Parade Marshals

Parade Grand Marshals
	Parade Grand Marshal: Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zacchea of Brookfield U.S. Marines Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zacchea of Brookfield (U.S. Marines),a Purple Heart recipient who runs the University of Connecticut's Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, recently was named the director of veterans' outreach and support for UConn's Graduate School of Business. Zacchea, who holds an MBA from UConn, coordinates programs to recruit and support veterans and help them with job placement, continuing education, career planning, and other services. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1990, and served in Somalia and Haiti before being deployed in 2004 as a Major to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. His team, and the Iraqi army battalion it trained, were involved in heavy combat numerous times. In one incident, Zacchea was wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade and received shrapnel in his shoulder and a traumatic brain injury, which required him to undergo several years of rehabilitation. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor (with gold star in lieu of 2nd award), the Purple Heart Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and many unit and campaign awards. Zacchea also received the U.S. Small Business Administration's award as 2012 Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for his work with the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Captain Dori (Zink) Freer of Shelton U.S. Navy Captain Dori (Zink) Freer of Shelton (U.S. Navy), a helicopter pilot during her 26-year military career, attended the U.S. Naval Academy in its third class with women. The Glastonbury native flew search and rescue flights off the carrier USS Lexington and out of Jacksonville, Fla. including the 1986 explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger. With a Masters degree in Electronics Engineering, Freer was transferred to Japan as Director of Operations (and later Commanding Officer) at a unit overseeing foreign contractors performing overhaul and repair of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. She commanded the Defense Contract Management Agency at Sikorsky Aircraft and flew acceptance test flights for the U.S. military and foreign allies. In her last Navy assignment, she oversaw the development of the next generation catapults for new aircraft carriers. Upon retirement from the Navy, Freer joined Sikorsky Aircraft as the Black Hawk program manager, supporting the aircraft after production, worked as the company's VH-60N Executive Transport program manager, and currently is Senior Program Manager, overseeing its HH-60 MEDEVAC product line.
	Connie Nappier, Jr. of New Britain Tuskegee Airmen, U.S. Army Air Corps Flight Officer Connie Nappier, Jr. of New Britain (Tuskegee Airmen, U.S. Army Air Corps), dreamed of being a pilot since childhood and during his years at Hartford's Weaver High School. He is believed to be the last of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen still living in Connecticut. He and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who enlisted during World War II to become America's first black military airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were forced to operate as segregated units and were not allowed to train or fight alongside their white fellow countrymen. They proved themselves to be world-class pilots and, to identify themselves, painted the tails of their aircraft red, becoming known as the "Red Tails". After the war, Nappier returned to Hartford to become an architect. He continues to represent his fellow Tuskegee Airmen, most of them now departed, to recount their historic story.
	Major Frank A. Tantillo of Tolland Connecticut Army National Guard Major Frank A. Tantillo of Tolland (Connecticut Army National Guard), an active member of the CNG, served two tours in Afghanistan and before, in-between and after his deployments, worked to receive his law degree at Quinnipiac University. During his 2006 tour in Afghanistan, he was Civil Military Operations Officer in charge of infrastructure rebuilds, education programs for children, and medical programs for the communities. In 2009, he was Company Commander responsible for maintaining flow of one of the busiest border checkpoints between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was awarded a Bronze Star for each of his tours. Currently, Major Tantillo is the Operations officer for the 1-102D IN Battalion CTARNG, and is responsible for the training and operations for the 812-soldier Battalion. He also is an elected member of the Town of Tolland's Board of Education.
Parade Marshals From 2011
Parade Grand Marshals
	Americo "Rico" T. Pace of West Hartford U.S. Army Corporal Americo "Rico" T. Pace was a member of the U.S. Army's 197th AAA (AW) Battalion during World War II. Drafted in 1942 and trained in amphibious, anti-aircraft and anti-tank warfare, Pace was part of the first wave of soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, just hours in advance of the D-Day invasion of 160,000 Allied troops. His recollections of that historic battle still are vivid today. After recuperating from the emotional scars of the Battle of Normandy, Pace and the 197th AAA (AW) Battalion continued to serve. This included in the Battle of Cherbourg in France, the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, France and Luxembourg, the crossing of the Rhine River, and engaged in occupational duties in Germany after the Nazis surrendered. He returned home to Hartford in 1945. Pace's family came to Hartford from Italy, just months after his birth, in search of citizenship and a better life. They named him Americo in honor of their new land; his surname means Peace. His father died when the boy was just 10 years of age, leaving a wife and Pace's four siblings. At age 12, he starting working, doing odd jobs to help support his family, while still going to school. Upon graduation from Hartford Public High School, he began a lifetime of work for the former Allen Manufacturing Co. in Hartford. He spent a total of 48 years with that same company, before and after his service in the U.S. Army, until he retired in 1986 from the position of Inside Sales Manager. Quiet retirement was not for Pace and, for the past 25 years, he has been balancing two part-time volunteer jobs that make the most of his dynamic and warm personality. A Greeter at Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center's visitors desk, Pace welcomes hundreds of people every day. The active volunteer is a recipient of the Saint Francis Spirit Award for his unwavering support of the Hospital. Pace also spends several days a week at the Connecticut State Capitol Building and the Legislative Office Building, where he provides informative tours to tourists, school groups, and other visitors. Now 89 years of age, Pace has been married to his wife, Petronella, for 64 years, with whom he raised four children in West Hartford. Both a U.S. and an Italian flag proudly hang from a post on his front lawn. He has been involved in many veterans and community and civic organizations throughout his life. He is a longtime member of the Italian-American War Veterans, and served six terms as President of Hartford's Pratolano Italian Mutual Society which was co-founded by his father. He has worshipped at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church for 75 years, serving in many roles. The former Hartford Selectman also served as Democratic Chairman of Hartford's old First Ward.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Jimmie L. Griffin of Waterbury U.S. Army Jimmie L. Griffin is a longtime community activist, veterans advocate, and is the former President of the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP. As a Sergeant E-5, Griffin served in a hostile fire zone on the Korean DMZ, training troops during the Vietnam War, has been involved in veterans affairs on local, state and national levels for more than 40 years. Griffin has received awards from the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators and the American Association of Minority Veterans Program Administrators for outstanding service to U.S. veterans. He also has been honored for his contributions to civil and human rights issues in the Bridgeport and Waterbury areas.
	Harold I. Rochette, Sr. of Meriden U.S. Air Force Harold (Hal) I. Rochette, Sr. was born in Middletown and today lives in Meriden. While at Pratt and Whitney, he decided he wanted to fly planes, not just work on them. After much training, Harold became a pilot and flew a B-17 Flying Fortress. Lt. Col. Rochette served 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, belonged to the 8th Air Force, stationed in England and flew over France, Germany, and Poland in some 31 missions. Very modest about being honored, received the Air Medal four times, and the European Theater Operation twice, most proud of his Distinguished Flying Cross. Several years after the war, went to work for Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) as a lineman. About a decade of ago, was asked to become a member of the company's Antique Veterans: enjoys marching with the Vets. His duty is to present the American Flag to the next-of-kin of an Air Force serviceman or woman at their burial. And, he has written a book called, "8th Air Force Lottery."
	Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz of New London U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz of New London is the 40th Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, the first woman in history ever to serve as superintendent of a military service academy. She reported to the Academy after serving as the Director of Reserve and Leadership at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, she was responsible for developing policies to recruit, train and support approximately 8,100 Coast Guard Reservists. Rear Admiral Stosz is a surface operations officer with 12 years at sea, including command of two cutters an icebreaking tug on the Great Lakes and a medium endurance cutter that patrolled North Atlantic and Caribbean waters. She also was the first female commanding officer of a Coast Guard cutter on the Great Lakes. She and her crews executed many of the Coast Guard's 11 missions such as drug and alien migrant interdiction, fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, polar and domestic icebreaking and ports and waterways security.
