Gala Honoring Veterans Raises Over $25,000 for VFW Post 347

Thanks to the support of the community, the Tribute and Honor Foundation raised over $25,000 at their annual Gala and Awards Ceremony held this past Saturday at Glen Cove’s The Metropolitan. This brings the total raised by the Tribute and Honor Foundation in support of the post to $55,000. The other welcome news came from architect and 2022 Homefront Honoree George Suddell of Suddell Architects and Builders. In a presentation by the Long Island architect and his wife, Tribute and Honor Foundation Board Member Mary Suddell, it was announced that construction on the rebuild of the James E. Donahue VFW Post 347 will begin within weeks.

In August of 2021, the Post was devastated by a fire that left Post members without a home for nearly a year and a half. “We have been meeting at the Glenwood Landing American Legion Post for more than a year. While we are appreciative to the American Legion, we are eager to be back in our home,” stated Commander Henryk Nowicki.

According to the Commander, while VFW Post 347 has the funds to start its rebuild, there is still an ongoing dispute with the insurance carrier, and a complete settlement has not been issued. Funding to complete the project is still uncertain. “We just cannot say with certainty where we are with this until the dispute with the insurance carrier is settled,” Commander Nowicki added.

President and Founder of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, recalled the morning of the fire in a letter that appears in the journal associated with this past Saturday’s event.

From Tribute and Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews as it appeared in a letter of greeting in the event's journal. “On August 24th of 2021, I received a text message from a veteran friend of mine saying, ‘I just heard there is smoke at the VFW. FD is there.’ Of course, my heart sank. VFW Post 347 was built over 100 years ago by World War I veterans, and while not an official historic landmark, it is an integral part of our historic landscape. Even more importantly, it is a place of pride for our veterans and our community. It has been the home for countless celebrations, picnics, and tributes, and is a place to assist all of our veterans - from WWI through today. The damage to the building was devastating to our community in many ways.”

It was out of concern for the Post that the Tribute and Honor Foundation (formerly Phoenix Rising Committee) was created. Near the end of December 2021, in response to the fire, local resident Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews joined with friend and owner of the View Grill, Jeanine DiMenna, to create an awards ceremony and fundraising event to benefit the Post. The two friends then reached out to others, and in only a few weeks, a committee of nine was formed, a meeting was organized with the leadership of VFW Post 347, and plans were made to produce an event that ultimately raised over $20,000 for the post. The event was held at Glen Cove’s The View Grill and the restaurant was packed.

The award ceremony’s scope of recognition was broader than just the membership of VFW Post 347. It paid tribute to veterans and non-veterans for their support of veterans’ causes. While the awards included typical honors such as a Leadership Award and a Legacy Award, the ceremony also shined a light on the alarming rate of suicide among veterans, the importance of recognizing young people for their support of veterans, and the goal of paying tribute and honoring veterans from various organizations.

Tribute and Honor Foundation has grown since its inception in December of 2021. Recently, two new Board Members were added along with a number of Liaisons to the Board from local organizations, including Boy Scout Troop 6 and the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, as well as those from Long Island-based organizations such as Blue Star Mothers NY 14, Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Heroes Among Us, and Honor Flight Long Island, to name a few. “We are proud of our progress and growth as an organization,” stated Co-Founder Jeanine DiMenna, “however, we will forever be indebted to VFW Post 347 for allowing us to help, in our small way, during their time of challenge following the fire.”

While founder Stevenson-Mathews is pleased and honored that over $43,000 has been raised for the post since the organization's inception, he is quick to point out that the success is not his or the organization’s, but is due to the kindness, compassion, generosity, and love that people feel for the Post. “Yes, I could not be more proud of our board, the liaison members, the sponsors, and the many volunteers,” said Stevenson-Mathews, “but at the end of the day, the effort to rebuild the Post is much bigger than our fledgling organization. Many people, businesses, and organizations have given generously in support of the post, and many of those have given multiple times. As proud as I am of the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s support of the post, we are but one component in a larger community of compassionate people supporting the Post and our veterans.”

Retired Colonel Tony Anzalone attended the event with fellow members of Glen Cove’s American Legion Post 76. “From the opening with tenor Joe Stroppell singing the Star Spangled banner to eleven outstanding individuals being honored from our community, it was truly an evening to remember,” stated Anzalone.

David Hubbard, Commander of Young-Simmons American Legion Post 1765, and this year’s recipient of the Unity Award, said that he and his family felt the event was exceptionally well done and that he could not have been more honored. “In the course of my career I am humbled to have been honored with other awards and, with all of them, I am appreciative. However, this particular award holds a special place for me because of the importance of unity. Something I have tried to emulate throughout my life,” said Hubbard.

