A Stirring Celebration of Valor

Caption for photo above: Honorees are seated (L-R) Howard Stillwagon (accepting on behalf of Dave Christie), Honor Flight Long Island represented by Roger Kilfoil and Bill Jones, Jenny and Sefan Hespeler, Anthony Anzalone, Luke Whitting, Lisa and Wayne Cohen, Derek Valance, and Chad Ryals. Standing immediately behind the honorees are veterans in attendance and on the risers are members of the Glen Cove Police and Fire Departments, Board and Liaison Members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation, and Mayor Pam Panzenbeck and other elected officials.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation’s Third Annual Phoenix Rising Awards were presented to a sold-out house this past Saturday evening at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York. The awards ceremony and fundraising gala annually honors veterans and their supporters from across Long Island. This year’s event paid tribute to five individuals, two couples, and a veteran support organization. The event witnessed close to 300 guests, marking another milestone for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans and their families.

The Gala included eight awards. The Legacy Award was presented to Anthony Anzalone, the Leadership Award to Luke Whitting, the Community Service Award to Chad Ryals, the Volunteer Award to Dave Christie, the Impact Award to Derek Valance, the Homefront Award to Lisa and Wayne Cohen, the Front Runner Award to Honor Flight Long Island, and the Awareness and Remembrance Award to Stefan and Jenny Hespeler of Operation VEST.

Founder and Board President, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, expressed gratitude for the sold-out attendance, stating, "We were overwhelmed by the tremendous support from the community. This turnout for the event is a testament to the dedication and appreciation for our veterans and their supporters on Long Island."

Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, who joined Korean War Veteran Ben Farnan in welcoming guests expressed, “It was beautiful to see the community turn out for this event. Congratulations to the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board and to all involved. We cannot do enough for our veterans. I was honored to be part of the celebration.”

Former Navy SEAL Derek Valance, recipient of the Impact Award and a Glen Cove Police Officer received high praise from recently installed Glen Cove PBA President Chris Pascucci, who stated, "Officer Derek Valance exemplifies the highest standards of service and commitment. His exceptional background as a former Navy SEAL and unwavering dedication make him an invaluable asset to the force and our community. This is a well-deserved honor."

The Awareness and Remembrance Award recipients, Stefan and Jenny Hespeler, co-founders of Operation VEST, expressed their gratitude, saying, "We were honored and humbled to be receiving this year’s Awareness and Remembrance Award. The gift for us in receiving this award is the opportunity to help spread the word on an issue that is dear to our hearts."

Chad Ryals, recipient of the Volunteer Award, was praised by a Vietnam War Veteran and Tribute and Honor Foundation Liaison Member Howard Stillwagon, who said, "Chad Ryals is one of the finest people I know. Not only is he a three-time Purple Heart Recipient, Chaplain of our post, and an active member of the Locust Valley American Legion Post 962, but at every turn, he is rolling up his sleeves to lend a hand to a fellow veteran or someone in need."

Retired Colonel Anthony Anzalone, who received the Legacy Award, found the ceremony very moving. “I was truly touched and honored to be presented the Legacy Award,” said Anzalone. “I am proud to have served our nation, and this honor was greatly appreciated. My congratulations to the foundation and all involved. From beginning to end, the ceremony ran like a well-oiled machine. It was a memorable event for all of us in attendance.”

Andrea Nordquist, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY14 and Liaison to the Tribute and Honor Foundation, joined Stevenson-Mathews in honoring the Homefront Award Honorees, Lisa and Wayne Cohen. “I have known Lisa and Wayne for years; they are tireless members of Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 6 and are well-known across Long Island for their unwavering support of veteran causes,” said Nordquist. “Everything they do, they do with selfless hearts.”

The opening ceremony included opening remarks from the President of the Board, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, a welcome by Former VFW Post 347 Commander, Ben Farnan, and Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Glen Cove Scout Troop 6, the Star Spangled Banner sung by Eric Wieboldt, the Presentation of Colors by VFW Post 347, and an invocation led by Rabbi Huberman and Fr. Mark Fitzhugh.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation, established just over two years ago, has made a significant impact on Long Island, raising close to $50,000 for the Glen Cove Post and partnering with organizations such as Team EVA and Operation VEST.

The foundation supports veterans and their families and is a proud sponsor of the Glen Cove Libraries VetNow Program, providing academic tutoring and employment transition assistance.

The Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2024 Gala yielded just over $35,000. These funds will play a pivotal role in sustaining the foundation's ongoing initiatives in honoring and supporting veterans and their families.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to the newly established Ben Farnan Scholarship, named in honor of the distinguished Korean War veteran and recipient of the 2022 Legacy Award, Ben Farnan.

The foundation's board expressed gratitude for the event's success and thanked sponsors, including Rising Phoenix Event Sponsor - Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, Silver Star Sponsors - American Community Bank and Glen Cove Hospital, Bronze Star Sponsors - Bollaci Law Group, PC, Lydia and Michael Rodgers, Gaitley and Jim Stevenson-Mathews, Gregor Industries, Emerge Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Meritorious Service Sponsors - Maccarone Law, Manzione Dentistry, North Coast Internal Medicine, PC, Mayor Pam and Bob Panzenbeck, Howard and Mary Stillwagon, Warren T. Wasp, Better Water, CareFirst Home Solutions, Celeste Gullo Insurance Agency, Compass - The Connie Pinilla Team, Glen Cove Republican Committee, Glengariff Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, GSM Communications, John Perone - State Farm Insurance, Loggia Glen Cove #1016 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, The Mansion at Glen Cove, Phoenix Diversified Group, and The Regency at Glen Cove.

The board also thanked Westbury Florist for providing flowers for the honorees and Denky Begonja for her exceptional talent in creating the journal for the event.

Honored guests in attendance included the commanders of several area veteran organizations, such as VFW Post 347 Commander Henryk Nowicki, Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 Commander Vinnie Martinez, Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 Commander Luke Whitting, and Nassau County American Legion First Vice Commander Dawn Samuel.

The foundation was grateful for the strong showing from the First Responder community, especially from the Glen Cove Police Department, with two full tables of ten, and the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, with a full table of ten. Chiefs attending from the Glen Cove Police Department included Chief William Whitton and Deputy Chief Chris Ortiz. Representing Chief Grella, the other chiefs, and the Glen Cove Fire Department was newly appointed 2nd Assistant Chief Carlos Cardenas. Also in attendance were Glen Cove PBA President, Chris Pascucci, and NYFD Lieutenant and Presidential Merit of Valor Award recipient, Justin Hespeler.

Other honored guests included the Director of Glen Cove Veteran Affairs, 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Young-Simmons Post 1765, and 2022 Honoree Tony Jimenez, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 Andrea Nordquist, Gold Star Parents Jim and Theresa Martinelli, President Bill Jones and Vice President Roger Kilfoil of Honor Flight Long Island, Team EVA founder Eva Casale, North Shore Firemen’s Holy Name Society President Pete Prudente, Board Chairman of Rolling Thunder NY6 Eddie Lopez, Vice President of Rolling Thunder NY6 and Senior Ride Captain (Nassau County) for Patriot Guard Riders of New York Wayne Cohen, Senior Ride Captain (Suffolk County) for Patriot Guard Riders of New York Pete Jepson, Members of Glen Cove Scout Troop 6 and Scout Leaders John McCormack and Tom Cassidy, Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Maxine Mayreis and Vice President Dr. Eve Lupenko, President and Founder of Heroes Among Us Virginia Cervasio, and Loggia Glen Cove #1016 President Joseph Gallo, to name a few.

Appreciative of the support of elected officials, the board thanked those in attendance, including State Senator Jack Martins, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and Glen Cove Councilmembers Grady Farnan, Michael Ktistakis, Marsha Silverman, and John Zozzaro. Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton and Judge Joseph Capobianco.

Appreciation was also extended by President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews to elected officials who provided citations, which were displayed in the lobby honoring the award recipients, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Senator Jack Martins, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.

The board, led by President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, includes key members such as 1st Vice President Connie Pinilla, Esq., 2nd Vice President Harold Bollaci, Esq., Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, Treasurer Thomas Bunger, and board members Lydia Wen Rodgers and Mike Gadaleta.

The Liaison Committee comprises individuals from various organizations, including Glen Cove Boy Scout Troop 6, Team E.V.A., Patriot Guard Riders of New York, Rolling Thunder Inc., Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, VFW Post 347, and CEC Health Care, to name a few.

"Working with the Tribute and Honor Foundation is deeply fulfilling," noted Connie Pinilla, 1st Vice President of the Foundation. "While it is hard work, the chance to positively impact veterans and their families is invaluable." Harold Ballaci, 2nd Vice President, added, "Joining the board was an easy decision. It is unusually rewarding to connect with veterans across Long Island and a special honor to be a part of hosting an annual event that unites the community. This, coupled with raising funds in support of veterans and their families makes for a win-win situation and an incredible evening.”

"Kudos to the Tribute and Honor Foundation board, and congratulations to Officer Derek Valance and all the deserving honorees," said Glen Cove Police Chief William Whitton following the event. "The Awards Ceremony was truly memorable, underscoring the significance of recognizing and paying tribute to our veterans. I already have next year’s event on my calendar."

Contacted at his home in Glen Cove, President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to the people of Long Island and beyond who turned out and supported this past Saturday’s event. As hard as our board, volunteers, and liaison members worked - and let me tell you they worked so hard - in the end, it is the community that enables us to make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families. We thank the people of Long Island and encourage everyone to purchase their tickets and secure their sponsorships early for next year’s Awards Ceremony, which will be held on February 1, 2025, again at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, NY." Stevenson-Mathews also emphasized that if people missed the event, they can still donate via the foundation’s website at www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is on a mission to pay tribute to and support veterans and their families. For information on the foundation or to make a donation, visit www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.