Tribute and Honor Foundation Announces 2025 Honorees

The Tribute and Honor Foundation held its Annual Announcement Event and Press Conference this past Sunday at the North Shore Historical Museum, attracting a large turnout. The Foundation proudly announced the names of five veterans and three veteran supporters who will be honored at the Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony in February 2025. The honorees include Melonie Longacre, Michael Danchalski, Andrea Nordquist, the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, Walter Williams, Shannon O’Neill, Robert Bazan, and Tony Bliss.

During the event, Glen Cove Police Officers and Navy Veterans Derek and Owen Valance, in partnership with the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, presented a check for just over $1,500 to the Foundation. These funds were raised through the officers' participation in the 22-mile kayak challenge with family and friends contributing in tribute to the brothers. The Valance brothers are working directly with the Foundation’s board to allocate this year’s funds to local organizations dedicated to addressing PTSD and other mental health challenges within the veteran community on Long Island.

The formal announcement portion of the program began with an opening blessing by VFW 347 Vice Commander and Chaplain Chad Ryals and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Matthew McCormack of Scout Troop 6. The National Anthem was sung by Eric Wieboldt, and the Color Guard was presented by VFW Post 347, led by Commander Howard Stillwagon. There was also an official welcome on behalf of the city by Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck.
The event saw members of local veteran organizations, including Glen Cove’s James E. Donahue VFW Post 347, Glen Cove American Legion Post 76, Young-Simmons American Legion Post 1765, Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336, and Locust Valley’s Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962. Elected officials in attendance included Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck, Councilman Grady Farnan, and Councilman Michael Ktistakis. Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton was also in attendance. The Foundation was especially honored to have Vietnam veteran and City of Glen Cove Director of Veteran Affairs Tony Jimenez in attendance. Jimenez was recognized as an honoree at the Foundation’s inaugural event held at the View Grill in 2022.

Joining the President and board members in making presentations were Glen Cove Police Officers and Navy Veterans Derek and Owen Valance, Ben Farnan (former VFW Commander and 2022 Legacy Award recipient), Alex Rhoman, and Veteran Donna Zephrine from the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge. Additional presenters included Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Chief Rosa Diez, Eva Casale (Founder of Team Eva and Tribute and Honor Foundation Liaison Member), Wayne and Lisa Cohen (Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.), and Retired Colonel Anthony Anzalone, who was the Foundation’s 2024 Legacy Award recipient.

The Foundation's President, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the event, including presenters, volunteers, and participants. Special thanks were extended to the North Shore Historical Museum for providing the venue, Angelina Stanco-Stone and Regency Glen Cove for the refreshments, and the board members and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the event's success.
More About the Awards and the 2025 Award Recipients

Community Service Award

The COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD is presented to a veteran for their exceptional work in serving fellow veterans and the people of the North Shore. The 2025 recipient will be Melonie Longacre, Associate Executive Director of Hospital Operations at Northwell Health for Glen Cove, Plainview, and Syosset Hospitals. A United States Army veteran and Operation Iraqi Freedom War veteran, she is dedicated to community service, serving as a co-chair for Northwell Health's Veterans and Allies Business Employee Resource Group and as a board member for AMVETS Post 76. She will receive her award at the February 2025 ceremony

Volunteer Award

The VOLUNTEER AWARD recognizes a veteran for their service as a volunteer supporting fellow veterans and the community. The individual named to receive this award at the 2025 event is Michael Danchalski, who enlisted in the Army after graduating from Aviation High School. After serving in the Gulf War and earning several military awards, he left the Army in 1991. Since 2002, he has actively volunteered in the Glen Cove community and participates in both Glen Cove VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962. He will be honored in February 2025.

Homefront Award

The HOMEFRONT AWARD is presented to non-veterans for their outstanding service to the veteran community. The 2025 recipient will be Andrea Nordquist, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 since 2021. She spearheaded the creation of the local chapter, growing it from 12 to over 40 members. A dedicated community leader, she serves as a Liaison for the Tribute and Honor Foundation, Vice President for Media Relations of The Long Island Air Force Association, and is involved with several veterans' organizations. Andrea will receive her award at the February 2025 event.

Awareness and Remembrance Award

The AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE AWARD is given to individuals who have worked to heighten awareness about the alarming rate of suicide among active service members and veterans and encourage remembrance of those who have perished. The 2025 recipient is the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, a 22-mile cross-sound kayak event aimed at increasing PTSD awareness and supporting veteran-related nonprofits. The initiative was begun by Frank Lombardi, fellow veteran Chris Levi, and Alex Rhoman, with Glen Cove Police Officers Derek and Owen Valance participating in this year's challenge. The team will be recognized in February 2025.

Impact Award

The IMPACT AWARD recognizes the strong relationship between returning veterans and first responders. It is presented to a veteran who has made a significant impact on the community through military service and as a first responder. The 2025 award will go to Walter Williams, who enlisted in the US Navy in 1974 and served on the USS Graham County AGP 1176. He has worked with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in various roles since 1993 and continues to serve the community as a Glen Cove Auxiliary Police member. He will be honored at the February 2025 ceremony.

Front Runner Award

The FRONT RUNNER AWARD is presented to an organization that has made a major impact by leading efforts to support veterans and their families. The 2025 award goes to Shannon O’Neill, Director of Veteran Services at Suffolk County Community College. She has dedicated nearly 20 years to supporting military-connected students, establishing Veterans Resource Centers, and increasing enrollment through strategic initiatives, which have earned SCCC a VetSuccess On Campus designation. Shannon will be recognized in February 2025.

Leadership Award

The LEADERSHIP AWARD is presented to a veteran for exemplary leadership in serving fellow veterans and the community. The 2025 recipient will be Robert Bazan, a retired Navy Captain with over 30 years of service. He is actively involved in his community as the Past Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 and a Charter Organization Sponsor for Scout Troop 195. Robert will receive his award at the February 2025 ceremony.

Legacy Award

The LEGACY AWARD is given to a veteran for long-time commitment to serving fellow veterans and the community. The 2025 recipient will be Tony Bliss, a retired Staff Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division who served in Vietnam and was decorated with the Silver Star and Bronze Star for Valor. He is actively involved in veterans’ organizations, including VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962, where he has run the Memorial Day Parade for over 20 years. Tony will be honored in February 2025.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation’s Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony will take place at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, NY, on February 1, 2025. The annual event, held on the first Saturday in February each year, is organized by the Foundation’s board, including Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, President; Connie Pinilla, Esq., 1st Vice President; Harold Bollaci, Esq., 2nd Vice President; Angelina Stanco-Stone, Secretary; Thomas Bunger, Treasurer; Mike Gadaleta, Community Engagement Officer; and Lydia Wen Rodgers, Online and Media Content Officer.

The Foundation is pleased to have a strong group of Liaison members who play an invaluable role, including John Blazich and John Sullivan (Glen Cove Boy Scout Troop 6), Eva Casale (Team E.V.A.), Virginia Gaudio Cervasio (Heroes Among Us), Wayne and Lisa 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), Howard Stillwagon (VFW Post 347), Mary Suddell (Glen Cove and Emerge Centers for Nursing and Rehabilitation), and Luke Whitting (Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336).

For more information on the foundation or to secure sponsorships or tickets to the event, visit www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.