HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that 14 veterans have been selected as part of the 20^th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, the state’s official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

This year’s class will be celebrated during an induction ceremony that will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill.

“There are so many veterans from Connecticut who have continued their generosity even after leaving military service by volunteering in their communities and providing leadership that has helped improve the lives of others in many ways,” Governor Lamont said. “The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is a way we can celebrate the many veterans in our state who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have truly made a lasting impact. I congratulate the 14 veterans who are being inducted this year and I thank each of them to everything they have provided to our nation and the State of Connecticut.”

“No words could ever express the deep gratitude we have for the sacrifices and contributions our veterans have made on the battlefield, at home, and around the world,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Not only have our inductees stood up when their nation called and did what needed to be done to protect our families, our nation, and our way of life. But, following their military service, they further demonstrated their commitment to their communities through their volunteer activities and activism. Congratulations to our inductees. We extend our sincere appreciation for your service to our country, for your commitment to your community, and for all your contributions to the State of Connecticut.”

“On behalf of our dedicated staff of professionals at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, we congratulate the fourteen of you on your honorable service and lifelong accomplishments,” Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch said. “You effected a profound impact during your military service, and then pledged unwavering service and volunteerism to our Connecticut communities, including compassionate support and advocacy to our service members, veterans, and families in our great state and beyond. With heartfelt gratitude, we salute you and your lasting contributions. In celebration, we welcome you into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Administered and sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department on behalf of the Office of the Governor, the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 and inducts a new class annually. With the addition of this year’s class, there will now be 215 honorees inducted.

The focus of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is on veterans’ service to their communities after they have left military service. Many of the honorees are veterans who have been leaders in a variety of areas, such as the arts, education, public service, volunteer organizations, and community and business leadership.

The honorees are nominated throughout the year by members of the public, and then a committee – consisting of the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, members of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, and a group of veterans from the state – reviews the nominations and selects inductees.

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces. The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large.

For information on how to nominate a veteran for a future class of inductees, and to read the names and biographies of previous inductees, visit portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame.

The following individuals have been selected as this year’s class for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame:

Cicero B. Booker, Jr. of Waterbury (United States Marine Corps)

Cicero B. Booker, Jr. has had a distinguished career marked by dedicated service both in the military and in civilian life. After serving three years in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

His post-military career began at the Timex Corporation in Middlebury, Connecticut, where he worked as a second chef for four years. Following in the footsteps of his father, Cicero Booker, Sr., who became the first African American police officer in the Waterbury Police Department in 1943, Mr. Booker joined the Waterbury Police Department in 1962. Over a remarkable 33-year career, he rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant, retiring in 1995.

Throughout his life, Mr. Booker has received numerous accolades recognizing his service and dedication. These include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Marksman Medal, Pearl Street Community Center’s Martin Luther King Civil Rights Award, and several others, highlighting his commitment to civil rights, community service, and excellence in his profession.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Booker has been a steadfast advocate for veterans. His efforts have been multifaceted, focusing on direct assistance to Veterans in need, particularly those struggling with homelessness, healthcare, and reintegration into society. His work extends to his role as a panel member of the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole, where he has made significant contributions in helping veterans with bad conduct discharges reintegrate into society and, in many cases, secure pardons.

Currently, Mr. Booker continues to serve his community by working part-time with the Waterbury Adult Education ESL Program, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to education and support for those in need. His life and career stand as testament to his dedication to service, his community, and the well-being of veterans.

Ronald A. Farina of Vernon (United States Marine Corps)

Former Marine Corps Sergeant Ronald A. Farina withdrew from college in December of 1965 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam from early autumn of 1966 through 1967. After a successful business career, Mr. Farina returned to college and in December of 2015, fifty years after leaving college to enlist, he earned the first of two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from Central Connecticut State University, and later an Master of Fine Arts from Western Connecticut State University.

Mr. Farina is the author of four books, “At the Altar of the Past” “Out of the Shadows Voices of American Women Soldiers,” “Who Will Have My Back,” and “Sacrifice, The Final Chapter” released in October of 2024.

