On June 27, the gates of Fort Hamilton were open to the community as the base toasted area residents, activists, elected officials and organizations.
This night is about you, stressed Colonel Michael Gould, the commander of Fort Hamilton. We are thanking you for everything you do for us, for getting the word out.
The honorees recognized for their outstanding support for the soldiers, families and friends of Fort Hamilton — included all the local officials who represent the area.
In addition, awards were presented to the Military Order of the Purple Hearts, USA Brooklyn Chapter 405, represented by Ruben Pratts; the Korean War Veterans, Brooklyn Chapter 171, represented by Don Feldman; Disabled American Veterans, represented by Barry Berger; Amity Post 791, represented by Howard Dunn; and the Statue of Liberty Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, represented by Retired Major General Robert Rose.
First responders honored included Bravo Volunteer Ambulance along with the NYPD and the FDNY.
Brooklyn agencies and organizations recognized included the Fort Hamilton Citizens Action Committee, represented by William Guarinello; Community Board 10, represented by District Manager Josephine Beckmann; Community Board 11, represented by District Manager Marnee Elias-Pavia; the Bay Ridge Community Council, represented by President Renée Dorsa; the Dyker Heights Civic Association, represented by President Fran Vella-Marrone, the 68th Precinct Community Council, represented by President Ilene Sacco; the Neighborhood Improvement Association, represented by President and Founder Mike Bove, Executive Director Rosa Casella and CEO Mary Ann Cino; the Guild for Exceptional Children, represented by Executive Director and CEO Paul Cassone, and the Verrazano Rotary Club, represented by Carl Campagna.
Local institutions were also honored for their hard work including Xaverian High School, Maimonides Medical Center, Lutheran Medical Center and Salam Arabic Lutheran Church.
The local media was not forgotten. The Home Reporter, represented by Editor-in-Chief Helen Klein, was among four media organizations to be recognized.
A special presentation was made to honor Larry Morrish, for 43 years of exceptional service to Fort Hamiltons service members, families and civilians, said base Spokesperson Alison Kohler.
In addition, individual awards were presented to Beckmann, Guarinello, Mitch Weiss, Campagna, Retired Major General Robert Rose and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joe Schroder.
Go to www.homereporter.com for a full list of honorees.