New York GWOT Veterans Recognition Campaign
Honoring 20+ years of service and the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Why We’re Launching This Now
Many states have memorialized the 20+ years of their GWOT military heroes. Now it is time for New York to step up to recognize and honor our GWOT Veterans and their families.
With the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Friends of the New York State Military Museum Board of Trustees has established the New York GWOT Veteran Recognition Campaign Committee. Its mission is to raise the funds and establish the partnerships needed to honor New Yorkers who have served and educate future generations across our great state.
Concept Rendering: “New Millennium, New Challenges” Exhibit
In the Field
GWOT Deployments.
What We’re Building
Five integrated initiatives to honor, preserve, and educate:
Permanent GWOT Exhibit (NY Military Museum)
A museum-quality exhibit recognizing New Yorkers and their families who served in the GWOT. Target unveiling: September 2026.
Transportable GWOT Exhibit
A professionally designed traveling installation that can appear statewide—ceremonies, community events, schools, and veterans’ programs.
New York GWOT Veterans Memorial
A solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to all who served with honor across more than twenty years of deployments.
Statewide Oral History Program
Volunteer interview teams capturing first-person stories of service to preserve, understand, and teach selfless service and sacrifice.
Statewide Lecture Series
Public talks that illuminate the post-9/11 era—diplomatic, financial, and military actions taken to counter terrorism—integrated with the traveling exhibit.
Timeline
How to Support
Donate: Your tax-deductible gift fuels the exhibit build, the traveling display, oral histories, statewide lectures, and permanent NY veterans memorial.
Friends of the NYS Military Museum is a 501(c)(3); contributions are charitable to the extent allowed by law.
Become a Campaign Partner
Add your name or organization to a growing coalition supporting this work. Recognition opportunities are available across the exhibit, traveling display, and programs.
Supporting Organizations
We are grateful for the leadership and partnership of veterans service organizations and community groups across New York State.
Campaign Committee
The New York GWOT Veterans Recognition Campaign Committee leads fundraising, partnerships, and statewide outreach.
- Chair: Major General (Ret.) Joseph J. Taluto
- Vice Chair: Lieutenant Commander (Ret.) JoAnn Swapp, MS
- Members: Paul Fanning, Hon. Timothy Holmes, Adam Mason
Meet our Board of Trustees & Executive Bios
Contact
For inquiries and partnerships: