Monroe County Executive Adam Bello proudly unveils the new veterans center dedicated to honoring local heroes at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Rochester, New York – A new chapter in Monroe County’s effort to recognize and honor its veterans began today with the opening of a dedicated space inside the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. County Executive Adam Bello stood alongside veterans, public officials, and community leaders to unveil the William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center — a spacious, welcoming tribute named in memory of a Rochester native who gave his life during the Vietnam War.

The center, situated in a prominent area of the airport, now stands as a symbol of both reflection and remembrance. It pays tribute not only to Marine Corporal William T. Perkins Jr., a combat photographer who received the Medal of Honor posthumously, but also to the thousands of service members from Monroe County who have served across generations.

“It’s fitting that we name this area for a man who willingly gave his life for the lives of his fellow soldiers,” said County Executive Bello. “The sacrifice of Corporal Perkins highlights the risks faced by all who serve our nation. Considering the sacrifices that our veterans make, it’s rewarding to provide them a space for reflection, family reunions after deployment, and education for the public to honor their service. This tribute to our veterans is possible thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of Transportation, our New York State delegation, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congressman Joe Morelle.”

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Corporal William T. Perkins Jr. may have left Rochester in his youth, but his story is deeply rooted in the city’s military history. Born in Rochester in 1947, Perkins came from a family with a long tradition of military service. His maternal great-grandfather fought at Gettysburg, his grandfather commanded troops at Guadalcanal, and his father flew a bomber in World War II.

In 1967, during a firefight in Vietnam, a grenade landed near Perkins and three other Marines. Rather than retreat, Perkins shouted “incoming grenade!” and shielded his comrades with his body. He was killed instantly, but his actions saved lives. For his bravery, he became the only combat photographer to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

The veterans center is part of a broader $37 million airport renovation, much of which was funded by government grants. The New York State Department of Transportation contributed $18 million, while federal sources provided $16 million. This specific space was designed with input from local veterans’ organizations, historical societies, and elected officials.

“I’m proud that with the opening of the William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center, our community has a space that both honors the courage of heroes like Corporal Perkins and provides an area of reflection and support for veterans and their families,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “In Washington, I’m committed to continuing the fight to ensure our servicemembers receive the care, recognition, and respect they deserve.”

From the start, the intent behind the center was to create a public place that goes beyond the ceremonial. It’s designed as a living, breathing space — a sanctuary where travelers can reflect, where veterans can gather, and where the public can engage with history in a meaningful way.

Unlike many sterile airport waiting rooms, the William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center offers a comforting and educational atmosphere. Veterans and travelers alike will find a calm environment that includes seating areas, museum-quality exhibits, and historical displays featuring the stories of service members from every branch of the military. There are also carefully curated artifacts provided by the Military History Society of Rochester, which helped bring historical context and personal stories into the spotlight.

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The center will also serve as a launch point for Honor Flights, which fly veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the monuments built in their honor. The first flight from the new center is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2025.

State officials praised the project not only for its symbolism, but for how it enhances the airport and its surrounding community.

“The opening of this beautiful new veterans area is a major milestone in the transformation of the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport into a world-class travel gateway and it’s also a poignant reminder that we should always honor and never forget the selfless service and sacrifices made by those who served our nation,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation. “The heroism of U.S. Marine Corporal William Thomas Perkins Jr., a Rochester native and Medal of Honor winner for whom the area is named, should never be forgotten and this new veterans area will help ensure that his legacy endures for future generations.”

Local groups played a key role in shaping the final result. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 20, was one of the most active supporters of the initiative. Their contributions, along with that of historians and designers, helped turn a bare airport hallway into a center filled with history and emotion.

“The William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center is a labor of love for the veteran community,” said Chuck Baylis of the Military History Society of Rochester. “The new space showcases veterans’ stories and highlights the significant role local businesses played in supporting our troops with technology and products. Thank you to County Executive Bello and all who helped make this day possible.”

In a time when stories of valor risk being forgotten amid the noise of daily life, the new center serves a dual purpose. It is both a memorial to sacrifice and a beacon of education. Young travelers will be able to read about the lives of local heroes, see relics from past wars, and perhaps even meet veterans on their way to or from Honor Flights. Older generations will find a sense of peace, knowing that their service and the service of others is recognized in such a public and enduring way.

Elected officials from the state legislature also praised the project’s outcome.

“Our brave veterans have made countless sacrifices to protect our community, it’s only right that we give them a space of their own to join together with family and friends and reflect on their service to our nation,” said State Senator Jeremy Cooney. “This new area is the latest in a string of renovations to provide the kind of airport Rochesterians deserve and I am grateful to County Executive Bello, Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the legislature, and our federal partners for making this project a reality. Named after one of Rochester’s own heroes, the William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center will provide a space for education and comfort to our community for years to come.”

“It is an honor to have the beautiful new Veterans Center at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport named after Corporal William T. Perkins Jr., who is part of a proud legacy of Rochestarians who have devoted their lives to serving and protecting others,” said State Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “This welcoming, restful space not only provides respite for our veterans, but an opportunity for travelers to reflect on their service and sacrifice. Thank you, County Executive Bello, New York State Department of Transportation, Empire State Development, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Joe Morelle, my State delegation colleagues, and the Rochester Building and Construction Trades, for the collaborative partnership that resulted in this latest addition to our airport.”

The William T. Perkins Jr. Veterans Center is now open to the public and ready to serve as a place of comfort, memory, and education for all who pass through the airport. As travelers move from gate to gate, many will now pause, read the names, study the displays, and take a moment to appreciate the weight of service.

Though he died in Vietnam more than five decades ago, Corporal William T. Perkins Jr. will continue to inspire people in the city where his story began. Through this new veterans center, his legacy — and the legacy of all who have served — will continue to take flight.