Pam Helming is proud to announce David Brisbane of Bristol as the 2025 Inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.   

David Brisbane achieved the rank of Corporal E-4 in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Brisbane enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964 and served on active duty through 1967 during the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1970, he served on inactive reserve duty.

Mr. Brisbane recalls joining the military because it was simply what young country boys did when they were old enough. He followed in the service of his older brother. After his service, Mr. Brisbane took college courses and worked as a machinist at Gleason Works, a manufacturer in Rochester, New York. He retired as a manufacturing supervisor after 47 years with the company. He says the training and discipline he learned in the Marine Corps helped him advance from machine operator to supervisor.

Mr. Brisbane is a Purple Heart recipient and earned numerous other honors for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Navy Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

In continued service to his community and fellow veterans, Mr. Brisbane is a member of the VFW, American Legion Post 256, and Marine Corps League Memorial Day Detachment 468, where he is Commandant. He is North West Area Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League Department of New York.

For many years, Mr. Brisbane has led the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, collecting and distributing thousands of toys to area children. He is a longtime volunteer for the Canandaigua VA and Honor Flight and a member of the Challenge 22 management committee, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring greater awareness to veteran suicide and support for veterans.

Mr. Brisbane participates with the Honor Guard units of American Legion Post 34 in Shortsville and 256 in Canandaigua, and he organizes the Color Guards for Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades. He was also instrumental in establishing Wreaths Across America at the former Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

Senator Helming said “It is my distinct honor to recognize David Brisbane of Bristol as my district’s inductee into the Veterans Hall of Fame. Dave is a proud Marine and served three years on active duty during the Vietnam War, and an additional three years in the Marine Corps Reserves. His service did not end when he left the Marines – it has continued for decades in his service to our community. Mr. Brisbane is a reflection of the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis—Always Faithful. I am proud and grateful that his name will be included in the NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.” 

David Brisbane said “It was an honor to be inducted into the New York State Senate Hall of Fame by Senator Helming.  It was a moving ceremony and wonderful day in Albany.”

David Wickers, Vice Commander of the Marine Corps League Memorial Day Detachment 468, said “After a lifetime of service to his country and community, David Brisbane’s acceptance into the New York Veterans Hall of Fame is well-deserved. I know Dave to be a full-throttle Marine: all day and every day. He exemplifies the essence of the Marine Corps through his hard work, dedication, and support of his country. Dave is first out the door to support American veterans of any service whether it be attending Honor Flights, serving at memorials, working up our fundraisers or driving through the snow to help a veteran in need. David Brisbane has been and is, a leader in our community and a tireless advocate for American Veterans. Everyone knows Semper Fidelis is the motto of the United States Marine Corps, and there could not be a better example of living that motto than David Brisbane.”   

Regina Deck, Program Manager, VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement, adds  “Dave exercises humility and demonstrates servant leadership as he continues to dedicate his life serving Veterans. He has volunteered consistently at the Canandaigua VA for 13 years, accruing over 1200 volunteer hours in critical assignments, to include pre-appointment and safety reminder calls during COVID, weekly Red Coat Ambassador services, Recreation Therapy, Holiday Event Coordination, and gift giving, and serving on our VAVS Executive Committee as Deputy Representative for the Marine Corps League. Dave is a go-to when VA CDCE has a special need that will enhance the patient experience, be it through volunteerism or through donations of goods. His impact is consistent, repetitive over the past 13 years, and has touched thousands. He is also extremely involved in other community organizations and activities honoring Veterans. It takes a leader like Dave, with credibility, dedication, heart, and honor, to have the kind of impact he makes.”

Mr. Brisbane was recognized on Tuesday at the Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony in Albany.

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