	Capt. William S. Warner of Glastonbury Connecticut National Guard and U.S. Army Capt. William S. Warner is a Connecticut National Guard Battalion Infantry Officer in the 102D. He is responsible for re-integrating close t0 800 people in the Battalion back to a state of combat readiness and coordinates the many personnel, medical and logistics issues involved in this important process. The Mansfield native enlisted into the U.S. Army in March 1985, then enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard in July 1988, and served as an enlisted soldier until he separated from service in March of 1996. But following the attacks of 9/11/2001, Capt. Warner decided to return to the service of his country, enlisting in March 2003. He attended the Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program and graduated in August 2003, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He subsequently served as a Platoon Leader in Company B, Company A, Company Executive Officer, and deployed as a Platoon Leader for Company D 1st Bn, 102nd Infantry in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VII in Afghanistan, where he was stationed from January 2006 to May 2007. Upon completion of his first tour in Afghanistan, Capt. Warner served in a variety of company grade positions in the 1-102nd Infantry including Company Commander of Company B. He also has served the Connecticut National Guard as an Active Soldier for the counter drug program, recruiting and retention command, and as operations officer for the Connecticut Training Site. In 2009, Capt. Warner deployed to Afghanistan with the 102D Infantry, this time as a Battalion Staff Officer and Personnel Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X for one year. He has received numerous awards.
Parade Marshals From 2010
Parade Grand Marshals
	Walter Harrison U.S. Air Force Veteran & President of the University of Hartford The first university leader ever to be named the top marshal of the parade. Harrison joined the U.S. Air Force after completing the ROTC program at Trinity College in 1968. He first was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. for advanced technical training and then in Aiken, S.C., where he served as personnel and administration officer for the 861st Radar Squadron. During these years, he also served as a death notification officer, responsible for notifying families in Georgia and South Carolina that their sons or husbands had been killed in Viet Nam or elsewhere. In 1972, Harrison served as Base Chief, Quality Control for the Consolidated Base Personnel Office/3535 Air Base Group at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif. "Serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force was not only an honor; it was the best leadership training I have ever received," says Harrison. "Although my assignment as a death notification officer was the hardest thing I have ever done, it prepared me for leadership in many difficult situations throughout my life. I consider it a high honor to have served my country, and I am humbled to have been asked to be the Parade Grand Marshal of the Connecticut Veterans Parade," Harrison adds. "This is a way of expressing my pride and gratitude to those who did so much more, especially to those who have been wounded or who died in service to our country and freedom around the world." Harrison lives in Hartford, Conn., with his wife, Dianne.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Sergeant First Class Christopher Blauvelt Connecticut National Guard, U.S. Marines Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Has served his country in the military for more than half of his life. After graduating from New Haven's Wilbur Cross High School in the mid-1980s, Blauvelt joined the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a helicopter rescue swimmer in Oregon as a Petty Officer Second Class. After eight years, he returned to Connecticut and worked as a U.S. Postal Carrier in New Haven. In 1995, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, beginning five years of active duty with the First Force Reconnaissance Company. Marine Sgt. Blauvelt served at Camp Pendleton in California and overseas on a ship with the 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit). Not long after he returned home in 2001, the world was rocked by the events of 9/11. Blauvelt immediately went into the Guard as a Reservist, and then as an Active-Guard Reservist (AGR). He worked as a recruiter, then with the New Haven-based 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment. That regiment was mobilized to Afghanistan in November 2009. In April, he and members of his unit were on patrol when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device (IED). SFC Blauvelt was seriously injured and has been recuperating at Walter Reed Hospital and will return home soon. He and his wife, Bernadette, look forward to saluting the crowds at the Connecticut Veterans Parade.
	Abraham S. Homar U.S. Air Force Veteran Mr. Homar is a World War II U.S. Air Force veteran and ex-POW who tells a powerful story of his 10-man plane being shot down over Germany. On February 22, 1944, his plane was the lead in a formation of 48 bombers when it was hit by German fire. Homar almost fell out of the plane when he pushed open the door. His fellow soldiers were so shell-shocked that he had to push them out with parachutes to save their lives, before jumping himself. And when he did jump, his own parachute initially did not open and he prayed aloud while falling until it finally opened close to the ground. Homar immediately was captured by German soldiers and torture and imprisonment followed for 14 months. He was moved in trains to different stalags throughout Europe, and endured an 86-day frigid march with more than 6,000 other American and British prisoners for 800 miles across Eastern Germany. Particularly poignant are this Jewish soldier's recollections about this period, having watched other Jews being filed into train boxcars, with no idea that they were being transported to concentration camps. Today, Abe is very active in Jewish War Veterans affairs at Hartford-Laurel Post 45 in West Hartford and is the Chaplain of Connecticut's Ex-POWs. He still works fulltime as a liquor & wine salesman for Brescome-Barton. The Hartford native lives in West Hartford with his wife, Judy.
