Donation Ceremony Honors Valance Brothers' Advocacy

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a moving check presentation and recognition ceremony was held at Glen Cove City Hall, presented by the Tribute and Honor Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Glen Cove, Glen Cove Police Department, City of Glen Cove PBA, and CEC Health Care. The event served both as a tribute to community spirit and service and as a formal recognition of Glen Cove Police Officers and U.S. Navy veterans Derek and Owen Valance, who completed the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge — a 22-mile kayak journey that raised $1,127.23 in support of CEC Health Care’s programs for veterans coping with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

“This was about much more than a kayak challenge,” said Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, who led the 40-minute ceremony. “It was about showing up for those whose needs are often overlooked. And it was about bringing attention to a critical issue that impacts countless lives. We are deeply grateful to Officers Derek and Owen Valance for their service and to everyone who contributed to making this initiative a success.”

In a heartfelt show of unity, the event brought together civic leaders, veterans, family members, and community supporters. Marine veteran Evelyn Kandel, Chaplain of Howard Van Wagner American Legion Post 962, opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Dakota Rios. The Pledge of Allegiance was jointly led by Commander Howard Stillwagon of James E. Donahue VFW Post 347 and Commander Eric Spinner of Williston Park American Legion Post 144.

Remarks during the ceremony were delivered by Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Deputy Police Chief Chris Ortiz, Korean Army veteran Ben Farnan, and John Javis, Executive Director of CEC Health Care (formerly the Charles Evans Center).

“We are so proud of Officers Derek and Owen Valance—not only for their daily service in Glen Cove, but for their dedication to making a difference beyond their call of duty,” said Mayor Pam Panzenbeck. “Their commitment to raising awareness about PTSD and supporting fellow veterans is deeply commendable.”
(Insert Photo 3 here)

Although Glen Cove Police Chief William Whitton was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, he shared his sentiments in a statement:

“As former military and current law enforcement officers, Derek and Owen fully understand the importance of PTSD awareness. I am incredibly proud that both these officers would accept this difficult physical challenge to help increase the focus on this important topic.”

Representing the department at the event, Deputy Chief Chris Ortiz added:

“The Valance brothers continue to be a source of pride for the department. They bring the same courage and compassion to their work in the community as they did during their military service.”

Ben Farnan, a Korean Army veteran and recipient of the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s 2022 Legacy Award, shared:

“Seeing officers like the Valance brothers take up the mantle of advocacy gives me great hope. Their commitment shows that the mission to support veterans continues with strength and heart.”

John Javis, Executive Director of CEC Health Care, praised both the effort and the impact:
“This was more than a fundraiser—it was a message,” said John Javis, Executive Director of CEC Health Care. “By working with the Tribute and Honor Foundation and raising awareness through their participation in the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, Derek and Owen are helping shine a light on the invisible wounds too many veterans carry. Their commitment and dedication to this cause are to be commended and serve as an example of true compassion.”

Javis was joined by Anne Emmerson, Chair of the CEC Health Care Board of Directors, Jeanne Morrison, Team Leader of COMHPS programs, and Angel Hinostroza, former U.S. Army Chaplain Assistant and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.

Additional remarks were given by Connie Pinilla, Esq., 1st Vice President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, who welcomed the commanders in attendance; and Foundation Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers, who offered greetings on behalf of Anthony Jimenez, Director of Veterans Affairs for the City of Glen Cove, who was unable to attend.

Citations were presented to the officers on behalf of several elected officials. Comptroller Elaine Phillips presented on behalf of herself and the Comptroller’s Office, and Mayor Pam Panzenbeck presented on behalf of herself and the City of Glen Cove. Additional citations were presented by Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy Scagliola on behalf of Congressman Tom Suozzi, by Mayor Panzenbeck on behalf of County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and by Councilwoman Marsha Silverman on behalf of Assemblymember Charles Lavine.

Additional officials in attendance included Councilman John Zozzaro and Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton. The Foundation was also honored to have Jean Anne Valance, mother of the two officers, in attendance and recognized during the ceremony, as well as SAGE Foundation Associate Board Member Elizabeth Luciano and her husband, Nino Luciano, and 2022 Tribute and Honor Award recipient and Vietnam veteran Joseph Moores.

Reflecting on the day, both officers shared what the challenge and recognition meant to them.
"When we were first asked about participating in this 22-mile challenge, our only question was, ‘So what time do we need to be there?’" said Derek Valance. “Any opportunity to raise awareness and support veterans and those suffering from PTSD is a cause we wholeheartedly stand behind.”
Owen Valance added, “PTSD is a serious issue that is in need of more attention, and it is organizations like these that are working daily to help spread the word that people need to hear.”

Closing remarks were offered by Stevenson-Mathews, followed by a closing blessing from Henryk Nowicki, former Commander of VFW Post 347.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation was represented by board members Harold Bollaci, Thomas Bunger, Michael Gadaleta, Koorosh Leibowitz, Connie Pinilla, Lydia Wen Rodgers, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, and Angelina Stanco-Stone. Liaison members present included Howard Stillwagon (VFW Post 347), Dr. Maxine Mayreis (Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce), and Andrea Nordquist (Blue Star Mothers NY 14).

Special thanks were extended to Police Chief William Whitton and the Glen Cove Police Department, PBA President Chris Pascucci, Mayor Panzenbeck and the Glen Cove City Council, and the Mayor’s Office. Additional appreciation was given to Vinnie Martinez Sr., Willy Ventura Diaz, and the entire staff at Glen Cove City Hall. Gratitude was also extended to the board, volunteers, liaison members, and supporters of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, as well as to Roberto Hernandez Jr. and Marketing Crew LLC for assistance with logistics.

The officers have already committed to participating in the 2025 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, which typically takes place in late August. The Foundation encourages all to visit www.tributeandhonorfoundation.org for updates on this challenge and for information about additional programs and initiatives supported by the Foundation.
To learn more about CEC Health Care, visit www.cechealthcare.com.