New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins inducted U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Massiel Pimentel, of Yonkers, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2026 on Tuesday, May 26 in Albany. This induction honors Sergeant Pimentel’s military service, advocacy for veterans and military families, and continued commitment to public service.
“Sergeant Massiel Pimentel has dedicated her life to serving and protecting others, both in uniform and here at home in our community. After immigrating from the Dominican Republic at age 12, she served our nation following September 11th and overseas in Iraq, demonstrating extraordinary courage and commitment,” said Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “Today, Massiel continues to serve with the Yonkers Police Department. She has become a passionate advocate for veterans, particularly female veterans, working to improve access to quality medical care, mental health resources, and support services for women who have served in the armed forces. It is my privilege to induct Sergeant Massiel Pimentel as the honoree for Senate District 35.”
Sergeant Pimentel served in the United States Army National Guard from 2002 to 2010. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, she was assigned to anti-terrorism operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport. From 2009 to 2010, she was deployed to Camp Meade in Baghdad, Iraq, where she served as an armorer in support of deployed military personnel. In recognition of her exemplary military service, Sergeant Pimentel received numerous honors and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and an Honorable Discharge.
Following her military service, Sergeant Pimentel continued to serve through her involvement with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1666 in Yonkers, where she has become an advocate for veterans, with a focus on serving female veterans. Through her advocacy and outreach, she has helped bring greater awareness to PTSD and other service-related conditions while supporting fellow veterans and military families throughout the community.
Sergeant Massiel Pimentel said, “It is truly an honor to be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Serving my country and continuing to support my fellow veterans has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I am deeply grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for this recognition and for her continued support of veterans and military families throughout Westchester and New York State.”
In addition to her advocacy work, Sergeant Pimentel joined the Yonkers Police Department in 2008 and currently serves in the NYSPIN Unit, as well as assisting in coordinating missing persons investigations. She also remains involved in adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans, helping promote rehabilitation, community engagement, and suicide prevention efforts for veterans.
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is an annual event that honors individuals from each State Senate District who have served our nation in uniform and continue to serve their communities across New York. Tuesday’s induction ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Albany, where Sergeant Pimentel was celebrated alongside fellow veterans from across the state.