Senator Squadron Announces Nomination of Three Service Members to NY State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

ALBANY – Following a ceremony in Albany, State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement regarding his nomination of three service members to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, in light of today’s reported detention of Muslim American servicemember Syed Ali by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents at John F. Kennedy Airport

“Today’s news is an important reminder that people of all backgrounds serve our nation with distinction and deserve our everlasting gratitude. I chose to nominate Abraham Althaibani, Ismile Althaibani, and Hariton Marachilian to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame for their service in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and their continued service with the NYPD. It’s critical that we remember to honor veterans from all backgrounds, following reports of harassment of Syed Ali by Customs and Border Patrol. I am deeply grateful for their service.”

Squadron selected brothers Ismile and Abraham Althaibani along with Hariton Marachilian, who grew up together in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood. All three deployed with the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ismile, who earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the battle of Falluja, and Hariton also served in the same Marines Battalion, and all three currently serve in the New York Police Department.

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