Brooklyn veteran named to New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame

Advocates for veterans financial rights

May 26, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Danylo Rakowsky

Brooklyn veteran Danylo Rakowsky, who continues to serve his fellow veterans after his military service, has been named to the 2014 New York State Senate Vereran’s Hall of Fame.

Nominated by state Senator Daniel Squadron, Specialist E-4 Rakowsky, who served with honor in Iraq, has earned The Army Commendation Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The youngest of three, Danylo Rakowsky was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Roman – an honorably discharged Vietnam Veteran – and Christina Rakowsky. In 2000, Danylo enlisted in the Army National Guard while attending college. He completed basic training and advanced individual training in South Carolina and drilled out of Akron.

In 2004, his unit was activated and deployed for a 13 month tour, and was redeployed in 2005. Rakowsky returned to finish his degree at Ohio State University. Graduating in 2006, Danylo received a job offer from the New York Stock Exchange Regulation Inc., flying home on drill weekends to fulfill his six year commitment.

HIs work for fellow veterans didn’t end with his distinguished military service, however. Since his days in Iraq, Rakowsky has been an advocate for veterans issues on the financial front, highlighting inconsistencies with tax exemptions and their application to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Working with veterans groups and elected officials, Rakowsky helped to clarify an ambiguous tax form. In November, Danylo joined Attorney General Schneiderman, Senator Squadron and other elected officials to introduce the TRAMS Act, which extends these tax exemptions to active duty service members.

“Veterans like Danylo are an example of what makes our country so great,” said Senator Squadron. “His advocacy work on issues affecting veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan — like inconsistent property tax forms — is an exemplary continuation of his service. I’m proud to have him join the Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Rakowsky is a proud member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ukrainian American Veterans, The American Legion, and Veterans on Wall Street. He hopes to continue advocating for veterans’ rights in the future.

He draws his greatest inspiration, he says, from his sister, Kateryna, his brother, Lubomyr, and his wife, Christine, with whom he is expecting his first child in June.

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.