Senator Fuschillo Congratulates North Merrick Marine Kevin Vaughan on Being Named to State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame

     Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) presents Corporal Kevin Vaughan (right center) with the plaque that was displayed in Albany as part of the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame exhibit. They are joined by Corporal Vaughan’s father, Jim (left center) and mother, Pat (second right), as well as Congressman Peter King (second left) and Assemblyman Dave McDonough (left).

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently congratulated Marine Corps Corporal Kevin Vaughan of North Merrick on being inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Corporal Vaughan was named to the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Fuschillo.

     “Kevin Vaughan represents everything that is great about our country and our servicemen and women. He’s a true hero who defended our nation with bravery, courage, and honor. It’s wonderful to see his service, sacrifice, and heroism recognized by the New York State Senate and I congratulate him on earning this honor,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Kevin Vaughan grew up in North Merrick and graduated from Mepham High School in 2007. Filled with a desire to serve his country, in part inspired by the events of September 11th, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

     As a member of the Third Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Corporal Vaughan served two tours of duty in Marjah, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. During his first deployment, he was injured while taking measures to save his unit when their mortar failed to fire during an enemy attack.

     On September 28, 2011, during his second tour of duty, Corporal Vaughan was wounded in action when his armored vehicle struck a road-side bomb. He sustained serious injuries to both legs, and despite several surgeries, doctors were unable to save his left leg.

     Corporal Vaughan continues to recover at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is serving as a physical therapist intern, helping other wounded veterans recover from their injuries. He aspires to become a physical therapist following his discharge from the Marine Corps.

     A decorated combat veteran, Corporal Vaughan earned the Purple Heart and was personally presented with the award by President Obama. He also earned the Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal; Navy Sea Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; French Fourragere; and New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

     Corporal Vaughan resides with his loving family in North Merrick and is engaged to be married.

     The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes veterans from across the state for their extraordinary efforts in combat or for work performed after they were discharged from the service. Corporal Vaughan’s biography and photo were displayed in the Legislative Office Building in Albany as part of a display honoring the 2012 inductees into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.