American Legion Post 1711 of Levittown recently honored several individuals and community organizations during the post's annual Americanism Awards Night held last Friday. Awards were distributed to, among others, emergency service personnel, such as the fire department, the volunteer ambulance corps and the police department; as well as Scouting members and organization leaders.

Post Commander Henry To explained that the awards "are given out to the community as a reward for doing exemplary service. Tonight, [award recipients] will receive a plaque [which is] a token of your work for the community. The people who make up the moral fiber of the community are the people who are the silent people of the community that step forward and help. Whether it be helping senior citizens, helping the auxiliary police department or fire departments or anybody else that does charitable services to help their fellow citizens make this community and all communities a better place," To said. "You can have million dollar homes but if you don't have anybody contributing to the community, the moral fiber of that community is non-existent.

"We the Legion represent the community. We can't bring the whole community here so we act as their agents to say 'thank you.' This is our way to thank you for stepping up and doing the things that you do for the community to make Levittown and the surrounding areas a better place for your fellow citizens," To said.

American Legion Post 1711 members and special guests were joined by local dignitaries who were on hand to show their support for award recipients. Among those who either had representation or were present at the event were Edward G. Aulman from the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, County Commander Joseph P. Slattery Jr., County Assessor Charles O'Shea, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes, Legislator Dennis Dunne, Senator Kemp Hannon and County Executive Thomas Suozzi.

The first presenter of the evening was Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Wicelinski, who presented an award to Lt. Peter LaLonde of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police.

"The Levittown Auxiliary Police Unit routinely patrols the streets of Levittown during the evening hours, providing additional security to residents," Wicelinski said, noting that they also assist in many traffic situations such as directing parade routes, "giving the officers of the 8th Precinct an extra set of eyes and ears. All the officers of the unit are volunteers, nobody receives any pay for what they do." He continued by saying that LaLonde has been a member of the auxiliary unit since 1986 and has assisted the community on many occasions. LaLonde was awarded for this outstanding service and dedication in aiding the people of Levittown with security, and assisting with Levittown parades and functions.

Wicelinski also presented an award to the Wantagh Fire Department. He noted that Wantagh's is one of the biggest fire departments in the county, with a coverage area from Jones Beach to Levittown.

"For a department covering that much of an area, about six to seven miles, not only with fires and with ambulance calls that they do 24 hours a day, for that, Levittown and Wantagh stand together tonight to honor the men and women of the Wantagh Fire Department," Wicelinski said. The department was honored for its dedication and service in protecting the lives and property of the people in South Levittown and Wantagh.

Ter'ese E. Aprile, director of the Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL) was honored by Past Commander Bill Hynes.

"For several years this organization has helped more than a thousand individuals dealing with physical or mental conditions that through no fault of their own had to require special attention so that they may enter or return to the mainstream of society," Hynes said. He noted that Post 1711 is aware of and grateful for this outstanding program and the service it provides. Aprile, one of the program's original founders, was awarded for LICIL's years of outstanding service and dedication to aiding the disabled and disadvantaged people of Nassau and Levittown with rehabilitation and employment.

Phil Blum, a member of the executive board, honored John Persich of Social Services for the Blind, District 20 K2, Lyons.

"Thirty years ago he took it upon himself, along with others, to develop programs to aid and support those who are blind," Blum said of Persich. "One way he did this was by creating bowling and sporting activities thereby enhancing socialization, mobility and self-esteem."

Blum also honored members of the Wantagh/Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps for their years of service tending to the medical and emergency needs of the people of Levittown.

"When [the ambulance corps] first started, no other program of its kind was in existence," Blum said. "These volunteers respond to the medical and emergency needs of people. They do this in giving on-site emergency care [and] transportation to hospitals. They are responsible for saving the lives of countless numbers of people."

Stephen Schuster was honored for his work and effort in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Chaplain Jack Byrne presented the award to Schuster, a member of Troop 323.

