Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon recently joined with other Town and local officials to celebrate the start of Veterans Awareness Week, which honors our nation’s service-members and recognizes the sacrifices that they and their families have made. A ceremony was held at Town Hall with several local officials in attendance, including Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilman Tom Donnelly, New York State Senator Phil Boyle, New York State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, County Legislator DuWayne Gregory, Town Clerk Carol Quirk and Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma.
At the ceremony, several local veterans were recognized for receiving medals from New York State honoring their service in defense of the country. These medals can be applied for through the office of Assemblyman Sweeney. Several students were also recognized at the ceremony as part of an essay contest where they wrote about ways we can say “thank you” to our veterans. There were six winners based on grade level who received Target gift cards. Also recognized at the event was Korean War veteran George S. Walters, who recently received a diploma from Lindenhurst High School as part of Operation Recognition, which awards diplomas to those who left high school early to serve in the United States Military.
Veterans Awareness Week is sponsored by the Town of Babylon’s Veterans’ Advisory and Steering Council Committees in conjunction with the Assemblyman Sweeney’s Office and the Babylon Town Board. For more information on veterans’ events and services, visit www.townofbabylon.com or contact Councilwoman Gordon’s Office at (631) 957-3127.
Pictured in the top right photo from left to right in the front row are Rene Maldonado-Garcia of Milton Olive Middle School, 3rd Place; Leanna Birsner of Albany Avenue Elementary School, 3rd Place; Julianna Knice of Robert Frost Middle School, 1st Place; Shelby Miller of William Rall Elementary School, 2nd Place; and Nicolina Sottile of Albany Avenue Elementary, 1st Place. Not pictured is Kristen Alo of Robert Frost Middle School, 2nd Place. Behind them are Senator Boyle, Councilman Donnelly, Town Clerk Carol Quirk, Councilwoman Gordon, Assemblyman Sweeney, Legislator Gregory, Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma, Deputy Supervisor Martinez and Supervisor Schaffer.
Pictured above from left to right are Legislator Gregory; Councilman Donnelly; Town Clerk Carol Quirk; Deputy Supervisor Martinez; Assemblyman Sweeney; Councilwoman Gordon; Richard J. Toth, New York State Conspicuous Star Recipient; George Nestor, New York State Conspicuous Cross Recipient; Louis M. Panaro, New York State Conspicuous Star and New York State Medal for Merit Recipient; Joseph A. Masciello, New York State Conspicuous Star and New York State Medal for Merit Recipient; George S. Walters; Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma; Supervisor Schaffer and New York State Senator Phil Boyle.