Tribute and Honor Foundation Unveils 2025 Honorees

The Tribute and Honor Foundation hosted its Annual Honoree Announcement and Press Conference this past Sunday at the North Shore Historical Museum, drawing a large crowd. At the event, the Foundation proudly revealed the five veterans and three veteran supporters selected to be honored at the Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony in February 2025. Among those to be recognized are Melonie Longacre, Michael Danchalski, Andrea Nordquist, the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, Walter Williams, Shannon O’Neill, Robert Bazan, and Tony Bliss.

During the ceremony, Navy veterans and Glen Cove Police Officers Derek and Owen Valance, alongside the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, presented a donation of just over $1,500 to the Foundation. These funds were raised through their participation in the 22-mile kayak challenge, an effort supported by family and friends. The Tribute and Honor Foundation Board is collaborating with the Valance brothers to finalize the allocation of funds to a Long Island-based organization focused on addressing PTSD and other mental health challenges among local veterans.

The formal program began with a blessing from Chad Ryals, Vice Commander and Chaplain of VFW Post 347, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Matthew McCormack of Glen Cove's Scout Troop 6. Eric Wieboldt performed the National Anthem, while the Color Guard was presented by VFW Post 347, led by Commander Howard Stillwagon. Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck also delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the city.

In attendance were members of local veterans' 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 present included Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Councilman Grady Farnan, and Councilman Michael Ktistakis. Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton was also in attendance. The Foundation was honored to have Vietnam veteran and City of Glen Cove Director of Veteran Affairs Tony Jimenez, who was recognized at the Foundation’s inaugural event in 2022, also present.

Speakers and presenters included Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Glen Cove Police Officers Derek and Owen Valance, former VFW Commander and 2022 Legacy Award recipient Ben Farnan, and Alex Rhoman and Donna Zephrine from the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge.

Other presenters included Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Chief Rosa Diez, Tribute and Honor Foundation Liaison Eva Casale (founder of Team E.V.A.), Wayne and Lisa Cohen (Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc.), and retired Colonel Anthony Anzalone, the Foundation’s 2024 Legacy Award recipient.

Stevenson-Mathews expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including volunteers, participants, and presenters. He also extended special thanks to the North Shore Historical Museum for providing the venue, Angelina Stanco-Stone and Regency Glen Cove for supplying refreshments, and all of the Foundation’s board members and liaison members for their dedicated support.

Spotlight on the 2025 Award Recipients

Tony Bliss, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Legacy Award.

The LEGACY AWARD honors a veteran for a longstanding commitment to serving fellow veterans and the community. The 2025 recipient is Tony Bliss, a retired Staff Sergeant from the 101st Airborne Division who served in Vietnam, earning the Silver Star and Bronze Star for Valor. Tony has been deeply involved with veterans' organizations, including VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962, where he has been in charge of the Memorial Day Parade for over 20 years.

Robert Bazan, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Leadership Award.

The LEADERSHIP AWARD acknowledges a veteran who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting fellow veterans and the wider community. The 2025 award will go to Robert Bazan, a retired Navy Captain with more than 30 years of service. He currently serves as COO of Chelsea Lighting in Manhattan and has a distinguished civilian career in the lighting industry, having been recognized as a Notable Veteran Executive by Crain’s New York Business. Bob is the Past Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336 and is a sponsor for Scout Troop 195.

Shannon O’Neill, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Front Runner Award.

The FRONT RUNNER AWARD is given to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact through their work in supporting veterans and their families. The 2025 recipient is Shannon O’Neill, Director of Veteran Services at Suffolk County Community College, where she has spent nearly 20 years supporting military-connected students. Her efforts have led to the establishment of Veterans Resource Centers and other initiatives that have earned the college a VetSuccess On Campus designation.

Walter Williams, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Impact Award.

The IMPACT AWARD is presented to a veteran who has made a notable contribution both through their military service and as a first responder. Walter Williams, the 2025 awardee, enlisted in the US Navy in 1974 and served aboard the USS Graham County AGP 1176. He has worked with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in various capacities since 1993 and continues to serve the community as a Glen Cove Auxiliary Police Officer.

22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Awareness and Remembrance Award. Representing the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge: Donna Zephrine and Alex Rhoman are pictured at center with Foundation Board Members. Front row (L to R): 1st Vice President Connie Pinilla, Esq., President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Honoree Donna Zephrine, Honoree Alex Rhoman, and Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers. Back row (L to R): Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Board Member Michael Gadaleta, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, Glen Cove Police Officer Derek Valance, and Glen Cove Police Officer Owen Valance.

The AWARENESS AND REMEMBRANCE AWARD recognizes individuals or organizations that bring attention to the alarming rate of suicide among active service members and veterans. The 2025 recipient is the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, a 22-mile cross-sound kayak event that raises awareness for PTSD and supports veteran-related nonprofits. This initiative was started by Frank Lombardi, along with fellow veterans Chris Levi and Alex Rhoman. At Sunday’s event, the initiative was represented by Donna Zephrine and Alex Rhoman.

Andrea Nordquist, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Homefront Award.

The HOMEFRONT AWARD is given to non-veterans who have made significant contributions to the veteran community. The 2025 award will go to Andrea Nordquist, President of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, where she has led the growth of the local chapter from 12 to over 40 members. Andrea also serves as a Liaison for the Tribute and Honor Foundation and is actively involved in several veterans' organizations.

Michael Danchalski, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Volunteer Award. Danchalski stands proudly at center. Front row (L to R): 1st Vice President Connie Pinilla, Esq., Honoree Mike Danchalski, Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers, President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. Back row (L to R): Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Board Member Michael Gadaleta, and Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone.

The VOLUNTEER AWARD recognizes a veteran for their dedicated service as a volunteer. The 2025 honoree is Michael Danchalski, a Gulf War veteran who has been actively volunteering in the Glen Cove community since 2002. Danchalski enlisted in the Army after graduating from Aviation High School, completed training at Ft. Knox and Ft. Rucker, and joined the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a member of Glen Cove VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962.

Melonie Longacre, pictured above, has been selected to receive the 2025 Community Service Award.

The COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD is presented to a veteran for their exceptional service to both fellow veterans and the community. Melonie Longacre, the 2025 recipient, is the Associate Executive Director of Hospital Operations at Northwell Health, overseeing Glen Cove, Plainview, and Syosset Hospitals. A veteran of the United States Army and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Melonie is committed to community service through her work with Northwell Health’s Veterans and Allies Business Employee Resource Group and as a board member for AMVETS Post 76.

The Tribute and Honor Foundation board members include President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, 1st Vice President Connie Pinilla, Esq., 2nd Vice President Harold Bollaci, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Community Engagement Officer Mike Gadaleta, and Online and Media Content Officer Lydia Wen Rodgers.

The Foundation also benefits from the invaluable support of its liaison members, 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). Volunteers also play a crucial role in supporting the Foundation's mission.

The Fourth Annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony will take place at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, NY, on February 1, 2025. The event will celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees. For more information or to secure tickets, visit www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.