Local woman inducted into NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Petty Officer 3rd Class Tracy LoTemple was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Thursday.

LoTemple served in the United States Navy from 1996 to 2000, where she graduated first in her class at Lithographer A School, before being stationed at Pacific Stars and Stripes in Tokyo, Japan.

LoTemple is now the Director of Veteran Services at Compeer Rochester.

"As a female veteran, I felt there was never much of a place for me because I didn’t serve in combat, and I didn’t see many other female veterans like myself," LoTemple said.

She worked for nearly 20 years as a dental hygienist before transitioning into working with veterans with the Monroe County PFC Dwyer Program, operated by CompeerCORPS.

LoTemple now works to help veterans returning to civilian life. She says it’s all about camaraderie. Vets get together to do all sorts of things like bowling, golfing and painting. They also have a program where vets give rides to other vets at no charge.

"I am so honored to be able to give back to the veteran community every day. This award is really just a reflection of everyone who gives so much every day," LoTemple said.

LoTemple’s work has included creating a safe, inclusive environment for female veterans to gather in friendship and shared experiences. She has established a number of new programs in Monroe County to help female veterans feel recognized for their service. The "I Am Not Invisible" black and white photo display can be seen at Monroe Community College. It has current pictures of female Veterans next to their pictures in service. She also created a Female Veteran of the Year Award and started a yearly celebration of female Veterans called "Sisters in Service."

LoTemple wears a lot of hats. She’s a leader with the Chili American Legion Post 1830, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15, and is a member of the Blue Star Mothers Chapter 8. She also volunteers with Rochester youth as Cadre for the 209th Regiment of Army Cadets.

She was inducted by New York Sen. Samra Brouk (D, 55).

News10NBC honors Petty Officer 3rd Class LoTemple and all our veterans. Thank you for your service!