Dennis Sullivan was elected New York State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on June 11, 2016, in Binghamton, New York at the 97 th Annual Department of New York State Convention. After completing his term as State Commander, Dennis was elected on June 10, 2017, to his new position as New York State Quartermaster.

Dennis served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973 and earned VFW eligibility while serving with the HHC Co Division Headquarters 101st Airborne Battalion in Vietnam as an alcohol and drug counselor. His decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Dennis joined the VFW in 1984 at Post 4927 in Centereach where he is a Gold Legacy Life Member. He has served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, County, District, Department and National level. He served as his Post Commander for two years, Quartermaster for 23 years. Currently holds the position as 3-year Trustee for his Post 4927 and is the Chief of Staff and Steering Committee Chairman for Suffolk County District 11.

For Department, Dennis served as State Youth Education & Community Service Chairman 2007-2010, State Inspector 2010-2012, State Surgeon 2012-2014, Jr. Vice Commander 2014, Sr. Vice Commander 2015, State Commander 2016 and State Quartermaster 2017.

Dennis instituted the Recycled Car Program. To date 117 cars have been donated to needy veterans since 2007. Dennis received the Gold Medal of Merit from National Headquarters, the highest award given, for his work helping veterans during Hurricane Sandy. In 2010, Dennis was honored to receive Advocate Award of the Year from the Police organization 911 Veterans Inc. Dennis was nominated by Senator John Flanagan to receive the Veteran of the Year award and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Albany in 2013. In 2014, Dennis was awarded the "Heart & Soul Award” from the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. In 2016 Dennis was awarded "Man of the Year” from the L. I. Times. On September 30, 2017, Dennis received a Humanitarian Award from the Gift of Sight and Sons of Italy for his work with Veterans. Dennis chose "Homeless Veterans” for his special project, as State Commander of New York. He continues each year to collect for the Homeless Veterans.

 

Dennis is a member of many other outstanding and noble organizations including Board Member of Stony Brook Nursing Home, Sr.Vice President of the Support Committee for Calverton Cemetery, Sr.Vice Cmdr. for the Disable American Veterans, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, Amvets, Catholic War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, the Military Order of the Cooties and L.I. Abate.

 

Dennis and his wife Terry moved from Brooklyn to Selden in 1983. They have four children

and five grandchildren.