	Command Sergeant Major Regina Rush-Kittle U.S. Army Reserve An impressive soldier and law enforcement officer, and an exemplary role model. A member of the U.S. Army Reserve, she recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Afghanistan as the Command Sergeant Major of the 321st Military Intelligence Battalion of Austin, Tx. During this deployment, she was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, the NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and Overseas Service Ribbon. Prior to that, she served as the Command Sergeant Major of the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion of East Windsor, Conn. Rush-Kittle began her military career in 1982 with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve while enrolled as a University of Connecticut student. Following an honorable discharge, she joined the U.S. Army Reserve to become a Drill Sergeant. She started her law enforcement career in 1983 with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, serving as a Correctional Officer for two years. She then was hired as the first African-American female officer to serve on the Middletown, Conn. Police Department. Several years later, she became a Connecticut State Trooper and was the first African-American female to be promoted to the rank of State Police Sergeant. Rush-Kittle's first overseas deployment was in 2003 as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Returning to Connecticut, she was assigned as Acting Executive Officer of the State Police's Troop K and, after scoring #1 on both the Lieutenants' and the Master Sergeants' exams, was promoted to the rank of State Police Lieutenant again the first African-American female in the department's history to attain that rank. That same year, she was assigned as Commanding Officer of Troop I in Bethany, and was selected by the Connecticut Association of Women Police as its "2005 Police Officer of the Year". Rush-Kittle grew up in Middletown, Conn. Today, she lives in Rocky Hill with her husband, William Kittle, a Connecticut Army National Guard retiree who also is a Connecticut State Trooper, and their children, Jorrell and Gianna.
	Robert F. Polito Jr. U.S. Army Veteran Mr. Polito is an 11-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He entered the University of Connecticut as part of the school's ROTC early commissioning program. After graduation, he served with Connecticut's 1/102d & 1/169th Infantry Battalions as a company commander. When he attained the rank of captain within four short years, he was the youngest captain in Connecticut at the age of twenty-four. He was twice awarded the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity while serving as a member of his Unit. Polito's ongoing commitment to support those who served was recognized in 2009, when the Connecticut District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration named him "Veteran Business Champion of the Year". One of his responsibilities at Webster Bank is to manage its SBA Patriot Express loan initiative, and he develops and leads programs and seminars for veteran business owners across the state. Polito grew up in Cheshire, Conn., and now lives in Madison, Conn., with his wife, Lori.
Parade Marshals From 2009
Parade Grand Marshals
	Retired Army Captain Paul W. "Buddy" Bucha Ridgefield, CT Paul W. "Buddy" Bucha is a Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award that can be given to military personnel.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Retired Army Captain Dr. Madelon Visintainer Baranoski MSN of Meriden, CT Dr. Madelon Visintainer Baranoski had a distinguished Military career in the Army, serving as a Surgical Nurse and Nurse Supervisor while stationed in Vietnam. Her first assignments were at the 8th Field Hospital in Nha Trang, and then at the 25th Evacuation Hospital in CuChi, Vietnam. She is a recipient of the Bronze Star for her meritorious service in a combat area, and has received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
	Retired Army Captain Eleanor Shirshac Becker of Killingworth Born on a family dairy farm in Coventry, Conn., Eleanor Shirshac Becker, now 92 years old, was working for the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. She heard about the establishment of the new Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACS) [now known as Women's Army Corps (WACS)] and immediately volunteered to serve because she "wanted to help out". After close to a year as a supply sergeant, Becker was recommended for Officer Candidate School (OCS). She was trained in cryptography and took the secret orders for parts for military aircraft that were fighting in Europe and the Pacific. She rose through the ranks to Captain, serving in several locations around the U.S. At the end of the war, she returned home to many years of service for State of Connecticut.
