The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Champions of rights, dignity
Ruffin Legion Post to honor vets with gala, awards
MIDDLETOWN — Fifteen individuals will be recognized next month when the Harry Ruffin Jr. American Legion Post 206 hosts its fifth annual veterans recognition day gala and banquet, honoring local men and women who served in the Gulf War/Desert Storm in Afghanistan and Iraq. Post 206 presents veterans recognition citations annually from U.S. Sens. Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy, the state Veterans Administration, governor’s and Middletown mayor’s offices and American Legion Department of Connecticut to those who have distinguished themselves by conducting their daily lives with open-mindedness and respect, according to a press release.
These veterans are also noted for showing leadership by example, and diligence in their fight for veterans rights and dignity, according to the Ruffin Post, which was founded in 2006.
This year recipients are: John M. Botti, VFW B583, U.S. Army; American Legion Post 206, U.S. Marine Corps vets Vincent Jordan and David Brown; Wesleyan University Veterans Group members Ryan Polk, U.S. Army; Daniel Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps, Lasette Barrow, U.S. Army; and Lance Williams, U.S. Army; Middletown residents and U.S. Army vets Tabu West, Kisha West and Grady Fitzpatrick Jr.; American Legion Post 206 vets Theodore Freedman Jr., U.S. Navy; Carolyn Ann Barr, U.S. Army; and Rosellen K. Duncan/Phillip, U.S. Army; Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace, American Legion Post 75, U.S. Navy; and Kelvin Wilson, American Legion Post 206, U.S. Air Force.
The keynote speaker will be Maj. Alyssa Kelleher, UConn University Director, Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs. Kelleher, who was enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard before contracting with Army ROTC while attending UConn, graduated magna cum laude from UConn in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in politi-
cal science.
She served on active duty until returning in 2007 to the Connecticut National Guard. Kelleher deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. Her awards include two Bronze Star Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Kelleher continues to serve in the Connecticut National Guard, as commander of the Connecticut National Guard’s Officer Candidate School.
Post 206 Veterans Day banquet co-chairperson, 2nd Vice Commander Rosellen Duncan/Phillips, said she is pleased to welcome Kelleher to the event.
“I’m proud to have such a dynamic woman, known both statewide and nationally for her tireless work, dedication and civic engagement in promoting understanding and respect within our communities among and for veterans and their families,” Duncan/Phillips said in a prepared statement.
The event will be held Nov. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell. The reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 6.
For tickets, contact Duncan/Phillips at 860-9979399 or roseduncan10@gmail.com, or William White at 860-510-3654 or abawhite@aol.com.