Shelton veteran honored at West Point ceremony

Shelton resident Alfred Meadows, center, recently received the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award from Brigadier General Timothy E. Trainor, left, and Brigadier General J. T. Thomas III during a ceremony at West Point. / Submitted photo

Congratulations go out today to veteran Alfred Meadows of Shelton who recently was presented with two medals in a ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

From a press release:

Forty-one Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, and Seymour residents have participated in at least one of Operation Gift Card's two-day trips to visit the wounded troops at the Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda, Md. 

Their participation helped guarantee the success the program which has led to the program receiving two awards recently.

Alfred Meadows, the creator and coordinator for Operation Gift Cards, received two awards April 8 at the West Point Military Academy.

The Corporation for National and Community Service presented Meadows with the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award that included a congratulatory letter from President Obama and a lapel pin with the White House insignia.

He was also presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a “West Point Volunteer Recognition” Medallion from West Point Brigadier General J. T. Thomas III for his volunteer efforts in creating and coordinating Operation Gift Cards for wounded troops.

Seventy-one organizations have co-sponsored the 120 visits to the Walter Reed while delivering over $956,050 in post exchange gift cards and corporate donations to the wounded troops and their families. 

The Shelton residents are: Scott Alconfora, George Bashura, Lynne Bashura, Joanne Brejwo, Kas Brejwo, Clarence Douglas, Matt Frovarp, Josh Frovarp, Nick Frovarp, Jim Frovarp, Jim Garman, Poncho Martinez, Robert Muoio, Bob Perchard, Josh Phillips, Mary Porter, Roberto Santos, Nancy Stahl, Karen Stracquadanio, Dean White, and Bernie Williams.

The Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour residents are: Scott Alconfora, George Bashura, Lynne Bashura, Joanne Brejwo, Kas Brejwo, Clarence Douglas, Matt Frovarp, Josh Frovarp, Nick Frovarp, Jim Frovarp, Jim Garman, Poncho Martinez, Robert Muoio, Bob Perchard, Josh Phillips, Mary Porter, Roberto Santos, Nancy Stahl, Karen Stracquadanio, Dean White, and Bernie Williams.

The Connecticut and Rhode Island Red Cross produced a three-minute video describing Operation Gift Cards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIR9dV4uc4g&feature=youtu.be

Operation Gift Cards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Gift-Cards/348033711897771

For additional information about Operation Gift Cards contact Meadows at al.meadows@snet.net.