His published essays about the human cost of war, “Unsung Heroes,” “Keeping Promises,” and “War Torn,” have appeared in Connecticut Magazine. In 2021, Mr. Farina was awarded the AWP Intro Award for fiction for “At the Altar of the Past,” and The Society of Professional Journalists, Connecticut Chapter first place award for general column magazine feature, for the essay “War Torn.”

Mr. Farina’s writing has brought attention to wounded women soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, also to caregivers of catastrophically wounded veterans from those same wars, and to the families of fallen soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2024, Mr. Farina’s story about Marine Corporal Kelsee Lainhart, wounded at Abbey Gate during America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and paralyzed from the waist down, prompted the Connecticut based Sticks for Soldiers Foundation to choose Kelsee, their first woman to receive the honor in the 18-year history of the foundation, as the Sticks for Soldiers 2024 honoree, awarding her a life-changing financial gift.

Through his writing, Mr. Farina has and continues to advocate for veterans and their families, making their stories known to the everyday American.

He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two golden retrievers, Henry and Preacher.

Anthony J. Gaunichaux, Sr. of Middletown (United States Army)

Master Sergeant Anthony J. Gaunichaux Sr. is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran whose 22 years of service, including two tours in Vietnam, reflect his exceptional leadership and dedication. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he enlisted in the Army after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. Throughout his military career, Mr. Gaunichaux earned numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six Campaigns, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. His commitment to excellence was further exemplified by his recognition with the Expert Missileman and Rifleman Badges and the USASCS Zero-Defect Award.

While serving, Mr. Gaunichaux also pursued higher education, earning a Master of Social Work from Roosevelt University in Zurich, Switzerland, and a bachelor’s degree from Collegiate Institute in London, England. His academic achievements reflect his lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.

After retiring from the Army in 1975, Mr. Gaunichaux made Middletown, Connecticut, his home, where he became a leading figure in local government. As the first Democratic African American member of the Common Council, he broke barriers and served in numerous leadership roles, including chairman of the Welfare Commission, the Arts and Culture Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Anthony was also a key figure in veterans’ organizations, co-founding American Legion Post 206 and serving as District 7 commander, as well as being actively involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition to his civic leadership, Mr. Gaunichaux worked for 21 years with the Connecticut Department of Youth and Family Services (now Department of Children and Families) where his service furthered his legacy of helping others. He is married to Linette W. Gaunichaux, and together they have one daughter, along with two daughters and two sons from his late wife Delois Gaunichaux.

Thomas K. Kanasky, Jr. of Bridgeport (United States Marine Corps)

Thomas K. Kanasky, Jr. was born in Bridgeport. He graduated from Suffern High School in New York. He attended Rockland Community College, and the University of Bridgeport prior to earning his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Arnold College in 1969.

In 1969, he entered the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was an honor graduate of Officer Candidate School and Marine Officer Basic School. He completed Army Ranger School. As an infantry officer, he served at numerous duty stations during four years of active duty. Following active duty, he remained in the reserve, retiring in 1996 as a Colonel. His awards include the Vietnam Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

In 1979, Mr. Kanasky graduated from Pace University School of Law. He was admitted to the State of Connecticut Bar in 1979 and returned to Bridgeport to practice law. He is a former chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. He continues to practice law.

His civic involvement includes serving on Bridgeport’s Charter Revision Commission, Water Pollution Control Commission, as a citywide moderator for elections, chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, and chairman of the World War II and Korean War Memorial Commission.

In the community, he served on the Bridgeport YMCA Board of Managers and the Barnum Festival Committee. He is a longtime member of the Greater Bridgeport Salvation Army Advisory Board and is active in St. George’s Church. He served as president of the Lithuanian Young Men’s Society, and is a former president of the Greater Bridgeport Athletic Association.

Mr. Kanasky is active in veterans organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Marine Corps League. He is the president of the Greater Bridgeport Veterans Council, responsible for coordinating veterans’ activities and events throughout the year.