"If anyone was to say 'what is happening to the young people today,' we could probably point to this young man and say 'this is what is happening to American youth today.' This young man has been involved in a community organization that has always addressed the well-being of the people in our country and supports the health and emotional well-being of our young people," Byrne said. "Starting as a Cub Scout and being active with every program, this future leader has accomplished much of what Scouting has to offer."

Byrne next recognized Mary Messina, leader of Scout Troop 316, for her many years of volunteer service to the young people of Nassau who are involved in Scouting by serving as a den leader.

"This young woman went beyond what would be expected of a female by assisting young people involved in Scouting and by having jobs that are historically reserved for men," Byrne said, noting that Messina has served as a Den Leader, Pack Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Webelos leader and Cubmaster. "She is very active with her church and involved with groups that address the many needs of people within her community."

Byrne further noted that Messina fell victim to a car accident in November and that although she was severely injured and in the hospital for a month, she remained in contact and involved with the Scouting program.

Vincent Cavataio of the Levittown Athletic Club (LAC) was honored for organizing teams and directing sporting events for young women who would have never had a chance to participate if not for his involvement. Commander To presented the award to Cavataio.

"The Levittown Athletic Club is one of the few programs that has only young ladies," To said, noting that he can attest to the fact that the program is very successful as his own children participated in the program. He noted that the program not only helps keep children entertained, but also assists them in growing up to be well-rounded adults.

Army Reserve Officer Yvonne Agustus, RN, of the Nassau University Medical Center, was honored for her dedication and service to the health and well-being of the people of Nassau and her Reserve Unit that is being activated for overseas duty. She was presented with her award by Past Commander John Farley.

"Mrs. Agustus has been a registered nurse for 37 years. Having a love for her country and believing that her talent as a nurse could be of greater benefit to others, she joined the army reserve 18 years ago," Farley said, noting that she holds the title of major. He added that she has helped many members of the military in her capacity.

A member of the Ladies Auxiliary presented an award to the 13 members of Girl Scout Troop 3278 for assisting the people of Levittown with parades and charity events, and for attending to the needs of the people of Levittown. The girls assisted in the September 11 remembrance event and also participate in events that help the elderly. The girls include Jessica Trambatore, Maggie Moore, Nicole Salonia, Gabby Galuzzi, Jennifer Handel, Gina Darnaurd, Mario Jappen, Allison Schmidt, Nicole Seewagen, Darci Lawyer, Jasmine Blennau, Gianna Jimenez and Lauren McBrien.

Engine Co. 3 of the Levittown Fire Department was honored next by Vice Commander Andy Booth for the many thousands of hours expended by volunteer firefighters aiding with the security and safety of the people in Levittown.

"When one sees a fire truck or an ambulance, the first thing that comes to their mind is that they're going to a fire or to help somebody get to the hospital. But what they may not know is that Engine Co. 3 does more," Booth said. "They also do a lot of community work. They've been doing Thanksgiving dinners for the past 16 years, they do food drives, the adopt-a-family program and this company, Engine 3, two years ago - when one of the committees was short in raising funds for a family to get food for the holidays, this company raised it. On behalf of the post I want to thank Engine Co. 3 on a job well done."

Booth also honored the Levittown Tribune with an award for fair and accurate reporting of events in Levittown and addressing the needs of all veterans and citizens.

"Everybody always complains that when they write to the paper and they want an article done, they want the article in right away," Booth said. "Well we have such a person, and we have such a paper. Marta Kane works for the Levittown Tribune and she publishes all our community events that we ask her to put in the paper."

The Vets Council was to present the Veteran of the Year Award to John Lane, who was unable to attend the ceremony. It was noted that in addition to being an active member of the veteran organizations, Lane has done work with individuals with Down's Syndrome. The Levittown/Island Trees Veterans Council decided to make him veteran of the year not only for being a veteran but also for doing exemplary work in the community.

Commander To closed the program by reminding award recipients that the awards that were presented are just a token.

"The whole gist of what you're here for is the big thank you," To said. "So what we ask that you people in the community that do all the service is to continue your service in the community because your community needs you more than ever."