Tribute and Honor Foundation Announces 2027 Award Recipients

Long Island, NY — Nearly 100 veterans, veteran supporters, community leaders, elected officials, family members and friends gathered at the North Shore Historical Museum on Sunday, Sept. 20, as the Tribute and Honor Foundation announced the recipients of its 2027 Tribute & Honor Awards and officially launched its sixth annual awards season.

Nine veterans and veteran supporters from communities across Long Island were named to receive awards at the Sixth Annual Tribute & Honor Awards Ceremony & Fundraising Gala, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at 6 p.m. at the Crescent Beach Club.

The 2027 honorees are Dominick Critelli, Greatest Generation Award; Angelo Grande, Legacy Award; John Schaefer, Leadership Award; Frank Marcinek, Community Service Award; Rene Cintron, Volunteer Award; Vincent “Vinnie” Martinez Jr., Impact Award; Frederick “Fred” Blumlein, Front Runner Award; Kevin W. Hertell, Awareness and Remembrance Award; and Kate Csillag, Homefront Award.

Seven of the nine honorees attended the announcement event in person. Critelli and Hertell were unable to attend, but both were recognized during the afternoon’s program.

“This is an extraordinary group of veterans and veteran supporters, but what strikes me most is how different their stories of service are,” said Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, president and founder of the Tribute and Honor Foundation. “Military service, leadership, volunteerism, first response, remembrance, education and simply being there for veterans and their families — each of these honorees reminds us that there are many different ways to serve.”

Nine Stories of Service

The oldest member of the 2027 honorees is Dominick Critelli, a 105-year-old World War II veteran from Floral Park who will receive the Foundation’s Greatest Generation Award.

Critelli served as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, including during the Battle of the Bulge. During the war, he volunteered for hazardous missions behind enemy lines to deliver supplies to isolated American troops and was awarded the Air Medal for his service. A lifelong saxophonist, Critelli has been playing for more than 90 years.

Critelli was unable to attend the Sept. 20 announcement because of a family celebration for his great-great-great-grandson’s birthday, but shared a message with those gathered.

“I am honored to be named to receive the Tribute and Honor Foundation’s 2027 Greatest Generation Award,” Critelli said. “I have always been proud of my service during World War II and proud to be an American. This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am especially mindful of the many men I served alongside, particularly those who never came home.

At 105 years old, I am grateful to still have the opportunity to share my love for this country and to remind younger generations of the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms we enjoy today. My sincere thanks to the Tribute and Honor Foundation for remembering our generation and for this very special recognition.”

Angelo Grande, of Glen Head, will receive the Legacy Award. Grande served in the United States Army and has devoted decades to veterans and community service. A retired North Shore High School educator and former Nassau County American Legion Commander, he is also a longtime member and Past President of Loggia Glen Cove No. 1016.

The Leadership Award will be presented to John Schaefer, of Bayville, who served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and retired as a Nassau County Police Detective. A longtime member of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285 in Bayville, Schaefer has held numerous leadership positions, including Post Commander.

Frank Marcinek, of Levittown, will receive the Community Service Award. Marcinek served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force and has devoted many years to serving veterans and his community. His involvement has included leadership with Levittown American Legion Post 1711, service as an EMT with the Levittown Fire Department and work with numerous veterans and community organizations.

The Volunteer Award will be presented to Rene Cintron, who served for eight years in the United States Army National Guard and Reserve. A member of Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 in Locust Valley, Cintron’s volunteer activities include helping to maintain Locust Valley’s veterans monuments and assisting with the community’s annual Memorial Day Parade.

Glen Cove resident Vincent “Vinnie” Martinez Jr. will receive the Impact Award. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Martinez is a Glen Cove firefighter and EMS volunteer and a Working Supervisor with the City of Glen Cove Department of Public Works. Through his military, first responder and municipal service, he continues a family tradition of service to Glen Cove and the nation.

Frederick “Fred” Blumlein, of Port Washington, will receive the Front Runner Award. Blumlein served as a commissioned United States Army officer during the Vietnam War and went on to a distinguished career in design and education. A longtime veterans and community advocate, he currently serves as Quartermaster of VFW Post 1819 in Port Washington.

The Awareness and Remembrance Award will be presented to Kevin W. Hertell, a Suffolk County resident and United States Air Force veteran who founded the Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Flag Corporation after losing his cousin, Senior Airman Robert Dean, to suicide. Hertell created the S.A.R. Flag and has advocated for its display in communities across the country to honor military members and veterans lost to suicide while raising awareness and promoting prevention.

Kate Csillag, of Sea Cliff, will receive the Homefront Award. Csillag, founder of Knit and Crochet with Kate, brings people together through groups at the Glen Cove Senior Center, local libraries, Congregation Tifereth Israel and other community settings. Among her efforts supporting veterans, she organized a Veterans Day initiative with a symbolic 11/11 goal of 1,111 donated items. The effort ultimately collected 1,656 items for Disabled American Veterans.

Veterans Take Center Stage

The Sept. 20 program began with Stevenson-Mathews recognizing the veterans and active service members in attendance. Foundation Vice President Harold Bollaci then welcomed and acknowledged elected officials, community leaders and special guests.

Chaplain Evelyn Kandel of Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 in Locust Valley offered the opening prayer.

The Posting of Colors was presented by members of James E. Donohue VFW Post 347 of Glen Cove and Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 of Locust Valley, joined by many of the veterans organization commanders in attendance.