	Retired CTNG Command Sergeant Major William W. Chapman II of Willington, CT Retired CTARNG Command Sergeant Major William W. Chapman II of Willington, Conn. has more than 35 years of distinguished military service in the Marine Corps, Army Reserve, and Connecticut Army National Guard. His military experience includes Aircraft Hydraulics, Infantry, Civil Affairs, Combat Engineer, Military Police, and Logistics.
	Retired Navy Captain William J. McGurk of Somers, CT Bill McGurk is a veteran of 28 years of service in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve. He was commissioned as an Ensign in June 1963, upon his graduation from Holy Cross College. His first assignment was aboard the USS FORREST SHERMAN where he served as Main Propulsion Assistant and Electronics Material Officer. He participated in Mediterranean and Northern European deployments, as well as two Caribbean cruises and refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Parade Marshals From 2008
Parade Grand Marshals
	Paul Pendergast President & CEO, St. Francis Hospital Foundation of Bloomfield Paul served on the Executive Committee last year. He wants to bring more CEOs of Hartford corporations to the table as well.
	Ray Necci President & COO, CL&P of Glastonbury Ray is very active in internal vets organizations and has been involved as a sponsor from the beginning.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Joe Pickard of Wethersfield and Dolores Nieves of New Britain representing the US Army 65th Infantry Regiment, "the Borinqueneers".
	Nan Carmon Carmon Funeral Homes of Windsor Nan and her family were instrumental in raising funds in CT for the National WW2 Memorial in Washington, D.C. She and her sons take WW2 vets to DC at greatly discounted rates to see the memorial.
	Robert Genovese of Naugatuck
	Russ Jones SVP/CIO and Treasurer, Kaman Corporation of West Hartford Russ is a Vietnam Vet and has supported the parade from the beginning.
	Tom Guzzo of West Hartford Tom fought to get the federal government to supply grave markers for all vets, a true testament to the power of one person who perseveres.
Parade Marshals From 2007
Parade Grand Marshals
	Command Sgt. Maj. Dave Warner 1st Battalion, 102d Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Designated as the Task Force Iron Grays while stationed in Afghanistan, their unit conducted a full spectrum of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Task Force Iron Grays enabled the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by working with Afghan National Security forces and Multi-National forces in order to establish security, and deter the re-emergence of terrorism to enhance the sovereignty of Afghanistan. They had two specific mission focuses during the tour: 1) to provide security to the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs); and 2) to conduct full spectrum counter-insurgency operations in the provinces of Ghazni and Laghman. The 102nd Infantry conducted more than 1,450 combat patrols in 20 named combat operations. Their Security Force (SECFOR) platoons were instrumental in providing the necessary security to the Provincial Reconstruction Teams as they enabled the government and population of Afghanistan to rebuild after a 25-year period of war. The focus of the SECFOR platoons was to establish a buffer between the PRTs and the insurgents in order to develop the much needed political and infrastructure for the government of Afghanistan to thrive.
	Lt. Col Steven Gilbert Commander of the 1st Battalion, 102d Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut Army National Guard. Designated as the Task Force Iron Grays while stationed in Afghanistan, their unit conducted a full spectrum of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Task Force Iron Grays enabled the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan by working with Afghan National Security forces and Multi-National forces in order to establish security, and deter the re-emergence of terrorism to enhance the sovereignty of Afghanistan. They had two specific mission focuses during the tour: 1) to provide security to the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs); and 2) to conduct full spectrum counter-insurgency operations in the provinces of Ghazni and Laghman. The 102nd Infantry conducted more than 1,450 combat patrols in 20 named combat operations. Their Security Force (SECFOR) platoons were instrumental in providing the necessary security to the Provincial Reconstruction Teams as they enabled the government and population of Afghanistan to rebuild after a 25-year period of war. The focus of the SECFOR platoons was to establish a buffer between the PRTs and the insurgents in order to develop the much needed political and infrastructure for the government of Afghanistan to thrive.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Anthony V. Savino Bristol resident who served on active duty with the U.S. Army(Korean War-Era Service) and Connecticut Army National Guard for 40 years. He served as the State Command Sergeant Major of the Connecticut National Guard for his last 16 years. Anthony has done extensive volunteer service in his community as officer and member of multiple boards, commissions and organizations.
