Latest news with #MedalofMerit
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran honored with flagpole: Mero's service did not end with enlistment
MINEVILLE — Approximately 60 Veterans, family members and friends gathered around Keith Mero's front yard to witness the raising of a flag pole and stars and stripes to honor the Veteran's service during and after his enlistment, May 17. According to Mero's bio submitted for North Country Honor Flight in 2022, he served in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1992 in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations. 'With the 2nd Combat Army Regiment, Keith realized if trouble started this group would be the first to respond,' the bio read. 'When they were not in the field, they increased their training to be fully prepared. Keith was assigned to the Prisoner of War Team working with Military Personnel and Interrogators. As the first in battle, the Team policed all foot soldiers near the tanks. In constant contact with the commander, their mission was to capture the enemy. Some enemy soldiers laid down their weapons and those who continued to fight lost their lives. The Team processed 2,000 enemies with a sad casualty loss of one Team member.' 'This is dedicated to your service to see that all of those who served under you returned home,' Ceremony emcee Danny Kaifetz said. The flagpole was then erected and Mero had the honor of raising the first flag. Mero responded to the honor being bestowed to him by saying, 'I love you all, every one of you. Thank you.' Keith's youngest son, John, spoke lovingly and with great respect for his father. 'I remember the places we traveled and the things we saw,' John said. Keith persuaded his sons not to follow in his footsteps. 'I realized it was not all good, and you wanted to spare me the sacrifices,' John said. John related the many things his father did for the community such as drive Veterans to the VA for services and initiating the Hometown Heroes banner program for Moriah. Mero had also been a member of the Veterans of the North Motorcycle Association. On one occasion when the group was called upon to show support for a Veteran, he indicated he was not feeling too well, but went anyway. Two days later he had open heart surgery. Keith's dedication towards others was reinforced by former Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava. 'Keith came to my office and told me they planned on having 50 to 75 banners for Hometown Heroes. All we had to do was put up the brackets and hang them. Well, we have about 400; the most of any town in Essex County.' At the conclusion, Mero received commendations from Essex County and Adjacent General of NY State Major General Raymond F. Shields. This included the Medal of Merit, a state-level military award presented for exceptionally meritorious service or for heroism by military personnel or Veterans. In 1917 President Woodrow Wilson gave, in part, the following speech which was recited at the ceremony for Mero. 'We meet to celebrate Flag Day because this flag which we honor and under which we serve is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. and yet, though silent, it speaks to us. —speaks to us of the past, of the men and women who went before us and of the records they wrote upon it.' The American Heroes Flagpole Association, founded by Danny Kaifetz, himself a U.S. Marine Veteran, is based in Owl's Head, NY. They award hand-crafted 25 foot Northern red oak flagpoles to combat wounded, combat disabled and combat decorated Veterans throughout the Northeast at no cost. On his website Kaifetz said, 'These donations and the accompanying ceremonies, the honor so long overlooked for so many who sacrificed greatly for our freedom, have led to the most rewarding moments of my career.' According to Kaifetz, 'I am now finally in a position to refocus the purpose of my work and my goals in life. With a small group of outstanding officers and other veterans we have created the American Heroes Foundation with one purpose only, to honor great American heroes for their service and sacrifice.' For those interested in submitting the name of a deserving Veteran, donating, or to order a flagpole go to: info@
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Honorary NOPD officer shows 'em how it's done
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — He's small but mighty, and he might be on your tail. Devarjaye 'DJ' Daniels, 13, was made an honorary officer of the New Orleans Police Department on Tuesday, April 29 and received the Department's Medal of Merit, presented by Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. 'Become Something Greater' says Thibodaux Firemen's Fair 2025 poster artist Daniels was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer six year ago, and since then, he's made it his goal to become an honorary officer at one thousand police departments across the United States. The badge came with a challenge in New Orleans. Two crooks were on the run through the French Quarter, when Daniels demonstrated his law enforcement chops by chasing and collaring them both. New Orleans 311 service outage resolved You can see the take down in our video report above, photographed by WGNO's Jeff Kent. 'Well you definitely don't want tot end up like them cause they are getting sent to jail. Im not certain what jail it is but it's not good. I'm not sure if I jellied their biscuits or busted chops,' said officer teases 'blueprint for a better America' that 'isn't about Donald Trump' FUELED Wellness + Nutrition | Eat Fit at Jazz Fest: In the kitchen with Ba Mien Schumer dismisses question about whether he has become a 'liability' for Democrats NAPA to celebrate 100th anniversary with gold cars at Texas Motor Speedway Honorary NOPD officer shows 'em how it's done Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump erases rights with deportation. Fight back, Washington
The Trump administration continues to speed-run authoritarianism. This week, Trump hosted Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador. Before the event, Trump is on camera telling Bukele, 'Homegrowns are next, the homegrowns. You gotta build five more places.' Instead of being shocked, the people in the room (Attorney General Pam Bondi, Stephen Miller and others) laugh. Gleefully. In case it's not clear, 'homegrowns' are US citizens, and 'five more places' are El Salvador mega-prisons. The clear illegality of this won't stop the Trump administration. No fewer than four lawsuits are challenging legality of the hundreds of people already imprisoned in El Salvador. The vast majority have no criminal record, in the US or any country. Among the extraordinary legal arguments the Trump administration is making: that the president can get around a writ of habeas corpus, upending centuries of modern law. 'Homegrowns are next' seems like a great reason to get to one of the many nationwide protests. If ever there was a time to meet up in solidarity with other worried 'homegrowns,' it's now. Lauren Kuehne, Bremerton I just saw the most recent article on the 'payout' that the ex-Tacoma Police Chief received. This is mind-boggling to me. The city is in such financial turmoil, yet they find it acceptable to pay this man almost $500K just to go away. Unbelievable. He was a poor choice to begin with (thank you, mayor and council). This is on our elected leaders. Shame on you for bringing this to what was once our fine city. You keep making decisions like these, and our city will soon become another Detroit, everyone will leave, and it will be a ghost town. Mary Ann Clabaugh, Tacoma Some months back, I read a Seattle media report that referred to Avery Moore as Tacoma's first African American police chief. I called the reporter to set the record straight: That honor goes to Police Chief James Hairston, who was appointed chief in 1999. Hairston died on Jan. 26. Hairston replaced an incumbent chief who came to Tacoma with a strong resume and a highly authoritarian leadership style that simply was not a good fit for the department. Hairston, who worked his way up in highly competitive, merit-based process from a Tacoma patrol officer to assistant chief prior to his appointment, had a very different and very people-centered leadership style. At his memorial service, former colleagues, family members and Chief Patti Jackson praised his ability to listen, his empathy and his respect for others. During his time with the police department, he received the Lifesaving Award, and twice received the department's prestigious Medal of Merit. Hairston, who received his bachelor's degree in law and justice from Central Washington University, was also an accomplished poet. When he retired as chief, after a 33-year career, he left a police department controversy-free. Bill Baarsma, Tacoma This week the Trump administration will consider contracting with a private, for-profit corporation to manage the deportation and imprisonment of immigrants. Former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince's 2USV business is seeking rights to fill industrial-scale compounds in El Salvador. America is already on a slippery, legally questionable and cruel slope. What is being proposed in our name would be a moral nightmare. Tom Craighead, Vashon
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AFCEA International Honors Its Spring 2025 Awards Winners
International Organization Recognizes Chapters and Members for Excellence in Information Technology and C5ISR Fairfax, VA, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AFCEA International recently announced its award winners across a host of categories, recognizing achievements in information technology in support of military and government missions to defend the nation, maintain global security and secure the homeland. Winners will be honored at a special dinner and awards ceremony at one of AFCEA's flagship events, TechNet Cyber, taking place May 6-8 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chairman's Superior Performance Award recognizes a members' superior service to AFCEA over a sustained period. Winners "set the example" for others as dedicated volunteers who are active at all levels of the association and have shown sustained leadership over more than 10 years. This year's winners, with the local chapter they are associated with, are: Carey Bandler, Northern Virginia ChapterCol. Dean Fox, USAF (Ret.), Alamo ChapterVenice M. Goodwine, Department of the Air ForceLt. Gen. ITAF (Ret.) Antonio Tangorra, Rome Chapter The Gen. James M. Rockwell recognition is AFCEA's premier award, given for exemplary service to AFCEA over the past year. Winners are selected by an appointed committee. This year's winner is Cynthia Pacheco, with the Hawaii Chapter. The Adm. Jon L. Boyes medal is AFCEA's premier award, given for exceptional career service to AFCEA. This year's award goes to Jim Lauducci, with the Washington D.C. Chapter. The Leadership Award is given to a long-standing member of AFCEA with a record of sustained contributions to the association and exceptional leadership skills at a senior level. The 2025 awardees are: Hillary Boyce, Hampton Roads ChapterRyan Cox, Northern Virginia ChapterArmin Fleischmann, Bonn e.V. Chapter Michael Lane Gilchrist Jr. , Los Angeles ChapterDan Mathews, Los Angeles ChapterJessica Morgenstern, Central Maryland ChapterBarbara Schleben, ArkLaTex ChapterJeff Thompson, Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter The Medal of Merit award is for a sustained level of dedicated service to AFCEA, combined with professional excellence at a mid- to senior-level in the fields of communications, electronics, intelligence and information systems. The 2025 awardees are: Maj. Charles Brice, USA (Ret.), Alamo ChapterShawn Cressman, Alamo ChapterKrystin Fakalata, Dayton-Wright ChapterAmelia Fisher, Dayton-Wright ChapterThomas Galligan, Atlanta ChapterAlison Gonzalez, Northern Virginia ChapterJames Hanson, Washington D.C. ChapterJoe Haulton, Central Florida ChapterFiorella Lamberti, Rome ChapterD'Joane McCorkle, Atlanta ChapterLt. Col. Jason Simmons, USAF (Ret.), Rocky Mountain ChapterShanna Staten, Dayton-Wright ChapterValerie Wilder, Tidewater ChapterStacy Vaughn, Atlanta Chapter The Meritorious Service Award is an early- to mid-career award for meritorious contributions to AFCEA and the community, and for professional accomplishments. The 2025 awardees are: Sameer Aggarwal, Los Angeles ChapterBrent Ahlers, Dayton-Wright ChapterThelma Barker, Washington D.C. ChapterMonte Blakely, Central Maryland ChapterDoan Chau, Belvoir ChapterNirali Chawla, Northern Virginia ChapterMaster Sgt. Nicho Chung, USAF, Alamo ChapterKatherine Fredlund, Central Florida ChapterMichael Gonzalez, Hawaii ChapterLt. Col. Justin Handley, USAF, Tidewater ChapterJessica Hersey, Washington D.C. ChapterAndreas Höher, Bonn e.V. ChapterKelly Jenne, Hampton Roads ChapterAnnie John, Washington D.C. ChapterMike Lennon, Rockbridge Shenandoah ChapterTeresa Macalolooy, Dayton-Wright ChapterTim Miller, San Diego ChapterAnnamaria Nassisi, Rome ChapterZeib Parvez, Hampton Roads ChapterDiana Phelps, Emerald Coast ChapterJochen Reinhardt, Bonn e.V. ChapterSenior Master Sgt. Frank Richards, USAF, Alamo ChapterKlint Walker, Atlanta ChapterColt Whittall, Atlanta ChapterKeisha Woods, Northern Virginia Chapter The Harry C. Ingles Award is awarded to chapters that have most significantly contributed to the goals of AFCEA. Winning chapters, which compete against other chapters in the same size category, are selected by the AFCEA International Awards Committee. The 2025 Ingles Award Winning chapters are Alamo, Central Florida, Tidewater and ArkLaTex. The Distinguished Achievement to the Education Community Award recognizes an AFCEA chapter supporting its local community with scholarships and K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. This year's winner