U.S. Army veteran and Flushing native Aaron Yi was formally inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Wednesday, May 28, by State Senator John Liu, honoring his distinguished record of military and community service.
Established in 2005, the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes New Yorkers who have gone above and beyond in both military and civilian life. Yi joins a prestigious group of veterans whose leadership has made a lasting impact across the state.
“Aaron Yi embodies the spirit of community service, resilience and commitment that defines the Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Liu, who represents parts of northeast Queens. “He turned adversity into strength, using his experience to inspire, support, and teach others, especially those facing similar challenges. His inspiring journey from soldier to student to teacher and advocate is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance, and truly deserving of our gratitude and respect.”
Yi served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class E-3 before being honorably discharged due to injuries sustained during combat training. After his medical retirement, he redirected his commitment to service through education and advocacy.
A graduate of LaGuardia Community College and Queens College with a degree in economics, Yi later enrolled in the now-defunct Ability Cisco Academy at the Institute for Career Development during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided IT training for students with disabilities. Yi not only completed the program but became its first graduate to transition into a teaching role, providing accessible instruction as a teaching assistant.
“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the 2025 New York State Veteran Hall of Fame,” Yi said. “This recognition affirms the values instilled in me through military service—service to others and commitment to community—and I am humbled that these principles are acknowledged by the leadership of our great state.”
Yi is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology at SUNY Broome, working toward a career that merges technology, healthcare and community service.
“As a proud Queens native and U.S. Army veteran, I remain dedicated to uplifting others and making a positive impact in my community. I accept this honor with heartfelt gratitude and a renewed resolve to continue giving back,” Yi added.
