BUFFALO — The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park will host the 6th annual Louis R. Palma Veteran Tribute Awards Ceremony at 1 p.m. in the Hall of Honor located within the Naval Park grounds.
Established in 2010, the awards are named in honor of Louis R. Palma, a lifelong resident of Western New York and active at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park. Palma had a remarkable military career serving in the United States Navy. He saw action in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
This year’s honorees include:
Peter Pilc, Retired Army Master Sergeant (MSG) – Individual Award Recipient
MSG. Pilc, a life member of the 74 /174 Veterans Association, is being honored for his on-going selfless service in support of military families of Western New York. MSG Pilc has worked to establish, and participate in, many veteran initiatives including the Joining Community Forces network that assists veterans and their families during natural disasters. While remaining in service as a mentor for Buffalo’s Veterans Treatment Court, MSG Pilc continues to provide vital assistance in crisis intervention, healthcare, and both dependent and individual ID cards. His most recent involvement includes his work on the WNY Military Lounge at the Buffalo International Airport.
Buffalo News, Local News Department – Organization Award Recipient
The Buffalo News Local News Department is being recognized for their considerable coverage of veterans through their regular Monday news series, “Saluting Our War Heroes.” Lou Michel, the veterans’ investigative reporter, covers their personal heroic stories. The Buffalo News Local News Department and Michel devote considerable time researching and interviewing our retired military to recount the life narratives of those who have served our country. Together, their efforts help to raise awareness for the veteran community and garner support for their causes.
Dr. John B. Long, Army Staff Sergeant, World War II Veteran First Infantry (Big Red 1) Chairman’s Award Recipient
Dr. John Long is being recognized as the 2016 Chairman’s Award for his years of veteran support within the community. Following his service in World War II, he became a member of the American Legion Milton J. Broundshidle Post, and served as chair of the Town of Tonawanda’s annual Memorial Day Parade for five years. As a proud and honored veteran of the U.S. Army, Dr. Long remains an active Big Red 1 alumnus, often traveling the country in support of the Armed Forces. Dr. Long’s continued active involvement within the community places him front and center for veterans’ events throughout the region. Rarely does he miss the opportunity to support a veterans’ event, proudly displaying The Society of the First Infantry Division on his Naval and Military Park hat.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is slated to be among those on hand at the 1 p.m. ceremony.
The Buffalo Naval Park is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Buffalo Naval Park welcomes more than 70,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and from more than 100 countries.
