Tribute & Honor Foundation Announces 2026 Honorees

Tribute & Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews was joined by 2025 Legacy Award Recipient Tony Bliss, former Commander of Locust Valley’s Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 and organizer of the Locust Valley Memorial Day Parade, in announcing that Scott Whitting will be the recipient of the 2026 Legacy Award at the February 2026 Awards Ceremony & Fundraising Gala. Whitting’s recognition will be one of eight awards presented at the Gala, honoring veterans and veteran supporters for their service, leadership, and impact. Front row, left to right: Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Scott Whitting, Thomas Bunger (Treasurer), and Tony Bliss. Back row, left to right: Tribute & Honor Foundation Board Members Harold Bollaci (Vice President), Mike Gadaleta (Community Engagement Officer), Lydia Wen Rodgers (Online & Media Content Officer), and Angelina Stanco-Stone (Secretary).

Glen Cove, NY — September 18, 2025 — On Sunday, September 14, the Tribute & Honor Foundation held its 2026 Honoree Announcement Event & Press Conference at the North Shore Historical Museum, marking the official start of its 5th Annual Tribute & Honor Awards season. Veterans, civic leaders, families, and supporters gathered to hear the names of the eight exceptional individuals and organizations who will be honored at the Awards Gala on February 7, 2026, at the Crescent Beach Club.

The 2026 honorees—five veterans and three veteran supporters—represent a wide range of service, leadership, legacy, and impact.

Peter Carbone (Community Service Award) — More than fifty 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.

Officer Owen Valance (Impact Award) — A former U.S. Navy aircrewman now serving Glen Cove as a police officer, Valance 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.

Long Island Cares, Veterans Services (Homefront Award) — Through food banks, resource navigation, and direct outreach, Long Island Cares’ 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.

Eileen Shanahan & Warrior Ranch Foundation (Awareness & Remembrance Award) — Combining horse rescue, equine therapy, and storytelling, Warrior Ranch Foundation creates safe and powerful spaces for veterans and first responders to heal from trauma while building awareness of the challenges they face.

Simone Renaud (Front Runner Award) — Affectionately remembered as the “Mother of Normandy,” Renaud devoted her life to honoring fallen Allied soldiers and supporting their families. This award will be presented posthumously in recognition of her extraordinary legacy of remembrance and compassion.

Robert Freeland (Volunteer Award) — A Vietnam veteran with the 34th Engineer Battalion, Freeland 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.

Philip Como (Leadership Award) — A Marine Corps Vietnam veteran decorated with the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V,” Como 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.

Scott Whitting (Legacy Award) — A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran of Vietnam, Whitting earned 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.

Among those named was Glen Cove Police Officer and U.S. Navy veteran Owen Valance, recipient of the Impact Award.

Glen Cove Police Chief William Whitton, who joined Officer Derek Valance and Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews in announcing the award, praised him:
“Officer Valance represents the best of Glen Cove. His service to country and community, and his leadership in the PTSD Awareness Challenge, show his deep commitment to others.”

The Front Runner Award will honor Simone Renaud, remembered worldwide for her devotion to Allied soldiers and their families. Her son, Maurice Renaud, who resides in France, shared this reflection and confirmed he will be flying to New York to attend the February ceremony:
“It is deeply moving to see my mother honored on Long Island. Her life was devoted to remembering Allied soldiers, and this award shows her spirit of gratitude continues to live on.”Reflecting on the day, Tribute & Honor Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews said

“Whether through awarding scholarships to young people graduating high school who choose to serve our nation in the armed forces, partnering with organizations like the Glen Cove VFW to ensure the Military Banner Program in Morgan Park exists and continues to make an impact, or collaborating with Glen Cove American Legion Post 76 to erect a monument dedicated to Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Martinez Sr. for having served not only our nation but also our community through 40 years of stewardship in creating and caring for ‘Vinnie’s Island,’ this work matters. This is why we do the work—and why the community’s support is so deeply valued.”

The event opened with an acknowledgment of veterans and active service members led by Former VFW Commander and 2022 Legacy Award Recipient Ben Farnan and Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews.

Foundation Vice President Harold Bollaci then recognized guests, elected officials, and community leaders before the program began.

The Opening Prayer was offered by Chaplain Evelyn Kandel of Locust Valley’s Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962. The Posting of Colors was led by Howard Stillwagon, Commander of James E. Donahue VFW Post 347, together with Chad Ryals, Vice Commander of Post 347 and Commander of Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962 in Locust Valley. The Pledge of Allegiance was delivered by Matteo Ford, representing Scout Troop 6, alongside commanders of all veteran organizations in attendance. Glen Cove High School junior Charlotte Dilgard-Clark performed the National Anthem.

Mayor Pam Panzenbeck extended greetings on behalf of the City of Glen Cove. Following her formal remarks, she added

“This event reflects the best of our community. The Tribute & Honor Foundation ensures our veterans and families are not forgotten, and I am proud that Glen Cove is home to such meaningful work. A very special thank you to Gaitley and his dedicated board for the selfless work they do every year.”

Each award was announced with the participation of veterans, community leaders, and Foundation board members. The Community Service Award was announced by Richard Bathie, Acting Commander of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285, alongside Foundation President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, with Peter Carbone present to accept being named to receive the award on his own behalf. The Awareness & Remembrance Award was announced jointly by Foundation Board Member Lydia Wen Rodgers and Foundation President Stevenson-Mathews. With honoree Eileen Shanahan away for the filming of a documentary, the recognition was accepted on behalf of her and the Warrior Ranch Foundation by Board Member Larry Ortolani and Program Coordinator Juliette Hackett.