When asked about the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s part in the fundraiser, VFW Post 347 Commander Nowicki said “The Post is greatly appreciative of Gaitley and the entire Board of the Tribute and Honor Foundation for their dedication and hard work. It took a lot of time and effort."

Saturday night’s Gala and Awards Ceremony began with an invocation led by Pastor Tommy Lanham of Glen Cove’s Christian Church; Presentation of Colors led by VFW member and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Howard Stillwagon; the Pledge of Allegiance led by VFW Post 347 Commander, Henryk Nowicki; and “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by Tenor Joe Stroppell.

President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, then invited all veterans to stand and be recognized for their service to our nation. Mayor Pam Panzenbeck and Former VFW Post 347 Commander Ben Farnan were then invited to the podium.

An official welcome on behalf of the City was given by the Mayor Panzenbeck and an official welcome on behalf of the veteran community was given by the Former Commander Farnan.

The opening ceremony also included the story of the Four Chaplains shared by Senior Ride Captain of Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Vice President of Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 6, and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Wayne Cohen.

Plaques were presented to Fire Chief Robert Retoske and the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department on behalf of both the VFW Post and the Foundation in appreciation of their “save” of the post, and “Blueprint for the Future” - a short overview of the VFW’s rebuild project was presented by architect George Suddell.

An oversized (40” square) framed image of the VFW insignia was also presented to Commander Nowicki and the Post as a gift on behalf of the Foundation. Below the insignia reads, “JAMES E. DONAHUE VFW POST 347, Thanks to the resilience of its members and the support of the community, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, our beloved VFW Hall is restored.”

Here is a link to a video of the presentation:

Once over 270 guests were seated for their meal, the Awards Ceremony portion of the evening began. Gold Star Families and veterans in attendance were again recognized. Community leaders, special guests, and elected officials were acknowledged by Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews and by the Foundation's 2nd Vice President, Connie Pinilla, Esq.

This was followed by the award presentations, which were made to the various honorees by Board Members, Liaison Members, and past award recipients.

The 2023 LEGACY AWARD was presented to Vinnie Martinez, Sr. by Founding Board Member and 2nd Vice President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Connie Pinilla, Esq., and Past VFW Post Commander and 2022 Phoenix Rising Award Honoree, Ben Farnan. The award is presented to a veteran for the veteran's long-time commitment to serving fellow veterans and the community.

This year’s recipient, Vinnie Martinez, Sr., entered the military in 1952 at the age of 17 and served in Korea Bay during the Korean War. He was a member of the Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Force and later joined the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department. Moreover, he has served as President of the Glen Cove EMS and is currently Commander of Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 and a member of the James E. Donahue VFW Post 347. Among his many other accomplishments, in 1984, Vinnie began volunteering his time at the Beautification Commission and created “Vinnie’s Island.”

The 2023 LEADERSHIP AWARD was presented to Bill Lawson by VFW Post 347 Commander and 2022 Phoenix Rising Award Honoree Henryk Nowicki and Tribute and Honor Foundation Founding Board Member, Mary Suddell. The award is presented to a veteran for the veteran's exemplary leadership in serving fellow veterans and the community.

This year’s recipient, Bill Lawson, has extensive experience serving, and in leadership positions. He is Quartermaster of Glen Cove’s VFW Post 347, is also a member of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336, and served in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, for 25 years. During his time in the Army, Lawson served in both the Kosovo and Iraq campaigns. He was also a member of the Port Washington Fire Department, Port Washington Fire Medics as an E.M.T., and the Glen Cove Fire Department. As a detective with the NYPD Emergency Service Unit - the SWAT/Heavy Rescue Unit of the NYPD - he received numerous medals and awards.

The 2023 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD was presented to Dave Whitting by VFW Post 347 Member, Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board, and 2022 Award Honoree, Howard Stillwagon, and Tribute and Honor Foundation Founding Board Member, Mary Stanco.

The award is presented to a veteran for the veteran's work in going above and beyond the call of duty in serving fellow veterans and the people of the North Shore. This year’s recipient, Dave Whitting, recently relocated to San Antonio but was a lifelong resident of Glen Head prior to his move. He is a former Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 347, Past Commander and Life Member of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336, and a Life Member of AMVETS Post 21 in Oyster Bay. Whitting was in Texas for the awards ceremony, however, the honoree's son and fellow VFW Post member, Luke Whitting, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

The 2023 VOLUNTEER AWARD was presented to Thomas Kenary by VFW Post 347 Trustee, Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 member, and 2022 Phoenix Rising Award Honoree Joseph Moores, and Founder of Heroes Among Us and Tribute and Honor Foundation Board Liaison, Virginia Cervasio. The award is presented to a veteran in recognition of service as a volunteer in supporting fellow veterans and the community.