is the Alamo Chapter. The Model Chapter Program requires chapters to report on their overall goals for the coming calendar year that are attainable yet require some effort. These goals are then submitted online to the Member and Chapter Services Department at AFCEA International by early February. The 2025 winners are:Aberdeen, Alamo, ArkLaTex, Atlanta, Belgium, Belvoir, Bethesda, Central Florida, Central Virginia, Dayton-Wright, Emerald Coast, Greater Augusta, Hampton Roads, Hawaii, Indiana, Kaiserslautern, Lexington-Concord, London, Los Angeles, Middle Georgia, Montgomery, North Carolina, Northern Virginia, Oklahoma City, Pacific Northwest, Rockbridge Shenandoah, Rocky Mountain, Rome and Tidewater. The Albert J. Myer Award is given to AFCEA chapters that go above and beyond in membership recruiting and retention. All chapters are considered each year, with the winners based on data and statistics instead of applications or nominations. The 2025 categories and their winners are: Individual Member GrowthBonn e.V. ChapterLos Angeles ChapterNorth Carolina ChapterCentral Virginia ChapterPocono Mountains Chapter Individual Member RetentionBonn e.V. ChapterRocky Mountain ChapterRome ChapterLondon ChapterSlovak ChapterBelgium Chapter Individual Member RecruitingAlamo ChapterLos Angeles ChapterNorth Carolina ChapterCentral Virginia ChapterRockbridge Shenandoah Chapter AchievementBonn e.V. Chapter Small Business AwardsSmall Business of the YearThis award recognizes and honors a small business that demonstrates excellence in specific areas of practice, such as client service, training and innovation, among others. The 2025 winner is B-Technology, Stephanie Miller, Alamo Chapter. Small Business Advocate of the YearThis award recognizes and honors a mid-size to large company that demonstrates excellence in areas like a demonstrated commitment to AFCEA's mission, values and activities, the implementation of a formal mentor-protege program, among others. The 2025 awardee is Jessica Morgenstern, CACI International Inc. Small Business Industry Person of the YearThis award recognizes a small business champion that demonstrates excellence in areas like client service, ethics, community and professional outreach, innovation and leadership. The 2025 awardee is Alyssa Martinez of the Alamo Chapter. Small Business Government Person of the YearThis award recognizes a small business champion that demonstrates excellence in specific areas of practice with the government, such as small business advocacy, leadership, community and professional outreach, among others. The 2025 awardee is Jeff Mellott of the Dayton-Wright Chapter. Engineering & Information Technology AwardsThe Distinguished Award for Excellence in Engineering is AFCEA's highest award for sustained excellence in engineering, and this year's winner is Robert Riepshoff, Leidos, representing the Scott-St. Louis Chapter. The Meritorious Rising Star Award for Achievement in Engineering is a junior/mid-level award in the engineering field. The 2025 awardee is Jaclyn Wilson, Booz Allen Hamilton, of the Lexington-Concord Chapter. The Distinguished Award for Excellence in Emerging Technology is AFCEA's highest award for sustained excellence in emerging technology, and the awardee for 2025 is Mobile Digital Infrastructure, 1st Combat Communications Squadron. The Meritorious Rising Star Award for Achievement in Emerging Technology is a junior/mid-level award in the emerging technology field. The awardee for 2025 is the 90th COS Innovation Team. The Entrepreneurial/R&D Innovation Award is an award that recognizes an individual or team that has an invention or has created an innovative, disruptive technology product, service, process or solution in earlier stage research and development. Brian Knobbs of 10x National Security is the 2025 award recipient in this category. The Technology Innovation Award recognizes an individual or team that has created an innovative and proven new technology product, service, process or solution. For 2025, Resemble AI is proud to have won this award. AFCEA 40 Under Forty AwardsThe AFCEA 40 Under Forty Award is given to 40 individuals ages forty or younger for their significant contributions to the technical STEM fields by providing innovation, thought leadership and support to their clients or organizations using information technology. The 2025 winners are: Nick Andersen, Invictus International Consulting, LLCTech Sgt. Evan Bartholmey, USAF, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance WingAnnie Beckman, USAMaster Sgt. Felicia Boccia, USAF, 35th Intelligence SquadronFernando Browning, Air Force Research