Senator Sean Ryan Honors Tonawanda Resident Inducted Into New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall Of Fame

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – On Thursday, July 25, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan visited a meeting of the Erie County American Legion at the George F. Lamm Post #622 to honor retired Army Reserve Sgt. First Class Bruce Mayfield for his induction into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2024. The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

Mayfield enlisted in the United States Army in 1972 at the age of 17, entering active duty after graduating high school in Iowa. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he spent time stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas and Fort Campbell in Kentucky, as well as bases in Kaiserslautern and Karlsruhe in Germany. Following active duty, Mayfield served in the United States Army Reserve 98th Division from 1979 to 1987. During his nearly 15 years of service, he attained the rank of E-7 Sergeant First Class as a Construction Supervisor and Supply Instructor.

During his service Mayfield was the recipient of the National Defense Service Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Reserve Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Wheeled Vehicle Driver Badge. He has also received the Jungle Warfare Patch and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

A resident of the Town of Tonawanda for over 40 years, Mayfield has been a member of the Milton J. Brounshidle Post Executive Board since 1982 and previously served as Post Commander from 1989 to 1990. He was also a member of the Post Honor Guard from 1982 to 2000 and has served as Erie County American Legion Vice Commander and Erie County American Legion Baseball Chairman.

Senator Ryan nominated Mayfield for the Hall of Fame in part due to his reputation as a selfless and reliable individual who embodies the “Devotion to Mutual Helpfulness” that is a foundation of the American Legion. He routinely volunteers his time in service of others, planning Post events, participating at Buffalo VA Medical Center Ward Parties, and shuttling veterans from hospitals to professional sporting events, the Buffalo Zoo, the Shriners Circus, and the Erie County Fair. Since 2018, Mayfield has also served as President of the Tonnewanta Veterans Club, managing the day-to-day operations of the 98-year-old Memorial Hall.