Hempstead honors vets with medals, awards

Hempstead Town has selected six veterans to receive the town’s Veterans Medal and two to receive the Trailblazer Award.

The town presents the Veterans Medal to veterans who “have dedicated themselves to helping their fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms in their time of need,” town officials said in a statement.

The recipients are Lecia Rodriques-Whyte, of Elmont; Tami Ellinport, of Valley Stream; John Brady, of Levittown; Frank Lowell Neal Jr., of Hempstead; Stephen Nicolino, of Freeport; and Frank Colon, of Rockville Centre.

“These dedicated men and women bravely served their country during times of war, and upon returning home, committed themselves to helping fellow veterans who needed medical care, basic supplies or help finding employment and housing,” town Supervisor Kate Murray said in a statement.

The Trailblazer Awards went to Richard Warren, of Roosevelt, and Vincent Long Sr., of Hempstead, who served as members of the Montford Point Marines, the first black members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Photo caption: Richard and Diane Warren kiss after renewing their vows during a ceremony held by the Town of Hempstead for military couples at the American Airpower Museum in East Farmingdale. The event, which was called "G.I. Love Stories," included couples representing every major military conflict. (Feb. 14, 2012)