We Salute Those Who Serve - Tribute Wall

This virtual tribute wall is to honor and memorialize the accomplishments, experiences and stories of veterans, service members, first-responders, or a working dog or service dog team by showing the world that “we stand by them” in unity on and off the front-lines. To learn more about this program, please contact Jennifer Gisler, Chief Growth Officer at (631) 930-9057 Jennifer.Gisler@VetDogs.org.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis

A recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his valiant service.  He was K.I.A. in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013. 

Sponsored by:
The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

Allan Repp

Beginning in 1965, Allan Repp served 4 honorable years of service in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating from Eastport High School on Long Island, NY, Repp was eager to serve our country and enlisted at the age of 18. He went on to train in infantry in Parris Island, North Carolina, and Key West, where he picked up MOS 0311 and a second MOS as Engineer. On the day of Repp’s 21st birthday, he arrived in Vietnam at the start of the Tet Offensive, and continued on to serve as Combat Engineer for 1st Engineer Battalion. Repp also served on the USS Tripoli and the USS Valley Forge for 6 months and participated in 13 combat operations with the 7th Marine Regiment. 
 
During his service, Repp exemplified noticeable leadership and valor. He has since received numerous well-deserved medals for his valiant service, including Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, National Defense, Combat Action, Security Guard, Navy/USMC Accommodation w/Combat V, and Good Conduct. Today, he continues to show his passion of serving our country by actively volunteering at his local church, participating in the Marine Corp League, and serving on the board of the Eastport America Legion as former Commander and Chaplain.

Sponsored by: Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP 

Sergeant First Class Keith C. Martel (1978-2017)

SFC Martel served his country for a total of 23 years serving five combat tours, four in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  He enlisted in the Army in March of 1996 where he attended basic training, Airborne and Ranger school.  He served with the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment before being selected to attend Special Forces Qualification. Upon completion of the Special Forces Q course, he received orders to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces group in Fort Carson, Colorado.  He served as the Senior Medical Sergeant and Instructor in the 10th Group in support of Operation New Dawn in his 5th tour. Last assignment he was personally selected in 2014 to serve as the S3X Special Activities Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces (Airborne) where he contributed immeasurably to the command’s success at tactical, operational and strategic levels.

THE PERSON
Keith Craig always the first for family and friend followed by his love for his furry family.  In difficult challenging times his coined go to phrase was “…it’s like herding cats”. One of his favorite activities in Germany was singing karaoke with his tremendous voice and love of music as a key part of his life. He was also a fan of the Minions in the Despicable Me movies.

AWARDS
SFC Martel’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.   

Sponsored by:  Keith & Kelley Martel 
SFC Martel is also shown here with his father CSM Keith F. Martel taken in an operating base in Balad, Iraq where they jointly served in 2004-5

Kathleen (Kat) Madden

Kathleen (Kat) Madden served four years in the US Army and was a SPC5 at the time of her honorable discharge.  Her awards included:  Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.  She was an NCMS member for more than 20 years, serving the organization and the Industrial Security community with passion. Kat served on the National Board of Directors for six years and supported the NCMS Mentoring program since its inception because, as a veteran herself, Kat was especially passionate about supporting military service members and their transition from Active duty to civilian life; including creating opportunities and a pathway into the Industrial Security job field via mentoring, networking and communicating these opportunities.  However, Kat felt that her greatest accomplishment was being a single mom to her son E-8 Corey Madden, serving in the US Army like his mom.  She was an avid supporter of America’s VetDogs and its mission and is greatly missed by all those who knew her.   

Sponsored by: NCMS
Anthony Galgano, Jr.
Anthony Galgano, Jr.  studied business at Hofstra University where he enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps graduating as an officer in 1966.  He enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years.  When he returned home, he hosted many parties on the sand outside Jones Beach Amphitheater and moved on to opening Fellingham’s Restaurant in Southampton and Wilson’s Garage, which became Casey’s in Westhampton Beach along with a number of other establishments.

In April of 1970, Anthony was well known as a part owner of the famous Boardy Barn in Hampton Bays, NY whose generosity and kindness had no limits.  He was an avid supporter of the community through fundraisers, organizations and clubs always finding a way to help veterans, animals and the local kids.  He was loved and embraced by the Hampton Bays community.

Sponsored by:  The Hampton Bays Lions Club 
This tribute is dedicated to all Veterans and First Responders. Thank you for your service!

One of Dr. Mascia's passions is to support our veterans and first responders. He strongly believes in giving back to those who protect and serve our Country. He thanks them for their service.

Sponsored by: Philip R. Mascia, DDS

SSG Edward R. Buvarsky
October 29, 1930 - October 17, 2006

U.S. Army-Korean War
Fire Chief-North Thompsonville Fire Department, Enfield, CT

Edward was an amazing person who joined the North Thompsonville Fire Department in 1959, and served as chief of the department for 25 years, retiring in 1990. He was responsible for the implementation of the 911 Emergency Program for the Town of Enfield, and was one of the first E.M.T.s in the community. He also organized the Enfield Fire Chiefs Association, and served as president of the association for several years.

Sponsored by: Supreme Auto Service Center, Somers, CT