New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his Veterans' Recognition celebration at the Manhattan Campus of the Veterans Administration Healthcare System on November 17, 2008. Pictured (back, l to r) are: Captain Christina Mouradjian, Commander, 152nd Military Police, Fort Hamilton; Doyle Coffman, Chaplain, Fort Hamilton; Thompson; Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; LTC Ed Monroe, President, Claude B. Govan Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.; Thomas C. Triumph, Vice President of Marketing & Operations, USO of Metropolitan New York; (front, l to r) Providence Mendolia, Adjutant, Women Veterans of America; CPL Lawrence H. Smith, Co-Founder, Black Veterans for Social Justice; and, Andrew Affrunti, Commander, American Legion, Department of New York, Floyd Bennett Post 1060. Photo credit: Marla Maritzer.

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. last night honored five New Yorkers at his seventh annual Veterans’ Recognition Ceremony.  The event took place at the Manhattan Campus of the Veterans Administration Healthcare System and was co-sponsored by the American Legion of New York and the United States Service Organizations (USO) of Metropolitan New York.

“Tonight we pay tribute to five individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of all of the military veterans across this country,” Comptroller Thompson said. “I am equally honored to stand here among the hundreds of veterans in attendance to say ‘thank you’ for all you do and have done to provide us with the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”
 
Thompson presented the first award to Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Rieckhoff has a distinguished military career and is one of the nation’s leading voices on military issues.

“For all of his achievements, both on the field of battle and through his advocacy for our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, it my pleasure to recognize Paul Rieckhoff tonight with this award,” Thompson said.  “He is deserving of our recognition for his efforts to bring attention to the issues affecting our troops, veterans and military families.”

Andrew Affrunti, who serves as Commander of the American Legion, Department of New York, Floyd Bennett Post 1680, received the second award.

“In addition to Commanding the American Legion Post at Floyd Bennett Field, Mr. Affrunti has served as a Military Chaplain and has worked to help our children understand the dangers of drugs,” Thompson said. “For his continuing efforts and selfless acts, it is my honor to present him with this award.”

Thompson presented the evening’s third award to Providence Mendolia, Adjutant of the Women Veterans of America, Brooklyn, Chapter One.

“Providence Mendolia has dedicated more than sixty years of her life to the Armed Forces, and over those years has showed unwavering service to this nation,” Thompson said.  “She truly is a symbol of dedication.”

Colonel Ed Monroe, President of the Claude B. Govan Chapter of the Tuskegee Airman, received the fourth award.

“Colonel Monroe served with honor during his two tours in Vietnam and has since dedicated himself to a number of causes, including education and community service,” Thompson said.

Corporal Lawrence H. Smith, Co-Founder of the Black Veterans for Social Justice, was the evening’s final honoree. 

“During Corporal Smith’s military career, he was awarded nine combat veteran medals for valor, and has continued that valor by fighting for social justice,” Thompson said.  “It is my honor to acknowledge his commitment tonight with the presentation of this award.”

The Montford Point Marines presented colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the event, and Captain Christina Mouradjian, Commander of the 152nd Military Police at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, performed the National Anthem.

For photographs, contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597 or mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov.