Islander named 'Veteran of the Month'

New York State Sen. Mark Grisanti recently named Dan McMahon as the ninth recipient of his "Veteran of the Month" recognition program.

A resident of the Town of Grand Island who served in the Army and spent time deployed in Vietnam, McMahon is the ninth recipient of a monthly honor presented by Grisanti through an application and nomination process coordinated by staff members who work in Grisanti's veterans' liaison office.

"I am pleased to honor Dan for serving our country and also for continuing his service with his outstanding contributions to our community representing other veterans," said Grisanti, a member of the New York State Senate's veterans, Homeland Security and military affairs committees. "Dan is very active with the VFW and represents VFW posts throughout Western New York by serving in the past as the Erie County Council commander and currently serving as the District 6 VFW department commander."

McMahon was drafted into the Army in 1968 and received basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He also received advanced individual training in infantry at Fort Polk, Louisiana, with specialized training for jungle warfare. He was deployed to Vietnam from March 1969 to March 1970. His duty there was with the 9th Infantry Division, operating in the 3rd and 4th Cores. After returning to the U.S., McMahon was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for completion of his active service.

 McMahon is a decorated veteran, having received various awards and medals recognizing his service, including the following: Combat Infantry Badge; Bronze Star Medal with "V" device; Air Medal; Army Commendation; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm; National Defense Medal; Civil Action Medal with Oak Leaf; Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal; Expert (Rifle); Expert Grenade; Marksman (M-60 machine gun.)

McMahon joined the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 in 1971 and served as post quartermaster for one year and post commander for three years. He is a past Erie County Council commander and the present commander of District 6 VFW Department of New York. He has also served as a Department of New York VFW patriotic instructor and membership chairman and chairman of the commander's special project.

McMahon has been a member of the Grand Island Fire Co. for 53 years and was a member of the original paramedic crew with the Grand Island Fire Co. for 26 years. He also served as communications' supervisor for 14 years.

A lifelong resident of Grand Island, he has been married for 43 years to his wife, Sue McMahon. The couple has two daughters, Bridget and Molly.

For more information about Grisanti's "Veteran of the Month" recognition program, including how to submit a nomination, visit www.senatormarkgrisanti.com and click on the "Veterans" tab.