June 24th was a day of high-spirited remembrance in Hauppauge.
Though June 12th is annually designated as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day,” Tuesday was that day at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge. Each of the 18 Legislative Districts selected a deserving woman with decorated military service to receive special distinction.
Freedom and liberty rang throughout the halls and beyond before and after each presentation.
“It is a special privilege to honor Suffolk’s women veterans each year. Beyond the uniform, their service continues in our communities. And throughout America’s history, women have served in wars and conflicts from the Revolutionary War on,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.
From his 14th Legislative District, McCaffrey selected Christine Glynn, Chief Warrant Officer 4, of Lindenhurst, a US Marine since 1988. She has served as a presidential security guard, military police officer and administrative chief. She is currently the Senior Marine Instructor for the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Lindenhurst High School.
Additionally, Glynn served as chairperson for the Suffolk County Legislature’s Women Veteran’s Advisory Board, as a member of the Suffolk County Task Force to assist retired Veterans, the Northwell Health Women Veterans Health Initiative Board, and the National Women Marines Association.
“Today, women serve in all military specialties, including logistics, munitions, intelligence, and even combat,” McCaffrey added. “Their contributions are vital to what many consider the strongest, most professional, educated, and agile military our nation has known.”
Additional honorees—in Legislative District order—include: First Lieutenant Felicia Hobson, of Riverhead (US Army); Airman First Class Jacqueline S. McKay, of Flanders (US Air Force); Master Sergeant Denise DeSena, Master Sergeant, of Mastic Beach (US Air Force); Sergeant Arletty Ruger, of Farmingville (US Marine Corps); Staff Sergeant Pamela A. Pfeil, of Mastic (US Army); Corporal Janet Santeramo, of Ridge (US Marine Corps); Chief Master Sergeant Marcelle Leis, of Patchogue (US Air Force); Specialist Kiersten Armstrong, of Oakdale (US Army); Staff Sergeant Dolores Wilkerson, of Holbrook (US Army); Valerie Gibbs, of East Islip (US Navy); Sergeant Clara Scavelli, of Islip (US Marine Corps); Angelique Williams, YN2/E5, of Smithtown (US Navy); Kathy Albrecht, Helicopter Medic, of Smithtown (US Army); retired Staff Sergeant Candice R.A. Smalls, of Dix Hills (US Air Force); Major Marlene Dietrich Health, of Dix Hills (US Air Force); Airman and Plane Captain Sonya (Bernal) Weisbrot, of Dix Hills (US Navy); and Private First Class Donna VanCott Healy, of Northport (US Army).