On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who serve our nation and the cause of freedom as members of the military. This year, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, I am proud to unveil a new statewide initiative that pays homage to exceptional veterans throughout New York - the State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame.

The first-of-its-kind online Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the U.S. Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community and significant accomplishments as civilians.

On Nov. 11, I will reveal the names of three inductees from my Senate district, who will be included in the Hall of Fame inaugural class of 30 veterans from across New York. I'll be making the announcement at the American Legion Williston Post #144, home to one of my honorees. These outstanding veterans were chosen because they continue to serve with distinction as leading members of their communities and have spent decades advocating on behalf of veterans and their families.

The Veterans Day tribute will be accessed through my website www.senatorbalboni.com starting Friday. I urge all who have access to a computer to log on to this site and read more about these outstanding members of our community. As a new Veterans Day tradition, I will be designating additional Hall of Fame inductees each year.

New York State Senator Michael Balboni recently announced he has established a scholarship program to help train local EMS providers to respond to disasters. The Floral Park Fire Department will be the recipient of the first round of "Senator Balboni EMS Disaster Preparedness Scholarship Fund" awards - two $7,000 grants - that will help ensure the company's EMS unit has the tools and training necessary when disaster strikes.

Balboni said, "EMS providers heroically respond to, care for and transport the sick and injured everyday. Those qualifications make this group of first responders a vital part of emergency preparedness plans. The extra support provided by these scholarships will allow local EMS to get the special training and protective equipment needed to respond to catastrophes."

Balboni made the scholarship announcement during the Nassau Regional EMS Council annual awards dinner held recently in Baldwin. In his remarks, Balboni focused on the lack of federal funding provided to EMS units, which could leave these first responders vulnerable in times of disaster. He cited the fact that EMS units nationwide are allocated just 4 percent of federal Homeland Security dollars.

While this anomaly is worked out on the federal level, Senator Balboni is doing his part to support local EMS efforts by establishing this new scholarship program.

During the awards dinner, Balboni also presented the Nassau Regional EMS Council with a $15,000 grant to support the organization's educational conference and the annual ceremony.