Supervisor Kate Murray honored the 2007 recipients of the Town of Hempstead Veterans Award at this year's Salute to Veterans ceremony at Town Park Point Lookout on June 30. As part of the program, Supervisor Murray honored three Hempstead Town residents who worked on aviation equipment during World War II. These women are lovingly referred to individually as "Rosie the Riveter".

"I am honored to present the Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal to eight deserving individuals," said Murray. "These persons have exhibited tireless energy and unending devotion to helping veterans."

Among the winners were Ronald Pfleger of Levittown and Frank Tobani of Wantagh.

Pfleger has been a member of the American Legion since 1978. A year later, he volunteered for the Post color guard and he has remained a dedicated volunteer ever since. He stands honor guard at wake services for departed post members and he attends wake services of veterans throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. A frequent visitor at the Northport Veterans Hospital, Ron also assists with the American Legion's annual food drive for local veterans. Pfleger is also a founding member of the Post's flag etiquette program, where members educate local school children on the handling, history and importance of the flag.

In the words of his Commander, "Ron is always the first to step forward with his can do attitude to get the job done. He truly is a veteran that is still serving America."

The criteria for the Town of Hempstead Veterans Award is based solely on humanitarian contributions made to fellow veterans. It does not take into consideration military record or activity.

"In addition to the medal presentation, the town honored Hilda Jordan of Levittown with the Town of Hempstead Special Service to Veterans Award," said Councilman Gary Hudes.

Homeless veterans have found a safe retreat due to the care and compassion of Hilda Jordan. A member of the North Bellmore American Legion Auxiliary, Hilda has worked tirelessly at the Veterans Stand Down for four years.

The purpose of the Stand Down is to provide a variety of services to those veterans who risked their lives so that we might live in peace and freedom. Hilda spends hour after hour sorting clothes that were donated for veterans.

Two times a month, Hilda cooks dinner at a home for veterans. In addition to the delicious meals, she remembers the veterans with birthday and holiday gifts.

Three times a year, Hilda and her colleagues host a breakfast at the American Legion Post as a fundraiser for various veterans programs.

Hilda is currently President of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also serves as the children and youth chairperson, and has organized many programs for children with developmental disabilities. In addition, Hilda devotes much of her time to the area United Cerebral Palsy group.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Town of Hempstead Rosie the Riveter Award. Helen Georgette Feller of Levittown was among the recipients. Feller helped rivet the tail section of P47 fighter planes at Republic Aviation.

"The town celebrated the contributions of the women, known as "Rosie the Riveter," who stepped up when our nation needed them the most," said Councilwoman Angie Cullin. "More than six million female workers helped to build planes, bombs, tanks and other weapons that would eventually win World War II."

Following the ceremony, the town presented a concert by Felix Cavaliere's Rascals and the Soul Survivors and concluded the evening with a fireworks display sponsored by North Fork Bank. Sponsors of the veterans salute included Zorn's Chicken, Quick Snack, Dairy Barn Stores, Naturally Boulder Water and Entenmann's Bakery of East Meadow.