	Carmen Anthony Vacalebre Owner/CEO of Carmen Anthony Restaurant Group and Waterbury resident. Carmen has been a vital force in securing community contributions for the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade to keep this public tribute to our veterans alive and the largest in New England.
	Juan M. Fuentes-Vizcarrondo Well-known area photographer and newsman, including at Hartford Times and El Observador. Served in U.S. Army and Reserves during time of Korean conflict.
	Phyllis A. McMeans Served in the Marine Corps from June 1971 to January 1974 She was trained in Personnel Administration in South Carolina and then transferred to California. She was then stationed in North Carolina at the Marine Corps Air Station where she trained as an Air Traffic Controller. The East Hartford resident is the longtime Choir Director for Hopewell Baptist Church. Its Gospel Quartet will sing the National Anthem during the parade, following a Moment of Silence. She also is Director of the Men's Music Ministry and the Church Choir at the Bethel A.M.E. Church in Bloomfield, and was the 2007 Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir, which was formed for a performance with the Hartford Symphony.
	Walter "Doc" Hurley, Sr. Founding President of the Doc Hurley Scholarship Basketball Classic The organization encouraged Hartford's young men and women to stay in school and then go on to college with the help of modest but essential scholarships. The Doc Hurley Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $490,000 to 478 deserving high school seniors in the Greater Hartford area. Doc also served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Parade Marshals From 2006
Parade Grand Marshals
	Frank Falana Served Three Tours of Duty A decorated veteran, Frank Falana served three tours of duty for his nation. In 1969, he volunteered for service in the Army Infantry in Southeast Asia's Vietnam War and was a paratrooper with the Air Calvary, repelling down ropes into ground combat. At the end of his tour, he joined Operation Just Cause in Panama, assisting in the removal of Pres. Noriega and flying air crews, medical crews and soldiers, including bringing the deceased back to the U.S. Later, as a Staff Sergeant for the U.S. Air Reserve, he delivered supplies, clothing and uniforms during Operation Desert Storm. When he returned home, Falana spent more than 20 years in the Executive Protection Department of Northeast Utilities, as a body guard as a driver for the Chairman, Officers and Trustees. A longtime volunteer firefighter for the Wethersfield Fire Department, he volunteered for various fire and police organizations, as well as coaching and refereeing youth sports. He was a member of the Governor's Horse Guard, and worked with the Shriners, entertaining hospitalized children. Falana worked as a Supervisor for the U.S. Marshal Service, his department provided courtroom security for federal judges. He was a member of the Manchester Pipe & Drum Corps, which marched with him during the 2006 parade. A courageous veteran who devoted his life to helping others, Frank succumbed to brain cancer December, 2006.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Al Meadows Coordinator of Connecticut's Operation Gift Cards For the past year, Huntington's Al Meadows has devoted much of his time to saying "Thank You" to hospitalized soldiers who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the creator and coordinator of Connecticut's Operation Gift Cards (www.ctveterans.org), which visits troops in Washington's Walter Reed and Bethesda Military Hospitals, bringing "Thank You" kits that include cards and PX gift certificates. To date, the program has personally presented more than 1,900 kits and $38,000 in gift certificates to injured soldiers from all over the U.S. A Purple Heart recipient himself, Mr. Meadows served in the DMZ in Korea in the Army's 2nd infantry division in 1966 to 1967. He then spent almost a year in Vietnam with the Ninth division of the Mobile Riverine force a special unit composed of both Army and Navy soldiers. He served on ground combat, as a rifleman, as a radio man for forward observation team, and as an assistant gunner in a heavy mortar platoon. Mr. Meadows decorations include: Combat Infantryman's Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Today, Mr. Meadows is Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for Connecticut, and is a past State Commander for the Disabled Americans Veterans. He is a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. When he returned to home, he worked for many years as a draftsman and supervisor in an engineering firm. Today, he runs his own commercial graphic design studio in Huntington, Conn.
