Bob Genovese Inducted Into CT Veterans Hall of Fame

State Representatives Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) and David Labriola (R-131) were on hand Tuesday evening, November 17, 2009 to congratulate Robert Genovese of Naugatuck as he was inducted in the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.  The ceremony, held at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, honors the newest round of veterans who have made tremendous contributions to the state through their military service and public service.

Genovese served in Vietnam in the U.S. Air Force. He is co-founder of the “Veterans Who Care Committee,” which for over 20 years raised funds for children of Vietnam veterans born with birth defects due to the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. The organization also offered emergency financial assistance to veterans in need while awaiting permanent benefits. He is past commander of VFW Post #1946; past commander, Union City Chapter #11 Disabled American Veterans; and organizer of POW/MIA remembrance vigils in Naugatuck. He was Honorary Grand Marshall of the 2008 Connecticut Veterans Day Parade.

As a consultant on the Connecticut production of the movie “Jackknife” starring Robert DeNiro and Ed Harris, Mr. Genovese was instrumental in assuring that returning Vietnam veterans were protrayed accurately. A former accredited veterans service officer/counselor with the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Victims, Inc., and is a member of AMVETS, Catholic War Veterans Post #708, American Legion Post #17, Italian-American War Veterans Post #8 and Veterans of the Vietnam War. A long-time member of the Naugatuck Elks Lodge #967, he was named Volunteer of the Year 1998-99 and is a member of the Elks National Service Commission. He also is a member of the Knights of Columbus Ojeda Council #33 and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church.

Pictures:   Above: L-R Rep. Rosa C. Rebimbas, Veterans Affaris Commissioner Linda Schwartz, Bob Genovese, Governor M. jodi Rell and Rep. David Labriola.  Below: Bob Genovese receives his medal from Governor Rell and Commissioner Schwartz during the induction.