The Posting of Colors was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by commanders of veterans organizations, and tenor Joe Stroppel led those gathered in the National Anthem.

Richard Bathie, former Acting Commander and 2nd Vice Commander of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285 in Bayville, welcomed those gathered on behalf of the veteran community. Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck welcomed the honorees and guests on behalf of the City of Glen Cove.

“Glen Cove has a long tradition of honoring those who have served our country and our communities,” Mayor Panzenbeck said. “We are proud to welcome veterans and veteran supporters from across Long Island to Glen Cove and to recognize this remarkable group of honorees. Each of them represents a story of service that deserves to be celebrated.”

Korean War veteran Ben Farnan, a longtime leader in Glen Cove’s veterans community, former Commander of James E. Donohue VFW Post 347, and the Foundation’s 2022 Legacy Award recipient, was unable to attend the announcement. Stevenson-Mathews shared greetings on Farnan’s behalf with those gathered for the event.

Reached at his Glen Cove home following the event, Farnan reflected on the importance of the community gathering behind those being recognized.

“Recognition is important, but what makes it truly meaningful is seeing the community come together behind the people being honored,” Farnan said. “Knowing that so many people come out to support these honorees shows them how much their service is appreciated.”

Community Helps Welcome the New Class

A tradition of the annual Announcement Event is having veterans, veteran supporters, former honorees, Foundation Liaison Members, board members and community leaders take part in introducing the new class of honorees.

Bill Bailey, Commander of Massapequa AMVETS Post 88, joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Community Service Award.

Andrea Nordquist, Foundation Liaison Member, 2025 Homefront Award recipient and President of Blue Star Mothers of America, NY Chapter 14, joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Awareness and Remembrance Award.

Foundation Board Member Koorosh Leibowitz joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Volunteer Award.

Justin M. Valeo, Chief of the City of Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Impact Award.

Eva Casale, founder of Team EVA and a Foundation Liaison Member, and Foundation Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Front Runner Award.

Wayne and Lisa Cohen, Foundation Liaison Members, 2024 Homefront Award recipients and representatives of Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc., joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Homefront Award.

Peter Carbone, 1st Vice Commander of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285 and the Foundation’s 2026 Community Service Award recipient, joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Leadership Award.

Foundation Board Member Christina Abbondandolo joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Legacy Award.

Foundation Treasurer Thomas Bunger joined Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the Greatest Generation Award.

Veterans Organizations Represented

Leaders representing veterans organizations from across Long Island were among those attending the announcement.

They included Bill Bailey, Commander of Massapequa AMVETS Post 88; Peter Carbone, 1st Vice Commander of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285 in Bayville; and Anthony “Tony” Anzalone, Adjutant of Glen Cove American Legion Post 76.

Several veterans organization leaders who were unable to attend extended congratulations to the 2027 honorees, including Dave Hubbard, Commander of Young-Simmons American Legion Post 1765; Salvatore Bombardiere, Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336; Chad Ryals, Commander of Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 in Locust Valley; and Howard Stillwagon, Commander of James E. Donohue VFW Post 347 in Glen Cove.Bill Bailey is Commander of AMVETS Massapequa Post 88**. So I’d make the full caption: **Bill Bailey, Commander of AMVETS Massapequa Post 88, joins Tribute and Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews as co-presenter of the announcement naming Frank Marcinek as the 2027 Community Service Award recipient, with fellow Foundation board members joining them for the photo.**

Community Leaders Join the Gathering

Elected officials and community leaders attending included Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck; Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips; Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton; Councilman Michael Ktistakis; Councilman Grady Farnan; Dr. Maxine Mayreis, President of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and a Tribute and Honor Foundation Liaison Member; Chief Justin M. Valeo and several members of the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department; and officers and members of Loggia Glen Cove No. 1016, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

Members of the Tribute and Honor Foundation Board were also recognized for their work throughout the year.

Board members in attendance included Foundation officers Vice President Harold Bollaci, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone and Treasurer Thomas Bunger, along with Board Members Christina Abbondandolo, Koorosh Leibowitz and Lydia Wen Rodgers.

Board Member Janice LaRocca, who is also a Blue Star Mother, was unable to attend but played an important role in the planning and preparation of the event.The formal program concluded with official group photographs and a closing blessing, followed by refreshments and an opportunity for honorees, veterans, families and guests to spend time together.

“Bringing together veterans from different communities, different generations and different veterans organizations is one of the most meaningful parts of this gathering,” Stevenson-Mathews said. “The names have now been announced. On February 6, we will have the privilege of presenting the awards and celebrating their service.”

The Tribute and Honor Foundation was founded in 2021, with its first awards presented in 2022. In addition to its annual awards program, the Foundation’s work includes the Ben Farnan Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors entering military service; the Glen Cove Salutes Military Tribute Banner Program, presented in partnership with James E. Donohue VFW Post 347; and, in partnership with Glen Cove American Legion Post 76, the installation of a commemorative stone and plaque on Vinnie’s Island honoring Vincent “Vinnie” Martinez Sr. for his decades of service to Glen Cove, to name a few.

The Foundation emphasized that the Sept. 20 gathering was an announcement event and that the nine recipients will formally receive their awards at the February ceremony.

The Sixth Annual Tribute & Honor Awards Ceremony & Fundraising Gala will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at 6 p.m. at the Crescent Beach Club.

The event has sold out for the past four years, and the Foundation is encouraging those wishing to attend to secure tickets, tables and sponsorships early.

Additional information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, is available at TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.