	Edward S. Banas, Sr Past National Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Edward S. Banas Sr. was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on August 29, 2003 at the 104th national convention, held in San Antonio, Texas. He is only the second member from Connecticut to be elected to this position. Mr. Banas served in the Army from 1965 to 1968. In Vietnam, he was assigned to the 18th MP Bde. and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal. In 1967, while still in the military, Mr. Banas joined VFW Post 10004 in Jewett City, Conn. He served in a variety of positions at the Post level including Post Commander. At the district level, Ed earned the honor of All American District Commander. He served as Department Commander of Connecticut in 1993-94. On the national level, Mr. Banas has served on several committees including Safety, By-Laws, Budget & Finance, and as chairman for both the Americanism and Legislative Committees. He served a two-year term in 1994-1996, as a member of the National Council of Administration representing the Departments of Massachusetts and Connecticut. In 1998-1999, he served as the Eastern States Conference Chairman. Mr. Banas put his military police experience to good use when he became a member of the Norwich Police Department in 1968 and served with the department for more than 10 years. During this time, he was a member of several law enforcement associations including Patrolman's Benevolent Association, New London County Detective Association, Connecticut Narcotic Officers Association, and the International Narcotic Officers Association. He now lives in Niantic, Conn.
	James W. Shelmerdine, JR. President, Connecticut Chapter of Korean War Veterans The President of the Connecticut Chapter of Korean War Veterans, Mr. Shelmerdine has been a member of the Veterans Day Planning Committee since the event's inception in 2000. James is a lifelong East Hartford resident has devoted his life to the ensuing America's freedom through military service. He joined the Connecticut Army National Guard in 1952 and, five months later, was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as Combat Rifleman in the First Battalion 224th Infantry, 40th Infantry Division in North Korea. Two days after his discharge in 1954, he joined the Connecticut Air National Guard and served for three years as a Personnel clerk, First Sergeant and Legal Technician at Bradley Air Field in Windsor Locks. When his unit was eliminated after 37 months, he joined Army National Guard and was a Platoon Leader and Company Commander for nine years. Shelmerdine's career includes work as General's Aide, Operations, for the 76th Training Division in West Hartford. From 1973 to 1992, he was on sporadic Active Duty, balancing that responsibility with his civilian career as an insurance claims adjuster. Currently, he is Commander of the Final Honors Firing Squad at veterans' funerals and is a member of ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve). For the past 25 years, he has served as Marshal of the East Hartford Memorial Day Parade and has been a member of the Town's Patriotic Commission for more than 30 years. A retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Army Infantry, Shelmerdine is the recipient of many awards, including a Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Parachutist Badge, a Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, a United Nations Service Medal, a Korean Presidential Citation, and a Republic of Korea Service Medal.
	Judith E. Keene USCG Commandant of Cadets, United States Coast Guard Academy Captain Judith E. Keene, USCG, graduated with high honors from the Coast Guard Academy in 1981, and was recipient of the award for the Highest Proficiency in Management. Upon graduation, she was assigned aboard USCGC MUNRO in Honolulu, Hawaii. Other operational tours include Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station New London, Connecticut and Deputy Group Commander of Group Woods Hole. In June 2003, she returned to Group Woods Hole as Group Commander. At Group Woods Hole, she oversees the operations of eight multi-mission small boat stations and one seasonal station, four patrol boats, two aids to navigation teams and a long range aids to navigation station. The New London resident also has served in a variety of staff assignments including Executive Assistant to the Deepwater Program Executive Officer; Gender Policy Advisor to the Commandant; Assignment Officer at the Personnel Command; Deputy Comptroller at the Reserve Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia; and Chief of the Human Resources and Personnel Services Branches at the 14th Coast Guard District Office in Honolulu, Hawaii. While in Honolulu, Captain Keene attended the University of Hawaii where she earned a master of business administration degree and received the Lum Yip Kee award given to the top graduate. She was also a National Security Fellow at Harvard University from 1997 1998. Most recently, Captain Keene served as Chief of the Resources and Planning Branches for the Coast Guard's Pacific Area in Alameda, California. Captain Keene's personal decorations include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Secretary of Transportation's Silver Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Operational Distinguishing Device (4 awards) and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (2 awards) as well as other unit and service awards.
Parade Marshals From 2005
Parade Grand Marshals
	Elwood A.D. "Woody" Lechausse Resident of Enfield, and a tireless advocate for many veterans groups on local, state and national levels, including extensive work for the Disabled American Veterans of America. Lechausse served in the U.S. Army between 1958 and 1965, and was a Sergeant in Vietnam and Turkey. Currently, he is the Legislative Committee Advisor for the Connecticut.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Rob Simmons A Vietnam Veteran and recipient of two Bronze Star Medals. Rob is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives where he was also a member of the U.S. Armed Services, Transportation and Homeland Security Committees, and Chairman of the Homeland Security Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment subcommittee.
