Middletown Resident Chosen For Connecticut Vets Hall Of Fame

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont Tuesday announced that 14 veterans — including a vet from Middletown — have been selected as part of the 20th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

The hall is 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 honored during an induction ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 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 to everything they have provided to our nation and the State of Connecticut."

The local inductee is:

Anthony J. Gaunichaux, Sr. of Middletown (United States Army)

Master Sergeant Anthony J. Gaunichaux Sr. is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran whose 22 years of service, including two tours in Vietnam, reflect his exceptional leadership and dedication. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he enlisted in the Army after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. Throughout his military career, Mr. Gaunichaux earned numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six Campaigns, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. His commitment to excellence was further exemplified by his recognition with the Expert Missileman and Rifleman Badges and the USASCS Zero-Defect Award.

While serving, Mr. Gaunichaux also pursued higher education, earning a Master of Social Work from Roosevelt University in Zurich, Switzerland, and a bachelor’s degree from Collegiate Institute in London, England. His academic achievements reflect his lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.

After retiring from the Army in 1975, Mr. Gaunichaux made Middletown, Connecticut, his home, where he became a leading figure in local government. As the first Democratic African American member of the Common Council, he broke barriers and served in numerous leadership roles, including chairman of the Welfare Commission, the Arts and Culture Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Anthony was also a key figure in veterans’ organizations, co-founding American Legion Post 206 and serving as District 7 commander, as well as being actively involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In addition to his civic leadership, Mr. Gaunichaux worked for 21 years with the Connecticut Department of Youth and Family Services (now Department of Children and Families) where his service furthered his legacy of helping others. He is married to Linette W. Gaunichaux, and together they have one daughter, along with two daughters and two sons from his late wife Delois Gaunichaux.

"No words could ever express the deep gratitude we have for the sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made on the battlefield, at home, and around the world," Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said. "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. 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."

Added Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch, "On behalf of our dedicated staff of professionals at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, we congratulate the fourteen of you 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. 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.

The focus of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is on veterans’ service to their communities after they have left military service. Many of the 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.

The 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.

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces. The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large.