DAVID LEVITAN, FSO-FN, MA 13-13 HONORED

It was a peaceful day on September 12, 2004 as a cool breeze blew through the hanger at The American Airpower Museum  at Republic Airport. We all assembled to honor 40 men who served our country in wartime from all branches of our Armed Services. As the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band played, the procession of honorees took their seats as the ceremony began. We in Division 13 came to see our comrade, David Levitan of Flotilla 13-13, receive  the Conspicuous Service Cross and the Conspicuous Service Star for his service in the U.S. ARMY during the Vietnam War. Dave had served in the 101^st Airborne where he, like the others, fought to defend the liberties for which we so often take for granted.  After the Presentation of the Colors and the National Anthem, we were all welcomed by New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. who was instrumental in establishing this Veterans Awards Ceremony. He reminded us to never forget what these men and others sacrificed for their country and our freedoms. He then introduced the Keynote Speaker, Congressman Peter T. King who has long been an advocate of our Armed Forces. He too spoke of the bravery shown by these men and the honors that they were deserving of for their duty.  As the presentation of the awards proceeded, I, as I am sure others, thought of the challenges and horrors that these men faced during their respective tours of duty. Now they were to be immortalized as a part of our history. The setting was so appropriate as we were surrounded by remnants of America’s Air Power.  The roar of engines in the background only added to the atmosphere of the day as planes took off and landed on the runway immediately outside our hanger.  The ceremony was closed by Senator Fuschillo,  again thanking these men for their service. The Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band then marched in once more to play God Bless America. We then all joined for refreshments and more photo ops with our own hero, DAVID LEVITAN. 

USCG & AUX MEMBERS PRESENT:
CDR John Felker DIRAUX  
Dick Mullare RCO-GRU/MOR elect
Hal Marschall DCP 13
Ken Sommers VCP-13
Joe O’Leary FC 13-13 & Rita Shaver VFC 13-13
USCGAUX FLIGHT CREW: Steve Trupkin & Greg Keshishian
Members Flotilla 1313, Ron Tomo  Steve Fusco  Linda O’Leary Regina Wagner   Joe DeCarlo   George Lang  Dave Chandler  Nancy Nesin  Bill Walter,Jr.
Stu Cohen Vinny Porsella.

By Ronald A. Tomo, FSO-CM, MT 13-13
Images, Ken Sommers VCP-13
click on images to enlarge