	Sally Hitchcock A World War II Army Nurse and First Lieutenant who served in the Southwest Pacific. A graduate of Smith College in 1941, and Yale School of Nursing in 1944, Sally worked as head nurse at Newington Veterans Hospital until 1948. She is the author of the book, Letters Home: Memoirs of One Army Nurse World War II, a collection of letters and commentary on her war experiences.
	Tom Condon An Editor and Columnist for The Hartford Courant. Trained in Cryptography and Electronic Warfare Systems, Condon was a First Lieutenant in Vietnam in the Army's Military Intelligence Branch with the 9th Infantry Division and the Delta Military Assistance Command. Tom was honored with a Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, both for meritorious achievement.
Parade Marshals From 2004
Parade Grand Marshals
	John Motley Burlington resident and former President of the Travelers Foundation, Vietnam veteran and proud supporter of the parade. John is a partner in MotleyBeup Group LLC.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Ben Cooper Member of the Jewish War Veterans of America and West Hartford resident. Ben worked at Colt as part of the WWII effort and was a Combat Medic with the U.S. Army's 45th Infantry that liberated Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. Since 1990 he has been speaking about his wartime experience with students in schools throughout our region, to help them better understand our history.
	Lloyd "Fig" Newton Retired four-star General, 34 year career with the U.S. Air Force. Lloyd was a former Thunderbird pilot, congressional liaison officer, and administrative director of operations of the U.S Special Operations Command.
	Ray Dunaway Resident of Avon, and WTIC-AM talk show host who has been involved in this parade since its inception in 2000. Ray has been the superb announcer at the review stand, really making every unit feel acknowledged and important.
Parade Marshals From 2003
Parade Grand Marshals
	Michael Morris Former CEO/President/Chairman, Northeastern Utilities. A longtime supporter of veterans and this parade. Also a former ROTC Brigade Commander.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Connecticut's Tuskegee Airmen Former Tuskegee Airmen, a remarkable group of African Americans who distinguished themselves as the 99th Pursuit Squadron. The squadron was later incorporated into the U.S. Army Air Corps 332nd Fighter Group, who fought during World War II. Included Edward Hall and Connie Nappier.
	Linda Spoonster Schwartz Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, State of Connecticut. Linda was a member of the U.S Air Force Nurse Corps from 1968 to 1986. She has dedicated her post military career to teaching and veteran's issues. Linda has been commended for her leadership on the issue of homeless veterans, Agent Orange and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Parade Marshals From 2002
Parade Grand Marshals
	Dick Booth President and CEO of the Hartford Steam Boiler. Richard is a member of the Boards of St. Francis Hospital, the American Insurance Association (AIA), The Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education, the Florence Griswold Museum and the MetroHartford Alliance, Inc. Additionally, Richard is on the Board and Executive Committee of the Hartford Youth Scholarship Foundation and has been a longtime supporter of the parade.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Terry Giaconne A Gold Star Mother whose son, Air Force Technical Sergeant, John Chapman, was the first CT citizen to die in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, in March 2002. Terry is a resident of Windsor Locks.
Parade Marshals From 2001
Parade Grand Marshals
	Brad Davis Host of the Brad Davis Radio Program on WDRC, co-founder of the parade, and its most loyal & eloquent promoter. Brad is an active member of the Executive Committee and served in the U'S' Marine Corps.
	Marilda L. Gandara President, Aetna Foundation, Founder of the CT Veteran's Day Parade with her son Paul, Marilda is the parade's most ardent supporter.
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Governor and Mrs. John G. Rowland Lieutenant Governor M. Jodi Rell
Parade Marshals From 2000
Honorary Grand Marshals
	Governor and Mrs. John G. Rowland

Connecticut Veterans Parade
c/o CT Veterans Fund
1245 Farmington Avenue, #338
West Hartford, CT 06107
860-986-7254
Copyright 2005-2010 Connecticut Veterans Parade