ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- A local Vietnam veteran from Chemung County has received a high honor from the New York State Senate.

Dennis Wolfe, Sr. was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame by Senator Tom O'Mara. Wolfe was drafted into the Army in 1966, and served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division as a helicopter crew chief. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and fought during the Tet Offensive.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to induct Denny Wolfe into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Denny has done anything and everything he could through the Vietnam War Museum he founded in Elmira to ensure that the legacy and the service of America’s Vietnam War veterans will always be remembered. I am grateful that the New York State Senate will take this step to ensure that Denny’s own service and his lifelong commitment to area veterans will also be remembered for generations to come. We take this opportunity to salute the lives of veterans who have made such a difference for our local communities, our state, and the United States of America. Denny Wolfe courageously served our nation in Vietnam and then returned home where he has devoted his life to tirelessly working to honor and assist his fellow veterans and strengthen our community. I am glad to take this opportunity to express our collective gratitude and respect," said Senator Tom O'Mara.

He now dedicates his time to serving veterans throughout the community, and is a charter member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 803. He is also the president of the Vietnam War Museum at 1200 Davis Street in Elmira, the only museum in the region dedicated solely to the Vietnam War. 

Established in 2005, the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame has inducted nearly 500 veterans to date.