LabFrank L. Cox, KorevarianceJessica Dapelo, Jessica Dapelo Enterprises Inc. Michelle Dreimann, Palo Alto NetworksMaddie Durham, Marathon TSJarrod Echols, CensysJohn Eubank, 10x National SecurityTim Fahl, Owl Cyber DefenseChristopher Gaube, Capgemini Deutschland GmbHMaster Sgt. Cody Goodin, U.S. Space ForceCheyenne Hasse, TEKsystemsJoquin Inungaray, 693 Intelligence Support SquadronLt. Col. Justin James, USA, U.S. Army Pacific Jacob Klein, Virginia Military InstituteOscar Mancia, Ignite Digital ServicesSean McGinty, Delta 6 Detachment 1Senior Master Sgt. Steven Miller, USAF, 432 Aircraft Communications Maintenance SquadronJennifer Miller, Defense Health AgencyRobert Morgan, Beyond Ordinary Software SolutionsHung Joseph Nguyen, 1st Combat Communications SquadronNiloo Norton, FlashpointSkyler Onken, Twenty Committee LLCSean Papso, Invictus International Consulting, LLCViplav Patel, CALIBREMatt Ryan, OracleAndy Sauer, Sentinel BlueEllen Severson, Defense Finance and Accounting ServiceColby Shomaker, Gridiron IT Solutions, LLCMelisa N. Stivaletti, GuidehouseAlexandria Swope, Department of the Air ForceMaj La'Neishea Taylor, USAF, 83 NOSKevin Thiele, Accenture GmbHJason Thomas, USAFE-AFAFRICA A6Greg Tomchick, Valor CybersecurityJonathan M. Villalobos, NAVWAR PEO DigitalChristian Weber, Capgemini ### AFCEA International is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit international professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally. Established in 1946, the membership association serves the military, government, industry and academia by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing an ethical forum. This enables military, government, industry and academia to align technology and strategy to meet the needs of those who serve. AFCEA operates under the guidance of a board of directors, international staff and committees. A large network of chapters is managed by a group of regional vice presidents. Join online. CONTACT: Howard Wahlberg AFCEA International 703-631-6199 hwahlberg@
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famer Jimi Hendrix receives state's highest medal
This story was originally published on From a young boy raised in poverty in Seattle to close out the original Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 to landing in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, 2025 marks the year Jimi Hendrix receives the Washington State Medal of Merit and Valor. According to a press release from Washington State's Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, the posthumous honor was awarded to Hendrix as a 'national and international recognition.' Hendrix started playing guitar at 15 after finding a discarded ukulele with only one string. He taught himself how to play by ear, and one of the first songs he learned was Elvis Presley's 'Hound Dog.' Twelve years later, at the age of 27, Hendrix passed away after a night of partying. In his short time performing, he rose to be one of the greatest and most influential guitarists in history and has accumulated a library of awards and recognitions, including a nUSPS commemorative postage stamp. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, Governor Bob Ferguson, Lt. Governor Denny Heck, and State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos presented the awards to Hendrix and four members of the Department of Ecology. 'These five worthy recipients are the best of Washington and well deserving of our highest awards,' Hobbs said. 'They represent the good people of our state through their actions, their impact, and their inspiration for Washington, the nation, and the world. We are forever grateful for their contributions.' Hendrix was posthumously awarded the Medal of Merit for his outstanding service to Washington. Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley, Dave Thompson, and Jon Tollstrup received the Medal of Valor for their courageous actions on October 3, 2024. While working on a litter crew for the Department of Ecology, they rescued a woman from a burning vehicle after she crashed on the side of the highway. Despite the risk to their own safety, they extinguished the flames and forced open the driver's door, pulling her to safety just before the fire engulfed the car. The Medal of Merit honors those who have given a lifetime of service to the people of Washington, while the Medal of Valor recognizes individuals who have risked their lives to save another person. The Medal of Valor cannot be awarded to first responders whose actions are part of their public duties. Contributing: Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest.
