Red, White & You: Honoring Connecticut’s Military Heroes

Connecticut has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. Private Eric P. Muth

Milford’s own Private Eric P. Muth is a decorated Army veteran who participated in top-secret chemical testing programs during the Cold War, earning the Army Commendation Medal for service above and beyond the call of duty. He was later stationed at the Milford Nike missile site during the Cuban Missile Crisis and went on to serve his community as a firefighter, police officer and optician. Additionally, Muth helped establish Milford’s Korea-Vietnam Memorial and was honored as a “Living Treasure” for his decades of public service and advocacy for fellow veterans. Read more here.

2. Capt. Paul Bucha (1943-2024)

U.S. Army Capt. Paul W. Bucha, a longtime Ridgefield resident, was Connecticut’s only living Medal of Honor recipient until his passing in July 2024. Bucha received the nation’s highest military honor in 1970 for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. After retiring from active duty, he remained a dedicated advocate for veterans, frequently speaking at memorial events and benefits across the state. Known for his humility and deep commitment to service, Bucha was widely respected by leaders and community members alike for a lifetime spent honoring those who served. Read more here.

3. Capt. Donna Monteleone

In 2025, U.S. Army veteran Donna Monteleone of Sandy Hook was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedicated military service and tireless community advocacy. A former officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Monteleone served overseas with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and worked with the White House Communications Agency during President Carter’s 1979 visit to Seoul. After active duty, she continued serving veterans at home, championing access to services and visibility for women veterans. A longtime leader of the “Valentines for Troops” program and member of several veterans’ organizations, Monteleone has spent nearly two decades rallying her community in support of those who serve. Read more here.

4. Master Sgt. Adam Jackson

Master Sgt. Adam Jackson of Wallingford was awarded the Purple Heart in February 2025, nearly 17 years after being wounded by shrapnel during a firefight in Afghanistan. Jackson, who currently serves with the 439th Contingency Response Flight at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts, has had a distinguished military career with deployments in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. A veteran of both the U.S. Army National Guard and the Air Force Reserve, Jackson received the long-delayed medal during a ceremony at the Connecticut State Armory, thanks in part to the efforts of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Reflecting on the experience, Jackson emphasized the importance of recognizing both visible and unseen wounds of war and encouraged others in similar situations to seek help and advocate for what they’re owed. Read more here.

5. ‘Sergeant Stubby’ (1916-1926)

Stubby, a stray terrier from the streets of New Haven, became one of the most celebrated military dogs in U.S. history for his heroism during World War I. Adopted by Pvt. J. Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division, Stubby was smuggled overseas and quickly proved his value on the front lines—alerting troops to incoming artillery, warning of gas attacks and even locating wounded soldiers. Despite being injured by gas and shrapnel, Stubby continued to serve through 17 battles, later earning national fame, marching in parades and even meeting President Woodrow Wilson. Though he never officially held the rank of sergeant, his actions became legendary, and his preserved body is now on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s Price of Freedom exhibit. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!