Senator Fuschillo Names North Merrick Marine Kevin Vaughan to State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today announced that Marine Corps Corporal Kevin Vaughan of North Merrick has been selected to the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.

     “Kevin Vaughan is a true American hero who fought bravely and made great sacrifices to defend our country and protect our freedoms. He is a shining example of everything that is right about our country and the men and women of our armed forces. I’m so proud to congratulate him on earning this much deserved 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; 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 will be on display in the Legislative Office Building in Albany as part of a display honoring the 2012 inductees into the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.