Frederick A. Allen Corporal Frederick A. Allen Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1968 in Auburn, New York for a Two-Year

Frederick A. Allen

Corporal Frederick A. Allen enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1968 in Auburn, New York for a two-year tour. Upon completion of basic training at Parris Island and infantry training regiment at Camp Geiger, Frederick joined Charlie Co. 13th Engineer Battalion, 5th Marine Division and then transferred to 1st Marine Division where he served as a combat engineer.

Frederick began serving in Vietnam in 1969. His first detail was in An Hoa sweeping the road with a metal detector for mines and booby traps, every day for 30 days. As a demolition expert, his first attachment was with the 5th Marines.

With the 5th Marines, Frederick was part of the operation in “Dodge City,” so called by troops because of its “shoot-em-up” characteristics. The area 10 miles south of Da Nang was familiar ground for the Marines. It was about five miles wide and three miles long.

Frederick said “Dodge City” and “The Arizona Territory” were dreadful places during his tour in Vietnam, the former rife with booby traps and the latter rife with aggressive enemy forces.

Frederick spent his last three months of deployment in Da Nang, where he taught demolition school. He instructed incoming Marines on identifying different booby traps, punji pits, and unexploded ordnances, and taught the proper use of C-4 explosives to help mitigate and eliminate the threat to our troops.

CORPORAL FREDERICK A. ALLEN, U.S. MARINE CORPS (NOMINATED BY ANTHONY COLELLA)

Anthony Martin “Marty” DeFasio

Private Martin DeFasio began his military service in the U.S. Army in 1945 at the age of 17. He started his basic training in Camp Kilmer and then went to Fort Crowder for his training as a radio technician. Upon graduation, Marty was assigned to the European Theatre and served the rest of his time in France, Germany and finally, Austria.

Upon his return to the U.S., he completed his high school education, went to Brooklyn College, and then enrolled in the New York Institute of Photography where he graduated with honors. While pursuing a career in photography, Marty became interested in manufacturing and began working in the machine industry. In 1984, he opened his own machine shop, GEM Screw Machine Company, in Auburn, New York, where he still works part-time with the new owners.

In 1950, Marty married his first wife, Reva Close. The couple had two sons and celebrated 57 years of marriage until her death in 2007.

Marty met his second love, Barbara, and the two were married in 2009. Marty is an avid motorcyclist and an active member of Cayuga County ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education). In 2019, he decided to celebrate his 91st birthday by taking Barb on his Honda Trike to the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. The trip took them through 12 states and covered over 6,000 miles. Marty is also an avid shooter and competes weekly in sporting clay and skeet shooting.

PRIVATE ANTHONY MARTIN DEFASIO, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY THAMES NOLAN)

Edward D. Laraway

Specialist Edward D. Laraway enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1965 for a four-year enlistment in the Army Security Agency. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey then attended the USASA Training Center at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Edward trained as a morse interceptor and finished first in his class.

At his assignment at Fort Wolters, Texas, he found out that he was being sent to Vietnam in the 330th RRU. Edward boarded a troop ship in Seattle, Washington for a 17-day voyage to Quy Nhon, then by air to Pleiku. At Pleiku, his mission was to provide both strategic and tactical signal intelligence on the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong units to the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Cavalry Division and other combat units in the First Field Force area. Edward served in Vietnam from 1966-1967.

After Vietnam, Edward was assigned to the U.S. Army Field Station in Hakata, Japan. There, he monitored radio communications and gathered signal intelligence on China, North Korea, and other East Asian countries.

For his military service, Edward received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and New York State Medal for Merit.

Edward and his wife, Cynthia made their home in Auburn, New York, where they raised two children. Edward was hired by the City of Auburn Fire Department and served 35 years, retiring as Assistant Chief in 2004. He also served as a New York State Fire Instructor and department head of Cayuga County 911.

SPECIALIST EDWARD D. LARAWAY, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY CYNTHIA LARAWAY)

Blair MacDonald

Corporal Blair MacDonald joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2000 and served in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (Weapons Company). In 2001, he took part in Fleet Week. In 2002, Blair was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and in 2003, was deployed to Iraq where he was stationed for six months.

For his service, Blair has received a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Certificate of Commendation, and a Meritorious Mast Award.

In May 2008, Blair joined the Cornell University Police Department, where he continues to work today. He is a New York State DCJS Firearms Instructor, New York State DCJS Field Training Officer, member of the Cornell Police Honor Guard, and part of the Cornell Police Recruitment Team where he serves as liaison for prospective veteran hires.

