Senator Gallivan Inducts Alden Woman Into New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

Sgt. Marlene Roll Receives One Of New York State’s Highest Honors

ALBANY– Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District) honored Alden resident, Sergeant Marlene Roll, today by inducting the Gulf War veteran into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Sgt. Roll was officially inducted today along with fellow veterans from across the state in a special ceremony held at the State Capitol.

 "The challenges our vets face are complex and evolving. Sgt. Marlene Roll works everyday to ensure that these challenges are met and our returning veterans and their families are treated like the heroes they are. Through her work with the VFW, both the Erie and Monroe County Veterans Services offices, and as a volunteer with Veteran Treatment Court in the City of Buffalo; Sgt. Roll has impacted thousands of lives and tangibly improved the quality of life for our most deserving citizens,” Senator Gallivan said. “My sincerest congratulations are extended to Marlene for receiving this distinguished honor, and my continued admiration goes out to her and her fellow American veterans.”

Marlene Roll enlisted in the United State Army Reserves in 1986, serving as an operating room technician through 1994, including five months spent as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Following active duty, Sgt. Roll returned to western New York and dedicated her life to advocating on behalf of her fellow veterans and working to secure a better quality of life for them and their families.

She is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and is currently serving as the Commander of the Erie County Council. In addition to serving as Commander, Marlene has assumed numerous leadership roles within the VFW, including: Patriotic Instructor, Special Recruiter and Member Chairman, Post Commander, Chief of Staff for the Department of New York State, and Women Veterans Chair for the Eastern States Conference.

In recent years, Sgt. Roll has applied her acquired experience and talents to government and public service. Serving for a time as the Director of Erie County Veterans Services and later as the Interim Director of Monroe County Veterans Services, impacting thousands of lives in upstate New York’s two most populous counties. She also volunteers as a Veteran Mentor with the City of Buffalo’s Veteran Treatment Court, is member of the board at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park, and a Co-Chair for the VA Golden Age Games 2013.

Marlene lives in the Town of Alden in Erie County with her husband of 25 years, Jim.