This year's recipient, Tom Kenary, served our country during the Vietnam War. He is Past Commander of Glen Cove’s James E. Donahue VFW Post 347, where he served as the Building President of the Post, and is a Trustee. Kenary is also a member of Locust Valley Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 and was a member of the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He retired from the United Parcel Service after having served the company for 30 years.

The 2023 HOMEFRONT AWARD was presented to Pete Prudente by architect and 2022 Homefront Award Recipient George Suddell, and Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Vice President and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Dr. Maxine Mayreis. The award is presented to a non-veteran for outstanding service to the veteran community.

This year’s recipient, Pete Prudente, is an operating engineer by trade, but he is more well-known in his community for his altruistic principles and deeds. He serves as a member of the Glen Cove Fire Department’s Engine Company #4 and as President of Port Washington Sons of Italy, John Michael Marino Lodge #1389. Pete has always been a giver, but his benevolence reached new heights in 2019 when he donated a kidney to save the life of a recipient who was a match for his rare blood type. Donating an organ to a stranger in need has earned Pete the distinction of being one of only 150 such “altruistic donors” in the state of New York. Pete is always giving back to our veterans. Whether it’s preparing meals for the annual Memorial Day Picnic, leading a blood drive, or supporting a tribute to our men and women in uniform, you can always count on Pete.

The 2023 IMPACT AWARD was presented to Evelyn Kandel by Vice President of Honor Flight Long Island and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Roger Kilfoil; Founder of Team Eva, Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board, and 2023 Honorees, Eva Casale; and Senior Ride Captain of Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Vice President of Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 6, and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Wayne Cohen. The award is presented to a veteran who has made a strong impact among fellow veterans and in the community.

This year’s recipient, Evelyn Kandel, enlisted in the US Marine Corps fresh out of high school in 1951. She served for three years, during which she was involved in public relations and recruiting. Kandel is the author of five poetry books, and her poems appear in numerous journals and anthologies. She has also won two top awards in national contests and was named Nassau County Poet Laureate in 2019. While serving as a Marine, Evelyn was featured on a military poster in Times Square and was featured on a stamp celebrating women in the four branches of service. In addition to her Phoenix Rising Award, Wayne Cohen presented Kandel with a framed example of the original stamp that bears her likeness.

The 2023 UNITY AWARD was presented to David Hubbard by President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, and by SAGE Board Member, Vietnam Veteran, Young Simmons American Legion Post 1765 member, and former City Councilman, Tony Jimenez. The Unity Award is presented to a veteran for outstanding service to fellow veterans and for being a unifying force throughout the community.

This year's recipient, Dave Hubbard, was born and raised in Glen Cove. He entered the US Army in 1971, and was assigned to the National Defense Missile System Project in Alabama where he served as a Computer Programmer. In 1999, David received the National Black Achievers in Industry Award from the Harlem YMCA, and he was Grand Marshal of Glen Cove’s 2022 Memorial Day Parade. Dave is Commander of the American Legion Young-Simmons Post 1765, is a member of the Harlem Hellfighters Recognition Project, and is the founder of Glen Cove Alumni for Youth, an organization that provides scholarships for Glen Cove High School seniors.

The 2023 FRONT RUNNER AWARD was presented to Eva Casale and Team E.V.A. (Every Veteran Appreciated) by Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce Treasure and Tribute and Honor Foundation Treasurer, Thomas Bunger, and Tribute and Honor Foundation Board Member, Harold A. Bollaci, Esq. The Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a major impact by being the “front runner” in raising funds to support veterans and their families.

This year’s recipients, Eva Casale and Team E.V.A., are outstanding examples of giving back to our community and especially giving back to our veterans. Since Team EVA was founded in 2007, the organization has raised close to $500,000 for charities and has completed over 1,200 miles, all while paying tribute to our veterans at every turn.

The 2023 HONORING AWARD was presented to Genalie Prezeau by Founder, Producer, and Director of the Slayer Players and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board, Fred DiMenna, and by Glen Cove Troop 6 Scout Leader and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board, John Sullivan. The award is presented to an individual who has worked to honor our active duty military personnel and our veterans and has made a special point to pay tribute to and remember our war dead.

This year’s recipient, Genalie Prezeau, is a senior at Glen Cove High School. He sings in the Glen Cove High School Select Chorale and is an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, he helped create a plan to make Monument Park safer for everyone. He also worked to honor all veterans wounded in combat, living, or deceased, who put their lives on the line for our freedoms through the Veterans Remembrance Walk. The scholar-athlete was at a competition and unavailable for the ceremony. His mother, Natalie Padilla-Prezeau, accepted the award on his behalf.

