On Jan. 22, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame (CVHOF) invited the community to celebrate a gathering of 14 veterans at its annual induction ceremony. The celebration honors those who have shown exemplary leadership, advocacy and community service throughout the state. Charles M. Pickett, a veteran from New Haven, was among the inductees.

Every year, the induction ceremony honors individuals whose influence reaches far beyond their years of active service. Triple Distinguished Military Members are service members who have earned multiple high-level military medals for exceptional service, bravery and leadership from different branches, diverse backgrounds and varied experiences in the military. They all share a common thread of continued commitment to serving others, even in civilian life. Family members, veteran comrades, state government representatives and local authorities were present at the ceremony.

The CVHOF opened in 2005 to recognize the service of veterans who have not only fulfilled their duty in the United States Armed Forces (USAF) with distinction, but have also been instrumental in their communities afterwards. The inductees for the Hall of Fame are chosen based on their military service and post-service contributions, such as public service, education, nonprofit leadership, veteran advocacy and community involvement.

Veterans who qualify for induction must have an honorable discharge and be firmly rooted in Connecticut. Members of the public can submit nominations, which are then reviewed by a selection committee appointed by state leaders. Inductees are forever honoured members of the Hall of Fame, receiving official certificates and medallions as a token of their service.

With veterans from a wide variety of backgrounds serving us in multiple ways, this year’s 14 inductees manifest this variety. Thomas M. Brockett has been active in community leadership and youth programs, and Pamela A. Townsend has contributed to education outreach efforts. Pickett and Alex J. Plitsas have supported local government initiatives and helped build strong organizations for military people and their families.

Other honorees — including Dennis F. Lisee, Michael D. Monaco, William J. Newman, Kenneth W. Korsu, Michael A. Rogalsky, Everett G. Shepard III, Juliet A. Taylor, Russell E. Vibberts, Jr., Sherri L. Vogt and Adele E. Hodges — represent a wide range of continued service through nonprofit leadership, veteran advocacy, civic engagement and community development.

The selection of a veteran from New Haven in this year’s group underlines the city’s enduring ties to military service and community leadership. It also points to how local communities are instrumental in backing veterans during their transition from military to civilian life and as they go on with their service commitment.

The CVHOF isn’t just a way the state remembers its veterans. It also portrays how their influence is still felt today and will be in the future. Through telling the stories of those who are leaders, mentors and advocates, the Hall of Fame dispels the myth that military service is over once you are discharged.