Lori Dispenza Named to NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

A U.S. Army veteran from northern Chautauqua County will be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Lori Dispenza, who is originally from Portland currently lives in Dunkirk, will be honored on Tuesday, May 26th at a ceremony in Albany. State Senator George Borrello, who announced Dispenza this week as his honoree, says she has a long list of accomplishments to her credit, but what sets her apart is that she has continued to help local veterans after her service...

George Borrello: continues to serve veterans

Dispenza enlisted in the Army in 1998 as a 92Y Supply Sergeant and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant over the years. Her service culminated in a 15-month deployment to Iraq. She earned numerous commendations, including four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Service Star. Dispezna was honorably discharged in 2010.

She began working with the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency in 2014, helping veterans and their families navigate the complex process of securing benefits and support. In 2016, she joined the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, expanding her advocacy statewide. Over the past 12 years, she has represented hundreds of veterans and filed thousands of claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2025, she returned to Dunkirk as a veterans service officer with the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, bringing her considerable expertise home to her community.

Dispenza will be honored in a separate event in the 57th Senate District at a future date.