Senator Martins Inducts D-Day Heroes From Mineola Into Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame

     Photo caption: Senator Martins (second left) congratulates Tom Scardino (seated left) and Ray Vaz (seated right) on their induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. Family and friends joined them at the event. 

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-Mineola) today inducted D-Day veterans Thomas Scardino and Raymond Vaz into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The two Army veterans, both of whom are from Mineola, were named to the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Martins.

     “Tom Scardino and Raymond Vaz are among the greatest of the ‘greatest generation.’ When our country needed them, they answered the call. When they were asked to risk their lives in defense our country, they fought bravely on the beaches of Normandy and throughout Western Europe to defeat the forces of tyranny and oppression. Both men are heroes in every sense of the word and most deserving of this honor. Congratulations to Tom and Ray on being inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame,” said Senator Martins.

     Thomas Scardino and Ray Vaz are close friends who share a love for their country, a commitment to service, and a bond unlike most others.

     Both Mr. Scardino and Mr. Vaz were part of the Allied forces which stormed the beaches of France on D-Day. They landed at Utah Beach as members of the U.S. Army’s 90th Infantry Division and fought fiercely against heavy enemy resistance, both on the shoreline and in subsequent fighting through France. Each was wounded twice; Mr. Scardino was struck by a German bullet and hit by shrapnel during fierce fighting in Battle of St. Lo. Mr. Vaz was shot by a German sniper during the Battle of Normandy and later hit by artillery shrapnel while fighting to cross the Mosselle River in Germany after liberating the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

     For their brave and devoted service, Mr. Scardino and Mr. Vaz each earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

     Following his military service, Mr. Scardino went to work in the garment industry, first as a tailor with his father and later running his own factory. He was also a professional bowler. Mr. Vaz had a long and successful career in sales.

     Both men are longtime residents of Mineola and members of Mineola VFW Post 1305, where they have worked to help their fellow veterans. Mr. Vaz and his wife, Ann, have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Mr. Scardino and his wife, Flora, have six children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

     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. Mr. Scardino and Mr. Vaz’ biography and photos were displayed in the Legislative Office Building in Albany as part of a display honoring the 2015 inductees into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame.