BRISTOL, NY— A Bristol man and U.S. Marine Corps veteran known for his work helping veterans in need is the 2025 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame from the 54th State Senate District represented by state Sen. Pam Helming, R-Canandaigua.
The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from New York like David Brisbane who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life, according to Helming.
Brisbane said in a statement that 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,” Brisbane stated.
More about David Brisbane of Bristol
Brisbane achieved the rank of Corporal E-4 in the United States Marine Corps. He 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.
Brisbane, who recalls joining the military because it was simply what young country boys did when they were old enough, followed in the service of his older brother. After his service, Brisbane took college courses and worked as a machinist at Gleason Works, a manufacturer in Rochester. He retired as a manufacturing supervisor after 47 years with the company.
More of David Brisbane’s honors and achievements
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, 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, he 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.
Brisbane participates with the Honor Guard units of American Legion Post 34 in Shortsville and Post 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.
Here’s what others have to say about David Brisbane
State Sen. Pam Helming: “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 Wickers, vice commander of the Marine Corps League Memorial Day Detachment 468: “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. David Brisbane has been and is, a leader in our community and a tireless advocate for American veterans.”
Regina Deck, program manager, VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement: “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 1,200 volunteer hours in critical assignments. It takes a leader like Dave, with credibility, dedication, heart, and honor, to have the kind of impact he makes.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: David Brisbane is elected into NY State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame