Robert G. Ortt was sworn into office as a New York State Senator for the 62nd District in January of 2015. Rob enlisted in N.Y. Army National Guard in October 2001 in direct response to the attacks on September 11th. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served from March 2008 until December of the same year. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in recognition of his service. From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2014, Rob served as Mayor of North Tonawanda, New York. At the start of the 2019 Legislative session, Rob became the Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of was introducing and expanding the Joseph P. Dwyer Program across western New York. The program provides peer-to-peer support program for veterans facing the challenges of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and reintegration into civilian life. In June of 2020, Rob was elected the Minority Leader by his colleagues in the Republican Conference. Rob lives in North Tonawanda with his wife, Meghan.