Lucien H. Lefevre of Enfield (United States Army)

Lucien Lefevre graduated high school in June 1968. He joined the military in March 1969, and served in the Connecticut Army National Guard for 37 years. He is a retired first sergeant. He served in Iraq from October 2004 through October 2005.

Mr. Lefevre is the chairman of Enfield’s Veterans Council, where he coordinates with the town’s leadership for Enfield’s Memorial Day parade, Veterans Day parade, and an annual Navy Ritual Ceremony honoring all veterans lost at sea. He also coordinates an annual Gold Star Luncheon.

Mr. Lefevre currently serves as commander of American Legion Post 154, a position that he has held since 2011. In this role, he organizes an annual Four Chaplains Mass. He established a monthly program visiting veterans at Parkway Pavillion Health and Rehabilitation Center. He worked with Enfield’s leadership and Department of Public Works to coordinated the installation of a monument for an Enfield veteran, and he coordinated, designed, and supervised the placement of the Space Force flag on the Enfield Town Green and the repositioning military branch flag poles. He is a life member of the VFW, DAV, and NCOA.

He is the recipient of the 2018 Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, 2019 Enfield Patriot Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution 2019 Veteran Volunteer of the Year.

Mr. Lefevre worked with Congressman Joe Courtney’s office to notify more than 1,000 Korean War veterans of possible eligibility of the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of South Korea. Additionally, he worked with State Representative Carol Hall to ensure military funerals were fully funded by the State of Connecticut.

He has worked with many organizations such as Wreaths Across America, Special Olympics, Enfield Soup Kitchen, and Cub Scouts. He was a volunteer fire fighter for 15 years.

Mr. Lefevre is married to Pamela Townsend and is the proud father of three adult children and three granddaughters.

Conley F. Monk, Jr. of Hamden (United States Marine Corps)

Conley Ferandus Monk, Jr. was born on September 20, 1948, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He is the oldest of nine children and one of four veterans in his family, including his father, who served in World War II.

After volunteering to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps and serving in Vietnam, Mr. Monk returned home with a less-than-honorable discharge. He spent 45 years fighting to remove this stigma. Upon speaking with other Vietnam veterans who had suffered similar injustices, he decided to organize the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress (NVCFLR). The primary mission of the organization was to empower veterans to upgrade their discharges. Under his leadership, the organization played a pivotal role in the Chuck Hagel memo and was the lead plaintiff in the Magus v. Monk class-action lawsuit, resulting in a mandate allowing Vietnam veterans with PTSD the opportunity to have their discharges upgraded. Mr. Monk also participated in numerous nationwide class-action lawsuits, press conferences, and television appearances, all aimed at bringing attention to not only his case but also those of other veterans facing similar challenges.

Seven years ago, Mr. Monk’s discharge was upgraded to honorable. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a Rifle Marksman Badge.

Although his personal battle has been won, Mr. Monk remains a dedicated advocate for veterans dealing with discharge issues, PTSD awareness, and other wartime-related diseases. He is a born-again child of God, a loving husband, and a proud father of six children, fourteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Donna A. Monteleone of Sandy Hook (United States Army)

Donna Monteleone graduated from New York Polytechnic Institute in 1978 and was in the second class where women were commissioned through ROTC. She served on active duty in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1978 to 1983. She served with the 2^nd Infantry Division in Korea and worked with the White House Communication Agency during President Carter’s visit in 1979.

At Fort Hunter Liggett, California, Ms. Monteleone served as executive officer and was the sole female officer on a joint U.S. Army and Marine Corps Project featuring then-state-of-the-art vehicle mounted TV cameras, lasers, and audio equipment to conduct “war games.”

Ms. Monteleone attended Signal Officer Basic Course and Signal Officer Advanced Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia and Telecommunications Staff Officer College (Joint Branches) at Keesler Air Force Base. During both assignments, she served as International Military Liaison with allied officers from Africa and Middle East.