The 2023 REMEMBRANCE AND AWARENESS AWARD was presented to Virginia Cervasio by Tribute and Honor Foundation Founding Board Member Mike Gadaleta, and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board on behalf of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, Andrea Nordquist. This award is presented to an individual who has worked to heighten awareness as it relates to the alarming rate of suicide among our active service members and veterans, and who has encouraged all of us to remember service members and veterans who have perished due to suicide.

This year’s recipient, Virginia Cervasio, is the mother of the late Airman First Class Angelo “Merlin” Cervasio who died by suicide as a result of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in January 2006. Since her son’s death, Virginia has worked diligently to promote suicide awareness and prevention in both Southwest Florida and New York. In 2006, she founded Heroes Among Us, a non-profit organization created to fulfill the needs that our veterans had upon coming home after taking part in military initiatives following 9-11.

The 2023 GREATEST GENERATION AWARD was presented to George Bunger by Tribute and Honor Foundation President, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. The special award was presented to Bunger for his service in defending our nation during World War II.

Bunger was drafted into the U S Army right after he graduated high school. After D-Day, Bunger’s battalion was sent to Europe where they spent time in France, Belgium and Germany. After the war, George returned home to Long Island and joined American Legion Hillcrest Post 1078, where he is still the Adjutant of the Post. He worked for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and New York City Transit Authority as a machinist. George has been a leader of Boy Scout Troop 351 for over 50 years.

In addition to the award ceremony and other presentations, the evening also included music provided by the South Bay Salty Dogs, a raffle organized by Founding Board Member Angelina Stanco-Stone, and a journal commemorating all of the honorees, created by graphic arts designer Denky Begonja.

A special point was made to thank all supporters and sponsors of the event including Silver Star sponsor Glen Cove Hospital - Northwell Health, Bronze Star sponsors Joseph and Maria Moores, Howard and Mary Stillwagon, Heroes Among Us, Gregor Industries, Emerge Nursing and Rehabilitation, Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and the City of Glen Cove Police Benevolent Association, and Meritorious Service sponsors Mary Jo Chapman, Manzione Dentistry, Hon. George Maragos, Mayor Pam and Bob Panzenbeck, Hon. Diane and Bernard Yatauro, Sons and Daughter of Italy in America - Loggia Glen Cove #1016 and John Michael Marino Lodge #1389, Glengariff Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, American Community Bank, The Mansion at Glen Cove, Inter Agency Council, Glen Cove Republican Committee, Better Water, The Regency Assisted Living, and Suddell Architects and Builders.

Volunteer support staff for the event included Tammy Lanham (Event Manager,) Lydia Wen Rodgers (Assistant Event Manager,) Victor Garcia (Presentation Design,) and Jo Ann Russo (Online Promotions.) Official photos of the event were taken by Adrienne Daley and can be viewed at https://photos.app.goo.gl/Phm2rhBdokaPihZZA
Social Media photos of the event were taken by Lisa J. Laura-Cohen and can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10227170287356391&type=3

Commanders in attendance included Commander Henryk Nowicki (James E. Donahue VFW Post 347), Commander David Hubbard (American Legion Young-Simmons Post 1765), and Commander Vincent Martinez, Sr. (Glen Cove American Legion Post 76). Leadership from veteran support organizations in attendance included Virginia Cervasio (Heroes Among Us), Roger Kilfoil (Honor Flight Long Island), Wayne Cohen (Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.), Andrea Nordquist (Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14) and Eva Casale (Team E.V.A. - Every Veteran Appreciated). Elected officials in attendance included County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and City Council Members Jack Mancusi, Barbara Peebles, Daniele Fugazy Scagliola, and Marsha Silverman.

Board Members involved in the organization of the event include Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews (President,) Jeanine DiMenna (1st Vice President,) Connie Pinilla, Esq. (2nd Vice President,) Angelina Stanco-Stone (Secretary,) Thomas Bunger (Treasurer,) Harold Bollaci, Esq. (Board Member and Legal Counsel,) Mike Gadaleta (Founding Board Member,) Mary Stanco (Founding Board Member,) and Mary Suddell (Founding Board Member.) Liaison Members lending their support included John Blazich and John Sullivan (Glen Cove Boy Scout Troop 6,) Eva Casale (Team E.V.A.,) Virginia Gaudio Cervasio (Heroes Among Us,) Wayne Cohen (Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.,) Fred DiMenna, PhD (Community Support,) Roger Kilfoil (Honor Flight Long Island,) Dr. Maxine Mayreis (Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce,) Andrea Nordquist (Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14,) Susan Rassekh (Glen Cove Hospital Northwell Health,) and Howard Stillwagon (VFW Post 347.)

The Board reminds all that the 3rd Annual Phoenix Rising Awards will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Cresent Beach Club in Bayville, and all are urged to mark their calendars. For more on the event or if you missed the ceremony but still want to support the cause, please visit www.phoenixrisingawards.com.

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