Tribute and Honor Foundation announces 2025 honorees

By Angelina Stanco-Stone

The Tribute and Honor Foundation announced its 2025 honorees at a recent event held at the North Shore Historical Museum.

The five veterans and three veteran supporters recognized are Melonie Longacre, Michael Danchalski, Andrea Nordquist, the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, Walter Williams, Shannon O’Neill, Robert Bazan and Tony Bliss.

In February 2025, the foundation will host its fourth annual awards ceremony. The event will honor the following individuals and organizations:

Legacy Award: Tony Bliss, a retired staff sergeant from the 101st Airborne Division and former commander of VFW Post 347, recognized for his longstanding commitment to veterans’ organizations and for leading the Memorial Day Parade for over 20 years.
Leadership Award: Robert Bazan, a retired Navy captain and former commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post 336, for his exceptional leadership and service.
Front Runner Award: Shannon O’Neill, director of Veteran Services at Suffolk County Community College, for her significant impact in supporting military-connected students.
Impact Award: Walter Williams, a Navy veteran and Glen Cove auxiliary police officer, for his contributions both in military service and as a first responder.
Awareness and Remembrance Award: The 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, a 22-mile kayak event raising awareness for PTSD and supporting veteran-related nonprofits.
Homefront Award: Andrea Nordquist, president of Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, for her significant contributions to the veteran community.
Volunteer Award: Michael Danchalski, a Gulf War veteran and member of Glen Cove VFW Post 347 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962, recognized for his dedicated volunteer work in the Glen Cove community.
Community Service Award: Melonie Longacre, Associate Executive Director at Northwell Health and a veteran of the United States Army and Operation Iraqi Freedom, for her commitment to community service and veteran support.

During the event, Navy veterans and Glen Cove police officers Derek and Owen Valance, along with the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, presented a donation of just over $1,500 to the Foundation. This amount was raised through their participation in a 22-mile kayak challenge, supported by family and friends.

The foundation is working with the Valance brothers in finalizing the allocation of these funds to a Long Island-based organization focused on addressing PTSD and other mental health challenges among local veterans.

The Fourth Annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony will take place at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on Feb. 1, 2025. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information, visit www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.