American Legion Post 1711, in Levittown, recognized members of the community who have demonstrated what the organization considers Americanism, at its annual Americanism Night, held at the Legion Hall last Friday.

The Commander of Post 1711 John Farley began the presentations by defining what the post saw as Americanism. Some of the representations of Americanism recognized included: love of America, love of the flag, transmitting values, and keeping America's story alive. Farley noted, "We believe the actions of tonight's recipients fall into these guidelines."

George Boneillo, of Levittown was the first recipient honored. Boneillo, who is a member of the East Meadow Fire Department, was recognized for his actions in July, when he saved the life of at least one person on the Long Island Expressway. He was driving his truck on the LIE when he noticed a van driving in the HOV lane and smashing into the concrete barrier. Boneillo pulled up to the van and saw that the driver's hands were not on the wheel. He made a split-second decision, under the life-threatening conditions, to pull his truck in front of the van and attempt to stop it. After his truck was struck by the van several times, he was able to stop the vehicle. The driver of the van had apparently suffered a seizure and crossed three lanes of traffic. If it had not been for the actions of Boneillo, the driver of the van and others on the expressway may have been injured or killed. The post concluded, "Thank you Mr. Boneillo for your exceptional act of bravery."

Pat McBride, president of the Ladies' Auxiliary of Post 1711 introduced the next recipient, Girl Scout Krystie Damsker, who is currently working on her Gold project. Damsker's community project benefits children who suffer from alopecia due to chemotherapy. She collects hair from local hair salons and delivers it to an organization called Locks of Love, which is a nonprofit group that makes wigs for children. Damsker is also collecting postage stamps for the Locks of Love organization to help them mail out fliers and newsletters. "Isn't she a remarkable young lady?" asked McBride.

Also recognized was Michael Chirillo, a 29-year veteran of the Wantagh Fire Department who has served as a fire commissioner for five years and has been honored as Fireman of the Year. Chirillo is also a licensed plumber with carpentry and woodworking skills. He has volunteered his time and skills to work on fellow firefighters' homes during times when they were injured. When he learned of the needs of a family with an 8-month-old leukemia victim, he provided all the plumbing for a new bathroom facility for the child. He also organized a fund raiser for the family for expenses not covered by medical insurance. When a neighbor could not finish his plumbing project, he redid the neighbor's bathroom. In addition Chirillo rebuilt a garage when it collapsed. He also shares his talents as a plumbing merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. "Thank you for your volunteer work for the needy members of the community. You've done a good job," said the Legion in presenting the award to Chirillo.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffany Carrasquillo has been a member of the Stennis Naval Sea Cadets Division since February 1997. During this period, it was noted by the American Legion, she has been given numerous awards including the Cadet Citation and Meritorious Service Ribbons and is a candidate for Sea Cadet of the Year. Carrasquillo has served in the sea cadet recruit training command as a company commander. She currently holds the position of Lead Petty Officer. Carrasquillo has also dedicated herself to the Sea Cadets and helping others. Several times a year she volunteers to work with the disabled veterans at the VA Hospital. She is an honor student at Sewanhaka High School and has won a School Citizenship Recognition Award. She also assists younger cadets to adjust to the cadet program.

Legionnaire George Merritt, who has been a member of American Legion Post 1711 for 29 years was also recognized for his Americanism. During his years in the American Legion Merritt has marched in all the Memorial and Veterans Day Parades, was responsible for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for the needy, and for retiring old U.S. flags. He was also active in giving awards to those who flew the flag frequently. Merritt is a member of the Levittown Community Center, was a member the Levittown 50th Anniversary Committee and for ten years was a member of the Levittown-Wantagh Ambulance Corps. In addition he worked on six community cleanup programs and was instrumental in placement of three W.W.II exhibits in Levittown. He is also the unofficial watchman and caretaker of the Slate Lane Pool. Past Commander Henry To, in introducing Merritt noted that it was Merritt who originally introduced him to the American Legion. In response to these remarks Merritt stated, "I've been busy in Levittown for 40 years because I love Levittown. It is a community made up of hardworking people and I am proud to be from Levittown."

Chairman of the Board of Assessors Charles O'Shea accepted the Americanism Award for his father, Charles O'Shea, Sr. The O'Shea Funeral Homes in East Meadow and Wantagh have been serving the community for over 35 years. The American Legion noted that this service has been rendered in a personal and dignified manner. The Levittown American Legion reaches out to those in the business community for financial support for its various endeavors. At every turn O'Shea has been there for the Legion and gone above and beyond the requests and makes a monthly donation to the American Legion to support the veterans. "He has done so much for us. His manner is quiet and unassuming, he has been a local hero to us in his example of generosity and humility. We are honored to give this award to Mr. Charles O'Shea," noted the American Legion. Charles O'Shea, Jr. accepted the award, noting, "My Dad is my hero and it is an honor to accept for him."

Brian McCarthy was recognized as the 8th Precinct Officer of the Year for his overall job performance, his outstanding arrest record and investigative abilities. Officer McCarthy's record to date includes 10 felonies, 16 misdemeanors, and four violation arrests. The majority of these arrests made by McCarthy are direct results of his investigative prowess, his knowledge of the penal laws and his outstanding interview techniques, according to the American Legion. Also noted was that McCarthy is respected by his supervisors and fellow officers.

The entire Levittown Fire Department was also honored for their service to the community. Members of the Levittown Fire Department have been selflessly responding to fires, medical emergencies, and auto accidents in the community for 50 years, acknowledged the American Legion. It was also noted that the members of the department are volunteers who serve the community on their own time without benefit of payment. Chief of the Levittown Fire Department Ronald Kerwin, in accepting the award, stated, "On behalf of the members of the department I would like to thank the American Legion."

Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne, president of the Levittown-Island Trees Veterans Council presented the Veteran of the Year Award to Henry To. Prior to speaking about what To has accomplished, Dunne recognized the Levittown community as a whole, noting, "The bigger we get, the closer we grow." He also thanked the American Legion for recognizing theses community members for their contributions.

Dunne explained that each year the Levittown-Island Trees Council of Veterans chooses one person who has done a great deal in the community as the Veteran of the Year. He added that the only person who did not vote for To to receive this honor was To himself. To stated that he was accepting the award on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have served our country. "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country," quoted To.

Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta also took the opportunity to recognize the contributions of those being honored. Gulotta stated that Post 1711 "hit the nail on the head" with their definition of Americanism, in that it can be defined in many ways. He added, "What you see in this room tonight are people who care about community and citizenship." Gulotta mentioned the Kitty Genovese case where a woman in a city was attacked and although the neighbors heard her screams did nothing to help her. The county executive noted that something like that could never happen in a community such as Levittown where people care about and watch out for their neighbors. He went on to add that the most important recognition that the honorees could receive was how many people turned out to honor them.