Senator Gallivan Honors Eden Soldier

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) is naming Army Captain John J. Levulis to the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame.  Levulis is an Eden native who served with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.  In 2015, Captain Levulis died of injuries suffered in the crash of his military Humvee while traveling to an Army base in New Jersey. 

Senator Gallivan joined members of Captain Levulis’ family and representatives of Newell Faulkner American Legion Post 880 in Eden, in announcing the honor Tuesday. 

“Captain Levulis represents the best our nation has to offer,” Senator Gallivan said.  “He served with pride and distinction as an infantry platoon leader with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, was decorated for his actions in Afghanistan and gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to a grateful nation. Naming Captain Levulis to the Veterans’ Hall of Fame is not only appropriate, it will ensure that his courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

“I thank Senator Gallivan for nominating John.  It is comforting to know that he is being remembered and will have his name listed with fellow veterans from across New York State,” said Julianne Viviano, Captain Levulis’ widow. 

“Our family misses John very much, but we are pleased to know that his memory lives on.  We are grateful to Senator Gallivan and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we continue to receive from the community," said Barbara Levulis, Captain Levulis’ mother.

Captain Levulis attended Eden Central High School, was a 2012 summa cum laude graduate of Niagara University and a ROTC cadet.  Levulis was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in Afghanistan.  He was the recipient of numerous awards and medals, including the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Campaign Medal, Airborne Wings and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In May 2015, Levulis was traveling with three other Fort Drum soldiers in a military convoy en route to Fort Dix, New Jersey when their Humvee was struck by a civilian vehicle on New Jersey Turnpike.  Captain Levulis suffered serious injuries and died a few days later.  He was 25. 

A foundation created in Captain Levulis’ memory provides college scholarships at Niagara University and Eden Central High School.  The foundation also supports community and veteran organizations and projects.

New York State previously designated a portion of state route 75 in the Town of Eden the “Captain John J. Levulis Memorial Highway.”

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves in military and civilian life.  Each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit commemorating the contributions of these exemplary New York veterans.  The NY State Senate will introduce this year’s full slate of inductees on Veterans Day, November 11.