Tribute & Honor Foundation Plans 4th Annual Awards Ceremony

Board members pictured from left to right are Programming and Events Officer Koorosh Leibowitz, Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Online and Media Content Officer Lydia Wen Rodgers, President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, 2nd Vice President Harold Bollaci, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, and Community Engagement Officer Michael Gadaleta. Not pictured - 1st Vice President Connie Pinilla.

Long Island, NY—The board of the Tribute and Honor Foundation is hard at work planning the 4th Annual Tribute and Honor Awards and Fundraising Gala. This event, held annually on the first Saturday of February, celebrates the remarkable contributions of Long Island veterans and veteran supporters while raising funds to support the Foundation’s mission of recognizing and assisting the veteran community.

“This event allows us to spotlight individuals and organizations who truly embody the spirit of service,” said Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, President of the Tribute and Honor Foundation. "Each honoree exemplifies the spirit of service, whether as a member of the armed forces or in their dedication to the community."

This year’s honorees include:

Legacy Award: Tony Bliss – Decorated Vietnam veteran with the 101st Airborne Division, journalist, and leader in veterans’ organizations, including over 20 years organizing the Locust Valley Memorial Day Parade.

Leadership Award: Robert Bazan – Former Navy Captain with extensive military experience and past Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336.

Community Service Award: Melonie Longacre – United States Army veteran and Operation Iraqi Freedom War veteran who now serves as Associate Executive Director of Hospital Operations at Northwell Health for Glen Cove, Plainview, and Syosset Hospitals. She also co-chairs Northwell Health's Veterans and Allies Business Employee Resource Group.

Volunteer Award: Michael Danchalski – Gulf War Army veteran and active volunteer with Glen Cove VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962.

Homefront Award: Andrea Nordquist – President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 and Vice President for Media Relations of The Long Island Air Force Association.

Awareness and Remembrance Award: 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge – A 22-mile kayak event connecting communities and raising PTSD awareness, co-founded by veterans Frank Lombardi, Chris Levi, and Alex Rhoman.

Impact Award: Walter Williams – Navy veteran, dedicated VA professional, and Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Officer.

Front Runner Award: Shannon O’Neill – Director of Veteran Services at Suffolk County Community College, recognized for enhancing resources for military-connected students.

"These honorees exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness," said Howard Stillwagon, past award recipient, Liaison Member of the Foundation, and Commander of Glen Cove VFW Post 347. "Their contributions have a profound impact on veterans and the broader community."

Group photo from the 2024 Awards Ceremony.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation is known for initiatives such as the Ben Farnan Scholarships, benefiting graduating seniors entering the military and the recent dedication of the monument at Vinnie’s Island in collaboration with Glen Cove American Legion Post 76. Tickets for this year’s awards ceremony and fundraising gala are available at www.tributeandhonorfoundation.org, with early bird pricing through January 18. There are also sponsorship opportunities.