The Tribute and Honor Foundation welcomed a record-breaking, sold-out crowd Feb. 7 for its fifth annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville.
The evening brought together veterans, families, first responders, elected officials and community leaders from across Long Island to recognize eight honorees whose service, leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on veterans and the broader community.
“From the very beginning, these awards were created not only to honor our veterans and veteran supporters, but also to shine a light on issues that are deeply important to the veteran community,” said Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, president and founder of the Tribute and Honor Foundation. “Each award category reflects a specific form of service, leadership or advocacy that strengthens our community and ensures veterans are seen, supported and remembered.”
The 2026 honorees included five veterans:
• Peter Carbone, recipient of the Community Service Award, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime member of American Legion Post 1285, who has dedicated more than five decades to veteran advocacy and community service.
• Officer Owen Valance, recipient of the Impact Award, a U.S. Navy veteran and Glen Cove Police Department officer recognized for his continued service and leadership in raising awareness of veterans’ mental health.
• Robert Freeland, recipient of the Volunteer Award, a Vietnam War veteran and commander of Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819, recognized for decades of volunteer leadership.
• Philip Como, recipient of the Leadership Award, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and longtime civic leader.
• Scott Whitting, recipient of the Legacy Award, a U.S. Army Special Forces Vietnam War veteran honored for a lifetime of service to fellow veterans and the broader community.
Also honored were three veteran supporters:
Source: LI Press
