Senator George Borrello has announced the induction of retired Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin, Jr. into the 2025 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. This recognition is awarded to Austin as the honoree for the 57th Senate District and was formally acknowledged during a ceremony in Albany.
Brigadier General Austin’s military career extends over 37 years with the United States Army, starting in 1977 with the U.S. Army National Guard Military Police. He ascended through various ranks, eventually becoming Deputy Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command. His service record includes deployments during significant operations such as the Cuban Refugee Crisis, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Katrina, and in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
After retiring from active duty in 2014, Austin settled in Cuba, New York. He has since become an advocate for veterans through programs like Veterans Outdoors Experience and Community Veterans Outreach, focusing on providing care and support to local veterans.
“Brigadier General Austin represents the best of our nation’s military and the very heart of what the Veterans Hall of Fame stands for,” said Senator Borrello. “His lifelong dedication to service—both in uniform and here at home—is a powerful example of duty, leadership, and compassion.”
In 2024, Austin was named Outstanding Veteran Volunteer of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for his exceptional service to fellow veterans.
Apart from his volunteer work, Austin contributes as an educator by guest lecturing at Cuba-Rushford High School and St. Bonaventure University. He encourages students to adopt his guiding principle: “Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
Austin resides in Cuba with his wife Karen and remains an influential figure within his community.
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor veterans who have distinguished themselves through military service and community involvement.