In 1983, she was hired by Exxon Corporation as senior telecommunications engineer and was assigned as a purchasing agent for telecommunications and computer needs.  In 1990, she was hired by Witco Corporation to oversee the purchase of raw materials to make intermediate products. In 1993, she was offered a promotion to senior purchasing manager at Unilever Corporation in New York, when she met her future husband, Neil P. Randle.

After marrying, they accepted assignments with Unilever in Mexico and the Czech Republic. She was involved in both countries with the U.S. Consul Office as a liaison and advocate for newly arriving Americans.

In 2005, her family moved back to the U.S. and put down roots in the Sandy Hook neighborhood of Newtown, Connecticut.

Ms. Monteleone is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Western Military Officers Association. She has been chairing “Valentines for Troops” for 19 years, which partners with local organizations and schools to create and send cards and care packages to active-duty military members. She is a fervent advocate for veterans in her community who may not be connected to local, federal, or state services. Likewise, she is impassioned about raising awareness on issues affecting female veterans, and has participated in meetings with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.

Lesbia I. Nieves of Manchester (United States Army)

BG (CT, Ret.) Lesbia Nieves was a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard for 36 years (1987-2023). During her years as a commissioned officer, she held various leadership positions, including company commander, recruiting and retention operations and training officer, battalion executive officer, battalion Commander, surface maintenance director, and state safety officer. She also served as the state partnership program director. Ms. Nieves completed a tour at the National Guard Bureau International Affairs Division, and completed her career as the brigade command for the 85^th Troop Command in Niantic, Connecticut. She is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran (2004-2005).

Ms. Nieves holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in counseling and public administration. She has completed numerous military education programs, including the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation and the Command and General Staff College.

She was employed by the State of Connecticut for 29 years, including as a social work supervisor with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families from 1995 to 2018, and as director of residential programs and services with the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs from 2018 until her retirement in 2024.

She is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, and is a current member of the Elks. She serves on the Veterans Advisory Committee in Manchester and is a past president of Hispanic American Veterans of Connecticut. She was co-president of the Connecticut State Veterans Memorial, Inc. from 2009 to 2024. She was a Congressional Gold Medal Committee Member of the 65^th Infantry Regiment from 2012 to 2016 (Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Alliance).  She is past member of Connecticut Community Veterans Engagement Board, South Park Inn, and Brave Minds, which serves veterans impacted by PTSD and TBI.

She is married to Edward Nieves, and together they have three children and two grandchildren.  They reside in Manchester, Connecticut.

William F. O’Brien, Jr. of Stratford (United States Marine Corps)

Bill O’Brien has been a Connecticut resident all his life, mostly in Stratford where he still resides. He is proud of each of his three adult children and his four grandchildren. He is also proud that after graduating from Fairfield Prep, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.

Mr. O’Brien’s most outstanding memories of his Marine Corp experience was his tour in Vietnam in 1967 to 1968 and serving with the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Yorktown, while they recovered the crew of the Apollo 8. He finished service to the United States as a sergeant, and he then obtained a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in business and public administration from the University of New Haven. Mr. O’Brien retired after a combined 40 years of employment and volunteerism at Sterling House Community Center, working as the director of athletics and youth programs, where he was responsible for expanding, enhancing, and developing their youth athletics and youth programs.

He has been active in the Stratford community. He was instrumental in starting the recycling program and served as chairman of the Town of Stratford’s Recycling Committee for numerous years. He coached basketball and soccer at Sterling House and mentored at Franklin Elementary School. Other volunteer activities include serving on the town’s Parks and Recreation Committee, the Stratford Rotary Club, the Stratford Community Fund, Inc., the Stratford Youth Sports Association, the Stratford Beautification Committee, as a member of the Stratford Town Council member from 2017 to 2023, and current service as a member of the Stratford Board of Education.