Blair has proudly served his country and his community. For the past eight years, Blair has participated in “Soldier’s Story” at Ithaca High School. He is a den leader for Cub Scout Pack 48 in Lansing, has been a volunteer soccer coach in the Lansing Recreation Department, is a member of the Lansing Rod and Gun Club, and is a lifelong member of the VFW.

Corporal MacDonald has the great support of his wife, Jessica and their children, MacKenzie, Jackson, Adeline and Gweneviere.

CORPORAL BLAIR MacDONALD, U.S. MARINE CORPS (NOMINATED BY ERIC STICKEL)

Karen A. Macier

Sergeant Specialist First Class Karen Macier served in the Women’s Army Corps active duty from 1974-1980, and in the Army Reserve from 1980-1995, serving in Saudi Arabia during both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During her time in the service, she was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Karen is dedicated to the advancement of women at home and abroad. She has been an active member of Zonta International for 38 years, serving in various leadership roles within Zonta Club of Auburn, including past president, first District 2 Governor, chair of the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Committee, and vice chair of Zonta International Foundation Development Committee.

Karen is the past president and founder of the Women’s Fund through the Community Foundation of Tompkins County; steering committee member for ABC Cayuga; board member for CAP Community Action; past president and active member of the Auburn Rotary Club; and has served on the boards of Auburn Education Foundation, Cayuga Community Health Network, and Auburn Chamber Orchestra.

Karen earned her B.A. from Eisenhower College and her M.A. in labor and public policy from SUNY Empire State College. She has extensive experience as a certified fundraising executive and has worked in various development roles including public relations and alumni affairs for 17 years at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She is the former executive director of Seneca County United Way, and former director of program development at East Hill Medical. She is currently the executive director of the Cayuga County United Way.

Karen has played a lead role in developing the Cayuga County COVID-19 Community Assessment authorized by the Cayuga County Legislature earlier this year, and will play a crucial role in moving recommendations of the assessment forward. Through Karen’s leadership, the United Way has expanded its reach throughout Cayuga County, and has developed resources to help nonprofits weather the pandemic and respond to growing community needs.

SGT. SPECIALIST FIRST CLASS KAREN MACIER, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY TRICIA KERR) Louis F. Patti Specialist Louis F. Patti is a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served our nation during the Vietnam War. While in the military, Specialist Patti received the Army Good Conduct Medal; Expeditionary Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon; New York State Medal of Merit; New York State Conspicuous Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; and, the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon leaving the military in 1964, Lou returned to his hometown of Auburn, New York to marry Christine and raise their three children. He became very active in Vietnam veterans organizations and activities.

Lou has been a remarkable ambassador for Vietnam veterans and continues to contribute to the veteran community and the common good of the nation. He has been actively involved in the celebration of veterans’ accomplishments and in the commemoration of their sacrifice. For the past several years, Lou has graciously accepted the responsibility of representing veterans at commemorative ceremonies and events in the community.

For 12 years, Lou honorably served as president of Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 704. He has been a vital part of a multi-year project to create and dedicate a Cayuga County Vietnam Veterans Memorial for the county’s fallen heroes.

Lou has also worked with the Quilters of the Finger Lakes to make and distribute personalized, handmade quilts to county veterans. He also developed and organized the annual “Poppy Campaign” in Cayuga County. Lou has worked diligently for many years to coordinate the law enforcement escort for the Vietnam Veterans Tribute Ride in Auburn and Cayuga County, and has served as the lead Color Guard and rider in the Tribute Ride.

SPECIALIST LOUIS F. PATTI, U.S. ARMY (NOMINATED BY LYNNE MULCAHEY & DR. LINDY TOWNSEND)

Ernesto E. Rivera

Ernesto E. Rivera started his military career in the U.S. Air Force in October 1966 when he enlisted as a security policeman. He served in the Republic of Vietnam where he distinguished himself by meritorious service as an armored Car Commander, 377th Security Police Squadron, from December 20, 1968 to December 17, 1969.

Ernesto’s knowledge and skill in the operation of the armored car, used for sector patrol, played a significant role in maintaining the security of vital resources in the area. These resources were subject to constant threat of sabotage and ground attacks. Upon completion of this duty in Vietnam, Ernesto returned to Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California, and was honorably discharged from active duty on October 3,1970. He remained a member of the Air Force Reserve until he was discharged on August 11, 1972.

Ernesto enlisted in the New York Army National Guard on July 20, 1976 and was assigned to HHC 1-108th Infantry (Mech.). Over the next 11 years, he progressed to the rank of E-7 and served in numerous and diverse assignments such as senior light vehicle driver, reenlistment NCO, Senior Personnel Services Sergeant, Personnel Staff NCO, and Platoon Sergeant.

