The Farmingdale School District recently saluted local families whose loved ones are serving in the military. Against a backdrop of vintage fighter planes and a massive American flag at the American Air Power Museum, the Farmingdale High School Technology Honor Society took time out of its Wall of Fame induction ceremony - honoring students who excel in technology - to pay tribute to brave Dalers in the armed forces.

Families of Farmingdale residents serving in the military received "Badges of Honor" to display in their homes. The 10 x 12 inch signs were designed by Home and Careers teacher Mary Thomas, and created by middle school youngsters from materials donated by Hart Systems of Farmingdale. "These signs say that 'this is the home of a hero,'" said Ellen Krammer, Farmingdale's administrative director.

The other stars of the evening were the new inductees into the Technology Honor Society chapter - Michelle Ballas, Elizabeth Bove, Sindi Hernandez, Joe Thompson, Charles Scotti, Paul Mule and Chris Bonuraw - who sat proudly in the first row and took to the stage en masse to recite their oath of membership. The high school technology department also took the time to honor alumni "for applying skills learned while ... at Farmingdale High School and creating a successful and rewarding career." Those alumni were: Robert J. Gloria, William Janssen, William Klem Meo (posthumously) and Kirkland Lewis.

Receiving Badges of Honor were the families of Donna Contello, PFC Brian Knudsen, Lance Cpl. John C. Dugan, Jr., Lt. Commander Joseph Finn, Cpl. Anthony Dixon, Tec. Sgt. Peter Chevalier, Cpl. Michael Marano, Capt. Kevin P. Coughlin, Sr. Airman Bryan Gruebel, ET-2 Erich Gruebel and Perry Officer/US Coast Guard Joseph Ryan.

Among the many other highlights of the evening were the keynote speeches, delivered by Tuskegee Airmen William Wheeler and Victor Terrelonge. "Without education, you will not have a decent life," Wheeler told the students. "Utilize the resources around you. That's what we did." Terrelonge also shared words of advice, stressing, "The higher you go with your education, the better you are."