U.S. Rep. Himes, State Sen. Hwang Honor Fairfield’s Next Generation of Military Men and Women

FAIRFIELD – The next generation of U.S. military volunteers received a special thank you May 26 as federal, state and local elected leaders joined the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors for its annual “Our Community Salutes” tribute.

Held at the Fairfield Senior Center, the event honored graduates of schools in town who have enlisted in one of the branches of military. U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) presented each student with an American flag that had been flown over our nation’s Capitol, while state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28) gave each a congratulatory letter from Fairfield’s state legislative delegation and First Selectman Michael Tetreau presented each with a citation from the town.

In their remarks, both Rep. Himes and Sen. Hwang acknowledged the brave and admirable decision the young men and women made to serve our country, and thanked the parents, who had instilled their children with the family values and love for country that truly sets them apart.

“I am honored to take part in this ceremony,” Rep. Himes said. “We are all grateful for your commitment to your country and will keep you in our thoughts as you embark on this brave journey of service.”

“I am incredibly proud of these Fairfield residents who are carrying on a great American tradition by responding to the higher calling to serve and protect our country in the United States military service,” Sen. Hwang said. “They have already made their families, our community and our nation proud.”

Thomas Dubrosky, a Vietnam veteran who works as the Chief of Staff in the First Selectman’s Office, also offered some advice to the honored graduates. He was among about a half-dozen veterans who attended the ceremony to show their support.

Judy Higgins and Martha Beale, co-chairs of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors Military Support, which organizes the annual “Our Community Salutes” event, also extended their appreciation and great sense of pride to the graduates.

The newly enlisted military men and women from Fairfield are:

• Andrew Chimento, United States Air Force (Notre Dame High School)
• Colin Ihlefeld, United States Merchant Marine Academy (Fairfield College Preparatory School)
• Sophie Kay, United States Coast Guard (Fairfield Ludlowe High School)
• John LaRusso, United States Air Force (Fairfield Ludlowe High School)
• Yiorgo Proskinitopoulos, United States Marine Corps (Fairfield Warde High School)
• Matthew Coppola, United States Army – The Citadel (Fairfield Warde High School)
• David Elmore, United States Navy (Fairfield Ludlowe High School)
• RaQuashia Jones, United States Marine Corps (Fairfield Ludlowe High School)
• Zack Jones, United States Navy (Fairfield Warde High School)
• Jack Taubl, United States Marine Corps – Rutgers ROTC (Fairfield College Preparatory School)