Congresswoman DeLauro Announces Phil Cacciola as Recipient of Inaugural Veteran Impact Award

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) awarded the inaugural Third Congressional District Veteran Impact Award to Colonel Phil Cacciola of Middletown, Connecticut. The Veteran Impact Award was created to honor veterans in Connecticut’s Third District who continue to make a positive impact in their communities and in the lives of fellow citizens through dedicated service and extraordinary contributions after their service.

“Colonel Phil Cacciola served 30 years as a member of the United States Army Reserves and has devoted his life to serving the community and his fellow veterans well beyond his years in uniform. Phil deeply exemplifies the spirit of dedicated selfless service to others, and I am honored to recognize him as the recipient of the Veteran Impact Award,” said Congresswoman DeLauro.

Upon graduating from Norwich University, Mr. Cacciola received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves through the school’s ROTC program. Shortly after commissioning, Mr. Cacciola was placed on active duty and served overseas for two and a half years in the Third Armored Division.  After completing his active-duty service, Mr. Cacciola was transferred to the 76^th Division for the remainder of his career where he served in several different positions as he rose through the ranks. During a career spanning 30 years, Mr. Cacciola received numerous awards and decorations for his service including a Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. Mr. Cacciola retired as a Colonel in 1993.

After retiring, Mr. Cacciola continued his public service and served as the Director of Consumer Protection/Sealer of Weights & Measures and American with Disabilities Act Coordinator for the City of Middletown for 18 years. Mr. Cacciola has also served in countless community organizations, including as Director of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and as Director of the Americans with Disabilities Coalition of Connecticut. Mr. Cacciola is also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Vietnam War, Military Officers Association of America, and Disabled American Veterans where he has continued to support the Veteran community.

Currently, Mr. Cacciola serves as the treasurer of the Middletown’s Veteran Council and is an active member of the Greater Middletown Military Museum. Mr. Cacciola was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.