Mr. O’Brien is a founding member and treasurer of the Stratford Veterans Museum, which opened on November 13, 2021. The museum’s mission is to recognize those veterans from Stratford who have served their country honorably in war and in peace and to act as a repository for their stories. A major goal of the museum is to host school field trips and educate youth in the community.

Stanley J. Prybylski of Southbury (United States Marine Corps) – Posthumously

Stanley James Prybylski was born on October 20, 1944, on a 100-year-old family farm in Danbury, Connecticut, as the eldest and only son with three siblings and many family relatives. He attended local Danbury schools from kindergarten through Grade 12, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Western Connecticut State University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Hartford.

Mr. Prybylski enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Alpha unit from August 1968 to October 1969, during which he was wounded with severe injuries in Quang Tre, Vietnam. He recuperated in Yokosuka, Japan for three months and became a recipient of the Purple Heart.

After a military honorable discharge, Mr. Prybylski began a lifelong career in criminal justice. He was employed by the Danbury Police Department as a police officer, the Connecticut Municipal Police Training Center as a police motor vehicle instructor, the California Department of Corrections as a corrections officer and trainer, and as a probation officer in Bridgeport and Waterbury. Several police and training courses were attended to further the implementation and enhancement of program policies with the passion of justice without judgment.

In addition to public service employment, Mr. Prybylski volunteered in various Southbury civic organizations, including the Beautification Committee, the Jaycees, the Young Republicans, the Conservation Commission, and VFW Post 1607. He volunteered at Southbury school functions and events of his parish of Sacred Heart Church. As a volunteer, he enjoyed subordinate and leadership roles in the organizations he served.

Mr. Prybylski passed away February 17, 2024, at the age of 79 from an extended illness with Parkinson’s disorder, which was diagnosed by the VA.  His legacy of service remains with his wife of fifty years, Linda (Polubinski), as well as four children, six grandchildren, three sisters, and extended families.

Steven A. Ricard of New London (United States Navy)

Steven Ricard, a native of Belmont, New Hampshire, joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1971 at the age of 18. He attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School and was assigned to USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636) Interior Communications Division. He qualified in submarines in August of 1973. Mr. Ricard completed U.S. Navy SCUBA qualifications and was assigned collateral duties as ship’s diver. He detached from Greene in May of 1975 and was assigned to USS Narwhal (SSN 671) and was honorably discharged in September of 1975.

Mr. Ricard joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and served in units supporting Naval Submarine Support Facility at the Naval Submarine Base New London. He was recalled to Active Duty after September 11, 2001, reporting to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base Security Department. In February of 2002, he assumed duties as senior military leader. He was released from Active-Duty July of 2003.

Returning to the Naval Reserves, he attended the Senior Enlisted Academy and assumed duties and responsibilities as Command Master Chief Submarine Reserve Force. Mr. Ricard retired from the Reserves in October of 2005.

As a civilian, he worked as a defense contractor for more than 40 years, supporting both the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired in December of 2018.

During this time, Mr. Ricard was active with New London Little League, Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish Council, and as the team lead for the American Heart Association Annual Walkathon.

He joined U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. in 2000 and served in many leadership roles as base secretary, senior vice commander, membership and Holland Club chairman, and is currently base commander. Additionally, he is the chairman for the New London Veterans Advisory Committee.

Mr. Ricard has been married to his wife Elaine for 47 years. They have three children and three grandchildren and reside in New London, Connecticut.

Scott W. Rosado of Bristol (United States Navy)

Scott W. Rosado is a respected entrepreneur, community leader, and family man whose life is defined by service, dedication, and leadership. For over 35 years, Scott has owned and operated M.R. Homecare, Inc., and a sister company, Quality Homecare LLC, which both provide compassionate and professional homecare services to the elderly throughout Connecticut.

Guided by the vision of its founder, Michalene “Mikki” Rosado, Mr. Rosado ensures the organization continues to deliver exceptional care while fostering dignity and independence for its clients.

Beyond his business endeavors, Mr. Rosado is a driving force in community service. As president of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, he champions initiatives that empower youth and foster meaningful connections within the community. His leadership has helped the organization thrive as a cornerstone for education, mentorship, and recreation.

