Sanders Nominates William McDonald for 2017 Veterans' Hall of Fame

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) nominated William McDonald for the 2017 New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame. McDonald served eight years in the U.S. Navy before being honorably discharged. He has been a community leader in Southeast Queens for many years, advocating for improvements to education as well as resources for veterans and youth.
 
“I am proud to be able to recognize William McDonald for his bravery and dedication to serving our country and the community of Southeast Queens,” said Senator Sanders, a Marine Corps veteran. “He has done so much to help so many and is well deserving of this honor.”

Every year senators from across the state are asked to select a veteran from their district to be inducted into the Veterans' Hall of Fame. The honor was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding service members from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. McDonald was officially inducted into the Veterans’ Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Albany on May 16th.
 
William McDonald was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from James Madison High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1984, rising to the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (E4) before being honorably discharged.

PO3 McDonald earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Kingsborough Community College. He went on to work as a correction officer for the New York City Department of Correction and retired after 20 years of service.  PO3 McDonald now serves as a community activist, advocating for educational excellence within the New York City Public School system.

PO3 McDonald has diligently given his time and energy to advance the education of our children, and has served on several school leadership teams. As Vice President of Intermediate School 231’s Parent Teachers Association, President of the Queens High School President’s Council, Chairman and Parliamentarian of the Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Council (CPAC), Mr. McDonald has advocated for all New York City public school students and parents.

A fervent champion for education reform, Mr. McDonald has travelled to City Hall, Albany and Washington D.C. to lobby for city, state and federal education funding. He has served and held several leadership positions with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Legion, United Black Men of Queens County and National Action Network.

Today, Mr. McDonald continues to assist youth by taking aspiring medical students from the community to the American Association of Medical Colleges, Minority Recruitment Conference in Boston and Washington D.C. In addition, he is an active member of the Laurelton Memorial Day Parade Committee, volunteers twice a week at the Rosedale American Legion Food Pantry and works with community civic associations to improve the district.