5.15.18 - Senator Fred Akshar Inducts Mario A. Zorovic into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

(ALBANY, NY) Senator Fred Akshar inducted Mario A. Zorovic into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame Class of 2018 in Albany.

Each year, the New York State Senate honors veterans who have distinguished themselves in both their military and community service.
 

“Sgt. Zorovic put his life on the line for his country with bravery and tenacity while serving in Iraq and, upon returning home, continues to do so for our community as a New York State Trooper,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “He's a hero in every sense of the word, and it's important that his bravery both on and off the battlefield is celebrated and always remembered. On behalf of a grateful state and a grateful nation, we say thank you for your continuous service.”

Immediately following high school graduation, Sgt. Zorovic joined the United States Army and served honorably as part of the 111th Engineering Group of the 1st Engineer Battalion, also known as “Big Red One” while deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A decorated combat veteran, Zorovic was awarded a Combat Action Badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal with “V” for Valor.

Sgt. Zorovic received the Bronze Star for his exceptionally valorous achievement as a combat engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Without regard for his own safety, Zorovic dismounted his vehicle and moved through intense enemy fire in order to take effective control of a recovery operation. His courage and technical skills allowed the patrol to successfully recover mission critical equipment and defeat the enemy. Zorovic's heroism contributed immeasurably to the success of building a free and democratic nation for the citizens of Iraq and aligned with the finest traditions of military heroism.

In 2009, Zorovic was honorably discharged from active duty and immediately joined the U.S. Army Reserve until 2016. In 2014, Mario continued to serve the community after becoming a member of the New York State Police where he was assigned to Troop C.

Mario accepted the honor in Albany along with Troop C Captain Jeffery VanAuken and Major Wiliam McEvoy.

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