On May 18th, 2022, Barry Donadio was awarded New York State’s Conspicuous Service Star medal by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The Governor presented the medal to Donadio on behalf of Representatives in the New York legislature 20 years after he served in the military. The medal commemorates his honorable service in the Armed Forces and the State of New York.

Barry Donadio is a home grown New Yorker from Long Island. He was born in Bay Shore, grew up in Oakdale and lived in Port Jefferson Station as a teenager. After attending Comsewogue high school, he served in various patriotic positions through out his career.

SPC Barry Donadio of the 340th Military Police seen here at Fort Totten, Queens, New York in 1991

Those positions included serving in the N.Y. Army National Guard 42nd Infantry Division Scout Platoon located in Patchogue N.Y.. He then served in the 340th Military Police in Jamaica, Queens. After that, he served at the 106th Security Police in Westhampton Beach, NY.. He led the Emergency Services Team there and was Sniper certified by the FBI and the Suffolk County Police.

SSgt Barry Donadio 10th Security Police Operation Northern Watch, October 2000

Later, he took a position United States Secret Service at the White House. He made a name for himself while serving on the Secret Service Emergency Response Team (ERT) as one of the top marksman while he protected President Bush and President Obama on a daily basis.

Upon receiving the medal Donadio stated;

“I would like to thank New York Governor Kathy Hochal and the New York state legislature for recognizing my military service and awarding me the Conspicuous Service Star medal.”

“Receiving this honor has become a high point in my life and I hope it encourages young men and women to become the next generation of New York patriot solders that will serve our country. “

“Although my military career has come to a close, I will always serve the people of New York in various positive ways and protect our country.”

Donadio’s newly awarded medal will serve as a memento of his honorable service in the Armed Forces and the State of New York.

It is noteworthy that Donadio is a descendant of the original settlers of New Amsterdam (today’s New York) through his fraternal grandmother. Because of this reason, getting this medal from his home state of New York deeply touches him.

This is the third medal Barry Donadio has received after his military service.

On June 24th 2017, Donadio was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The medal was awarded 17 years after Donadio completed his military service. Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland presented the medal to Donadio in person.

On March 30th 2022, Donadio was awarded a second medal 20 years after his military service. He received the New York State Medal For Merit from New York’s Adjutant General of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Donadio will add to his credentials the newly awarded Conspicuous Service Star along with his already existing, Medal For Merit, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and four honorable discharges to name a few.

Since completing his military service and government service, Donadio has moved to Maryland and stayed active as an advocate for other veterans. He is a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 4 in Bellerose, New York. He is also a member of the Kent Island American Legion Post 278 and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7464 in Grasonville, Maryland.