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William Petras III chosen for William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award

The Middletown Press - 10/13/2021

Oct. 12—MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce has selected William F. "Skip" Petras III for its 2021 William J. Pomfret Veteran Community Service Award.

This honor is presented annually to a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces in recognition of his or her distinguished service to the citizens of Connecticut and selfless commitment to public service, according to a press release.

"Skip Petras is a proud veteran who served our country with distinction," Chamber President Larry McHugh said in a prepared statement. "He also has a remarkable record of community service, and is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award."

Petras is a resident of Portland who grew up in Middletown, according to the chamber. He graduated from Vinal Technical High School in 1978. Before graduation, in May 1978, Skip enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the Delayed Entry Program and began his formal training in October of that year.

He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy Reservces, and the Connecticut Army National Guard, having served from 1978 through 1988, the chamber added. His active-duty ship was the USS Mullinnix DD 944 whose home port was in Charleston, S.C. Petras' role onboard the Mullinnix was as a sonar technician assigned to the Anti-Submarine Warfare Division, where he attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class, the news release said.

He was a member of the South Fire District volunteers and, after moving to Portland, he joined the Portland Fire Department where, for 25 years, he has served the residents and guests of Portland and surrounding communities as both a volunteer firefighter and, until recently, as an EMT, the statement said.

He has donated his time to other volunteer services, utilizing his skills as an EMT, including his more than 20 years as a volunteer on the medical staff of Special Olympics Connecticut at Polar Plunges and other Special Olympics Connecticut related events, the news release said.

A strong advocate for veterans affairs, Skip maintains membership and is active in the VFW and American Legion in Portland. He plays a key role in planning and executing Portland's American Legion Veterans Day breakfast, the release said.

As the Patriot Guard Riders of CT Assistant State Captain, he regularly attends meetings for the State Veterans Commissioners and Veterans Leadership committee for Veterans Service Organizations at the office of the Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs in Rocky Hill.

"Skip has dedicated his life to serving our country and the community, both in the military and as a civilian. He continues to selflessly give his all to both veterans and the community at large," McHugh said in the release.

The award will be presented on Nov. 1 at the 20th annual Support the Troops and Honor the Veterans member breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. on Zoom. All veterans are invited to the event as guests of the chamber, the news release said.

Registration is required at middlesexchamber.com.

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