HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont on January 14 announced that 14 veterans have been selected as part of the 20th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, the state’s official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

This year’s class will be celebrated during an induction ceremony scheduled to begin at 5 pm Thursday, January 23, in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill.

“There are so many veterans from Connecticut who have continued their generosity even after leaving military service by volunteering in their communities and providing leadership that has helped improve the lives of others in many ways,” Lamont said. “The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is a way we can celebrate the many veterans in our state who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have truly made a lasting impact. I congratulate the 14 veterans who are being inducted this year and I thank each of them for everything they have provided to our nation and the State of Connecticut.”

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz said words cannot “express the deep gratitude we have for the sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made on the battlefield, at home, and around the world.

"Not only have our inductees stood up when their nation called and did what needed to be done to protect our families, our nation, and our way of life," she continued. "But, following their military service, they further demonstrated their commitment to their communities through their volunteer activities and activism. Congratulations to our inductees. We extend our sincere appreciation for your service to our country, for your commitment to your community, and for all your contributions to the State of Connecticut.”

Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch offered congratulations on behalf of himself and the staff of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.

"On your honorable service and lifelong accomplishments ... You effected a profound impact during your military service, and then pledged unwavering service and volunteerism to our Connecticut communities, including compassionate support and advocacy to our service members, veterans, and families in our great state and beyond," he said. "With heartfelt gratitude, we salute you and your lasting contributions. In celebration, we welcome you into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Administered and sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department on behalf of the Office of the Governor, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 and inducts a new class annually. With the addition of this year’s class, there will now be 215 honorees inducted.

Longtime Sandy Hook resident Donna A. Monteleone Randle graduated from New York Polytechnic Institute in 1978 and was in the second class where women were commissioned through ROTC. She served on active duty in the US Army Signal Corps from 1978 to 1983. She served with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and worked with the White House Communication Agency during President Carter’s visit in 1979.

At Fort Hunter Liggett, California, Monteleone served as executive officer and was the sole female officer on a joint US Army and Marine Corps Project featuring then-state-of-the-art vehicle-mounted TV cameras, lasers, and audio equipment to conduct “war games.”

Monteleone attended Signal Officer Basic Course and Signal Officer Advanced Course at Fort Gordon, Ga., and Telecommunications Staff Officer College (Joint Branches) at Keesler Air Force Base. During both assignments, she served as international military liaison with allied officers from Africa and Middle East.

In 1983, she was hired by Exxon Corporation as senior telecommunications engineer and was assigned as a purchasing agent for telecommunications and computer needs. In 1990, she was hired by Witco Corporation to oversee the purchase of raw materials to make intermediate products. In 1993, she was offered a promotion to senior purchasing manager at Unilever Corporation in New York, where she met her future husband, Neil P. Randle.

After marrying, the couple accepted assignments with Unilever in Mexico and the Czech Republic. She was involved in both countries with the US Consul Office as a liaison and advocate for newly arriving Americans.

In 2005, her family moved back to the US and put down roots in Sandy Hook.

Monteleone is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Western Military Officers Association. She has been chairing “Valentines for Troops” for 19 years, which partners with local organizations and schools to create and send cards and care packages to active-duty military members.

She is also a fervent advocate for veterans in her community who may not be connected to local, federal, or state services. Likewise, she is impassioned about raising awareness on issues affecting female veterans, and has participated in meetings with US Senator Richard Blumenthal and US Senator Chris Murphy.

Other Class of 2025 inductees include were Cicero B. Booker, Jr of Waterbury (United States Marine Corps); Ronald A. Farina of Vernon (United States Marine Corps); Anthony J. Gaunichaux, Sr of Middletown (United States Army); Thomas K. Kanasky, Jr of Bridgeport (United States Marine Corps); Lucien H. Lefevre of Enfield (United States Army); Conley F. Monk, Jr of Hamden (United States Marine Corps); and Lesbia I. Nieves of Manchester (United States Army).

Also, William F. O’Brien, Jr of Stratford (United States Marine Corps); Stanley J. Prybylski of Southbury (United States Marine Corps) – Posthumously; Steven A. Ricard of New London (United States Navy); Scott W. Rosado of Bristol (United States Navy); William J. Stowell of Middlebury (United States Navy); and John W. White of Cheshire (United States Navy).

The focus of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is on veterans’ service to their communities after they have left military service. Many honorees are veterans who have been leaders in a variety of areas, such as the arts, education, public service, volunteer organizations, and community and business leadership.

Honorees are nominated throughout the year by members of the public, and then a committee consisting of the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, members of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, and a group of veterans from the state reviews the nominations and selects inductees.