Women veterans from communities across Suffolk County were recognized by the Suffolk County Legislature, marking Women Veterans Recognition Day and honoring those who served in the nation's armed forces.
The annual observance commemorates the June 12, 1948 signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which granted women the right to serve permanently in the regular armed forces.
Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo said the event recognizes the contributions of women who have served both in uniform and in their communities.
“It is a special privilege to honor Suffolk's women veterans for their service in the military and in our communities,” Piccirillo said.
Honorees included Evelyn Hobson-Womack of Riverhead, Sharon Lewis of Hampton Bays, Ashley Y. Espin of Center Moriches, Phyllis Boccio of Selden, Naomi Sawyer of Stony Brook, Bethany K. Green of Wading River, Jane York of Sayville, Jody-Kay Townsend of Brentwood, Julissa Fonseca of Central Islip, Donna Zephrine of Bay Shore, Christine Rosenvinge of Hauppauge, Kelli Porti of St. James, Brenda Orejuela of Lindenhurst, Lenore Elizabeth Brathwaite of Amityville, Darlene M. Salley of Huntington Station, Wynette Bates of Deer Park and Mary McCue of East Northport.
The women served in the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Air Force, Air National Guard and Marine Corps.
Among them were Lt. Col. Bethany Green, Master Sgt. Ashley Espin, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Sharon Lewis, Cryptology Officer Christine Rosenvinge and Petty Officer First Class Brenda Orejuela.Piccirillo highlighted Sayville resident Jane York, a Navy veteran who served as a Master-at-Arms and later continued supporting military personnel through her work with veterans and military students.
“Jane's career reflects a sustained commitment to service, mentorship and leadership,” he said.
The recognition program was established through a 2024 resolution sponsored by Legislator Nick Caracappa requiring each legislator to select a woman veteran from his or her district for annual recognition.