Senate Resolution No. 1554
BY: Senator MARTINS
COMMENDING the Tribute and Honor Foundation upon
the occasion of hosting its 5th Annual Awards
Ceremony on February 7, 2026, and paying tribute to
this year's Honorees
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably, deserve a special salute
from this esteemed Body; the quality and character of life in the
communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and
dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would
devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the
Tribute and Honor Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its 5th Annual
Awards Ceremony at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York, on
Saturday, February 7, 2026, and paying tribute to this year's Honorees;
and
WHEREAS, Peter Carbone, recipient of the Community Service Award,
has more than 50 years of leadership with Bayville's American Legion
Post 1285 where he has championed scholarship programs, remembrance
events, Boy Scout partnerships, and numerous local civic initiatives;
and
WHEREAS, Officer Owen Valance, recipient of the Impact Award, is a
former United States Navy aircrewman now serving Glen Cove as a police
officer; he recently completed the 22-mile PTSD Awareness Kayak
Challenge with his brother and fellow officer, Derek Valance, raising
critical awareness and support for veterans' mental health; and
WHEREAS, Long Island Cares, Veterans Services, the Homefront Award
Honoree, has served through food banks, resource navigation, and direct
outreach; its Veterans Services program provides vital food security and
wrap-around support to veterans and their families across Long Island,
ensuring that no veteran is left behind in times of need; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Shanahan and Warrior Ranch Foundation, granted the
Awareness & Remembrance Award, combine horse rescue, equine therapy, and
storytelling to create safe and powerful spaces for veterans and first
responders to heal from trauma while building awareness of the
challenges they face; and
WHEREAS, Simone Renaud, posthumously honored with the Front Runner
Award in recognition of her extraordinary legacy of remembrance and
compassion, is affectionately remembered as the "Mother of Normandy";
she devoted her life to honoring fallen Allied soldiers and supporting
their families; and
WHEREAS, Robert Freeland, recipient of the Volunteer Award, is a
Vietnam War veteran with the 34th Engineer Battalion; he has gone on to
serve as Commander of Port Washington's VFW Post 1819; his decades of
volunteer service continue to inspire veterans and community members
alike; and
WHEREAS, Philip Como, granted the Leadership Award, is a Marine
Corps Vietnam War veteran who was decorated with the Navy Achievement
Medal with Combat "V"; he has dedicated his life to civic leadership as
Deputy Mayor of Sea Cliff, a volunteer firefighter, and Commander of Sea
Cliff American Legion Post 456; he is also an active member of Glen
Cove's VFW Post 347; and
WHEREAS, Scott Whitting, designee of the Legacy Award, is a United
States Army Special Forces veteran of the Vietnam War, earning the
Bronze Star and Soldier's Medal before continuing his service as a Major
in the New York Guard; a Lifetime Member of the Glenwood Fire Company
and longtime member of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336, he
exemplifies a lifetime of service and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Exhibiting their patriotism and demonstrating their love
for their country, these Honorees merit forevermore the highest respect
of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's patriots deserve to be recognized, commended,
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State, and their
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Tribute and Honor Foundation upon the occasion of hosting
its 5th Annual Awards Ceremony on February 7, 2026, and paying tribute
to this year's Honorees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Tribute and Honor Foundation and its 2026 Honorees.
