Tribute to Veterans Gala

#Salute: Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland was the venue for the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania’s A Tribute to Veterans Gala Thursday night. Former Steeler and decorated Vietnam War hero Rocky Bleier emceed the program which began with a strolling dinner, silent auction and raffle. The Vietnam Veterans Inc. Color Guard assisted in the opening ceremony and Salute to Services in the following dinner. Don Accamando of the Office for Military and Veteran Students accepted the Community Partner Award on behalf of Duquesne University. The Corporate Leader Award went to the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, however, since everyone associated with the Penguins were watching them win the Prince of Wales cup, VLPWP director, Ben Stahl (with Desarae Henderson), accepted for the foundation. Clare Burns, the sister of the late PLCpl William Prom, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969 received the Veteran of the Year Award in his honor. Officer Scott Bashioum was given the Chairman’s Award posthumously. His wife Ashley and daughter Catherine accepted the award.

#PayingTribute: Among those applauding heroism and military service were event chair Bob Fragasso, VLPWP board chair Joe Lucot, Army Col. (retired) James Danna III and his wife Army Cpt. Jamie Danna, Air Force Special Forces Col. Doug Lengenfelder, Melissa Ernst, Marty Kuhar, Randy Levander, Ryan Brandt, Marion Ferguson, Air Force Master Sergeant Christophe Harden with Emily and Joe Lagana.