The Volunteer Award was announced by Foundation President Stevenson-Mathews, with Robert Freeland present to accept being named to receive the award on his own behalf. The Impact Award was introduced with the involvement of Chief William Whitton and Officer Derek Valance, with Owen Valance accepting being named to receive the recognition. The Front Runner Award was announced by Eva Casale, Founder of Team EVA, together with Michael Gadaleta. While the award itself will be formally presented on February 7th to Maurice Renaud, son of Simone Renaud, the acceptance of being named to receive the honor was made on his behalf by Operation Democracy Honorary President Cathy Soref and Andgie Demoncy, Vice-Présidente Amis des Vétérans Américains (The Friends of American Veterans).

The Homefront Award was announced by Wayne and Lisa Cohen, with Paule Pachter, CEO and President of Long Island Cares, and Michael Haynes, Vice President for Government Relations, Advocacy, and Social Policy, accepting on behalf of the organization. The Leadership Award was announced by Commander Howard Stillwagon, 2022 Tribute & Honor Award recipient, together with Foundation President Stevenson-Mathews, with Philip Como accepting the recognition. The evening concluded with the Legacy Award, announced by Tony Bliss, 2025 Legacy Award recipient and former Commander of Locust Valley’s Howard A. Van Wagner American Legion Post 962, with Scott Whitting accepting the invitation to be honored.

In addition to the awards, Glen Cove Police Officers—and proud Navy veterans—Derek and Owen Valance were recognized for completing the 22-mile PTSD Awareness Challenge on the Long Island Sound for the second consecutive year. Thanks to the brothers’ efforts and the generosity of the community, just over $2,300 was raised to combat PTSD in the veteran community—more than double the amount raised in last year’s initiative.

Contributors to this year’s challenge in tribute to Derek and Owen included Maria Strouzas, Jessica Smith, Marylu Loria, Alexis Valance, William Kelly, Councilman Michael Ktistakis, Joanne Sinon, Gaitley and Jim Stevenson-Mathews, Jared Davin, and Judge Paul Meili.

Members of the Tribute & Honor Foundation’s Board in attendance at this past Sunday's Announcement Event included President Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Vice President Harold Bollaci, Secretary Angelina Stanco-Stone, Treasurer Thomas Bunger, Community Engagement Officer Mike Gadaleta, and Online and Media Content Officer Lydia Wen Rodgers. While not able to be present on the day of the celebration, Programming and Events Officer Koorosh Leibowitz contributed to the planning and organization in the weeks leading up to the event.

Foundation Liaison members in attendance included Dr. Maxine Mayries, President of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce; Lisa and Wayne Cohen with Patriot Guard Riders of New York and Rolling Thunder, Inc., and 2022 Tribute & Honor Foundation Homefront Award recipients; and Howard Stillwagon, Commander of VFW Post 347 and past Tribute & Honor Award recipient. Elected officials in attendance included Mayor Pam Panzenbeck and Council Members Mike Ktistakis and Marsha Silverman. Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton was also in attendance.

Several veteran organization commanders were in attendance and recognized on behalf of the Foundation by Korean War veteran and longtime friend of the Foundation Ben Farnan: Howard Stillwagon (Glen Cove VFW Post 347), Chad Ryals (Locust Valley American Legion Post 962), Robert Freeland (Port Washington VFW Post 1819), and Richard Bathie, Acting Commander of Robert H. Spittel American Legion Post 1285. Well-wishes from Glen Cove American Legion Post 336 (Commander Vinnie Martinez) and Young-Simone American Legion Post 1765 (Commander David Hubbard) were also extended by Ben on their behalf.

In conjunction with the Announcement Event and Press Conference, the Foundation also launched a special fundraising initiative titled “14 by the 14th.” The campaign urged supporters to sign on early as sponsors of the Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala, with the goal of securing 14 sponsors by September 14th. Thanks to the generosity of the community—and a few last-minute additions—the Foundation came within one sponsor of its goal. Securing sponsorships early not only provides a strong financial foundation for the upcoming February 7th Gala, but also maximizes the opportunity to recognize and highlight sponsor partnerships in support of veterans over the months leading up to the event.

Early sponsors of the 2026 Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala include CareFirst Home Solutions; Carol Marshall & John Grella; Celeste Gullo Insurance Agency; Emerge Nursing & Rehabilitation at Glen Cove; Gaitley and Jim Stevenson-Mathews; Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation; Glengariff Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center; Hon. Diane and Bernard Yatauro; How Can I Help Elder Care; Law Office of Donna M. McNaughton, Esq.; Lydia and Michael Rodgers; Mayor Pam and Bob Panzenbeck; and Regency Glen Cove.

The Foundation hopes to secure at least one sponsor at the Medal of Honor level, two at the Distinguished Service Cross level, and three at the Silver Star level before the end of the month. However, as expressed by the Foundation’s Treasurer, Tom Bunger, “All levels of support are deeply appreciated and make a meaningful difference in carrying out the Foundation’s mission to honor and support veterans.” Individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in sponsorship can learn more at tributeandhonorfoundation.org/events. For gifts above the Medal of Honor level, supporters are encouraged to contact Treasurer Tom Bunger directly at tributeandhonorfoundation@gmail.com
The Tribute & Honor Foundation now turns its focus to the 5th Annual Awards Ceremony & Fundraising Gala on February 7, 2026—a night intended to celebrate service, legacy, and community, and to raise funds to support veterans across Long Island.

To learn more about the Foundation and the February 2026 event, visit www.TributeAndHonorFoundation.org.