Legislator Chad Lennon didn’t just run a 10k segment of the Suffolk County Marathon wearing military boots and displaying a large U.S. flag; he also carried a 22-pound weight to honor the number of fellow veterans who take their own lives daily in America.
The 16-year Marine Corps Major and Purple Heart recipient from Rocky Point is the only member of the 18-seat legislature who served in the military and is known for his advocacy efforts on behalf of veterans.
He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, leading over fifty combat missions, bringing his units home safely. During his four years of active duty, he earned numerous awards, ribbons, and citations—including a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. He has been a Marine Reservist since 2012 and has been selected for Lieutenant Colonel. He’s worked in intelligence and is currently assigned to the Pentagon.
The military advocate points out that for every 22 veteran suicides, there are at least that many attempts, numbers he’s committed to eliminating. While veterans are near and dear to his heart, he also focuses on seniors, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and preserving and improving the environment, including Long Island’s water quality.
Lennon previously served as a Suffolk Assistant District Attorney, representing the county in criminal court, including the Veterans Treatment Court. He has also brought his experience to other levels of government, assisting in all matters relating to Veterans and Military Affairs. He served as a congressional aide to U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota and as a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs for New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo. Lennon was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame in 2022. He also set the world record for pulling a 400 pound chain for a mile to raise money for veteran causes.
In addition to his legislative and Marine Corps duties, the veteran is an attorney specializing in military law, veterans law, security clearance representation, and federal employment law. He received his Juris Doctor from the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where he was senior editor of the Touro Law Review. His law degree followed a Bachelor of Arts from Wagner College and a Master of Arts from Adelphi University.
In May, County Executive Ed Romaine signed Lennon’s bill into law, designating September 22nd as “Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.” In a bipartisan moment, the resolution was approved unanimously and ultimately cosponsored by all seventeen of his colleagues.
The Legislator also pushed for re-opening the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency’s Veterans Traffic Court for active and retired veterans. The program, held on the third Friday of every month, provides veterans with guidance and assistance in traffic matters. Legislator Lennon serves as the Vice Chairman of the Veterans Committee.