In February 1987, Ernesto was selected to be TOW Platoon Sergeant of the Combat Company in Auburn, New York where he served until August 1987, when he was selected as Acting First Sergeant for Co. E 1-108th Infantry (Mech), 1st Brigade, 42nd Infantry Division in Cortland, New York. He was then promoted to E-8 in November 1988 and continued to serve as First Sergeant for Co. E until December 1993. From 1994 to 2004, Ernesto continued with successful command tours in Cortland, Ithaca and Auburn.

After the events of 9/11, Ernesto served over 240 days active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle on various homeland security missions. He was selected by the Brigade Commander to be the NCOIC of a security detachment at nuclear power plant Indian Point in Buchanan, New York. He served on state active duty while performing duties as 1SG for HHC until he was selected in March 2004 to lead Charlie Battery 1- 258 FA as a Military Police Security Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In September 2005, Ernesto was selected to be the Operations NCO for the 222nd Military Police Company in Auburn.

Throughout his career, First Sergeant Rivera received many commendations and awards. With the support of his wife, Annette and his children, he served his country with honor for over 36 years.

FIRST SERGEANT ERNESTO E. RIVERA, U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (NOMINATED BY ANNETTA RIVERA) Jerome P. Rizzo

In 1991, Lieutenant Colonel Jerome Rizzo began his 21-year, highly distinguished military career in the U.S. Marine Corps. He attended the TOPGUN and Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Courses, receiving every possible F/A-18 flight leadership designation. Later, Jerry was selected as one of four Marine Corps F/A-18 aviators to serve as a TOPGUN Instructor.

Jerry’s military service included volunteering as a Forward Air Controller in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; deployment in the peace enforcement operations in Kosovo; and, participation in Operation Strengthen Hope, the 2006 evacuation of American and Allied citizens from Lebanon.

Jerry has received numerous awards for service, including the Daughters of the American Colonists Honor Award; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and Achievement Medals; NATO Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; National Defense Medal; and, Kosovo Campaign Medal along with a Presidential Unit Citation.

Jerry was a passionate and talented football coach. His career began at the Delbarton School in New Jersey and included coaching at Williams College, University of California at Berkeley, Ithaca College, and Cornell. In 2002, Jerry was assigned to the United States Naval Academy as a physical education instructor and varsity sprint football coach. He received the Naval Academy’s 2002 Varsity Coach of the Year award.

Jerry passed away on April 11, 2017 at the age of 52, following a heroic battle with brain cancer.

Jerry was extraordinary and undeniably accomplished. His devotion and unconditional love for his family and friends will be remembered forever.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JEROME RIZZO, U.S. MARINE CORPS (NOMINATED BY TONY LOMBARDO)

Mark A. Wilmot

Master Chief (SEAL) Mark Wilmot enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1990. After basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, he completed hospital corpsman training at the Naval Training Center. Upon graduation, he was detailed to San Diego, California, then Coronado, California, where he graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/School (BUD/S) training in 1991, becoming a Navy SEAL.

In the 30 years that followed, Master Chief Wilmot served with the 2nd Force and Battalion Reconnaissance Marines, SEAL Team FOUR, Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development Squadrons ONE and TWO, and is a Plank Owner of Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development Squadron TWO.

Master Chief Wilmot served on the executive staff at the Joint Task Force National Capital Region as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Operations and National Security Process Engagement Team in Arlington, Virginia. His last command was the Joint Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he served as the Operations and Training Senior Enlisted Advisor.

During his career, Master Chief Wilmot has served as a Special Warfare Operator, Senior Naval Parachutist, Combat Swimmer, Special Operations Medic, Field Medical Service Tech, and a graduate of the National Senior Enlisted Academy and Special Ops Independent Duty Corpsman school.

Master Chief Wilmot became a seasoned Combat Leader in Special Operations completing over 18 combat deployments with distinction. He was actively engaged in the planning and execution of hundreds of critical national security initiatives both at home and abroad. Master Chief Wilmot has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our country, our freedom, and our way of life.

For his service, Master Chief Wilmot received a Silver Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Bronze Star Medal with Valor (four awards); Bronze Star Medal (two awards); Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards); Army Achievement Medal; and, various unit and campaign awards.

Master Chief Wilmot retired from the U.S. Navy and moved back to his native Cayuga County.

MASTER CHIEF MARK A. WILMOT, U.S. NAVY (NOMINATED BY SHERIFF BRIAN SCHENCK)