Newfane Graduate Hand-Picked to Serve on the USS Constitution.

As we approach the 4th of July and celebrate America's Independence it seems like a great time to shine a light on a young man from Western New York who was hand picked by the Navy and is serving on the world's oldest commissioned warship, the USS Constitution.  Seaman Benjamin Connolly of Newfane, New York and a Newfane High School Graduate, shared his story with Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach. The ship, the USS Constitution was also famously known as “Old Ironsides,” because of its wooden-hulled three-masted heavy frigate that originally launched in 1797.

“I learned when I was growing up to make sure I am always on time for work. Serving onboard is the bigger picture of getting out of a small town and making a difference to someone that may be on the tour,” said Connolly.

“Joining the Navy is a heritage thing for me,” added Connolly. “My uncle is a command master chief and I want to follow in his footsteps.”

Connolly shared his story with Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach.  Read more of his story HERE