Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham inducted Brian Sillik of Yorktown Heights into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on May 26. 

A recipient of the Purple Heart, Sillik served in the U.S Army as a Helicopter Crew Chief during the Vietnam War. Following his tour of duty he moved into a new life of duty, one filled with strong leadership and tireless service in the Town of Yorktown and a record of accomplishments that reflect his military experiences and a lifelong commitment to the welfare of his fellow service members and his community.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, Sillik served in pressure-filled circumstances of ever-present combat conditions. Just three months into his tour, his unit was devastated by a mortar attack that killed three and injured 38, with Sillik among the wounded. After three months of recovery in Japan, Sillik demonstrated his resilience by returning to his original unit in Vietnam to complete his tour. Sillik was honorably discharged in 1968, and was later recognized in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Today, Sillik lives in the Jefferson Village community and serves as the chair of the Jefferson Village Veterans Club. Under his tenure, membership in the club has doubled, and he oversees its mission to provide a vital lifeline for senior veterans and their widows. Sillik also helped expand the Veterans “Wall of Heroes” in the Jefferson Village Clubhouse lobby recognizing all the veterans that have lived in Jefferson Village. Sillik serves as the Master of Ceremonies for Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies at Jefferson Village and organizes educational forums with guest speakers as well. He ensures that all veterans’ outings are accessible to those with physical limitations, so that no veteran is left behind.

Following the passing of his first wife after 44 years of marriage, Sillik has found further happiness with his wife, Jo-Ann, and together they share a family-filled life with a son, a daughter, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor veterans from across the state for their past service and continued work in their communities. Every year, one veteran from each Senate district is nominated to the Hall of Fame.