He also serves as president of Roaring Brook Campground, overseeing a vibrant community of more than 400-unit owners. His hands-on approach has strengthened operations, enhanced infrastructure, and fostered a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.

Married to his wife, Eva, for 28 years, Mr. Rosado is a proud father of three accomplished children – Anthonie serves as the CFO of M.R. Homecare and Quality Homecare; Andrew owns Primo Press, a successful screen printing and embroidery company in Bristol; and Adrianna is completing her APRN degree at Sacred Heart University, continuing the legacy of care established by Michalene Rosado.

Active in veteran and civic organizations, Mr. Rosado dedicates time to the Korean War Veterans Association in Bristol and is a proud member of the American Legion Post 2.

In his free time, he enjoys camping and spending quality moments with his family. His life reflects a deep commitment to service, family values, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he touches.

William J. Stowell of Middlebury (United States Navy)

William (Bill) James Stowell was raised in Middlebury, Connecticut, and became a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve in July 1964 while he was a student at Woodbury High School. He started his career as an enlisted member of the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of chief petty officer. After twelve years of enlisted service, he was promoted to the rank of Ensign Supply Corps under the Limited Duty Officer Program.

Both Mr. Stowell’s enlisted and officer services were in logistics. During his military career, he served on five naval ships, as well as completing two tours in Vietnam, holding two major staff positions. After his first tour with the Seabees, he was assigned as an advisor to the Vietnamese Navy, which required intensive language training. He received numerous medals and awards, including the Meritorious Service medal, three Navy Commendation medals, and three Navy achievement medals. He retired in June of 1988 as a lieutenant commander after 24 years of service.

After retirement from the Navy, Mr. Stowell worked as the business manager for Regional School District 16, managing a $30 million budget and overseeing human resources, food service, transportation, and facilities management. After retirement from Region 16, he was asked to return as a consultant to oversee the building of a $60 million new elementary school.

Mr. Stowell’s service continued for the Town of Middlebury, holding the positions of chairman of the Board of Finance and Planning and Zoning Commission, treasurer of the Library Board, member of the Middlebury Retirement Committee, and veteran member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. He presently serves as the municipal veterans representative for the Town of Middlebury. He has worked tirelessly for the past 35 years at St. George’s Episcopal Church, serving as treasurer, past senior warden, and vestry member. He was honored with being named the church’s first verger in 2013.

He lives in Middlebury with his wife, Karen, and has two children and four grandchildren.

John W. White of Cheshire (United States Navy)

John Warren White is an internationally known author who writes about the human mind and spirituality and their relationship to political, social, and cultural affairs. He has published 20 books, which have been translated into 10 languages. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, Saturday Review, and many other newspapers and magazines around the world.

Mr. White attended Dartmouth College (1961) on an ROTC scholarship, after which he served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965, plus two years reserve time, as a naval officer (LTJG), primarily in antisubmarine warfare and nuclear weaponry, and was awarded the J.C. Expeditionary Force award (Vietnam, 1964).

He earned a master’s degree from Yale University in 1969 and has taught English and journalism on the secondary and college levels and served on the boards of academic and research organizations and of scholarly journals and popular magazines.

From 1965 to 1969, he taught English at Cheshire High School, and then worked in public relations for a Connecticut utility company. In 1972, Mr. White joined Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell to begin The Institute of Noetic Sciences, a research organization. Two years later, he began a career as a freelance writer. In 1981, he joined another Connecticut utility company as a communications specialist.

For decades, Mr. White served as commander of VFW Post 10052, and as a member and chaplain of the American Legion Post 92 and the Army Air Force Roundtable of Connecticut. He spearheaded many patriotic and educational events that taught citizens to love and honor their country, flag, and veterans, and the highest principles they represent. He was heavily active in supporting and advocating for veterans.

Mr. White lives in Cheshire, Connecticut, and has been married to his wife Barbara for more than 60 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren.