10/28/2026
Every year, there is one afternoon I look forward to more than almost any other, and last week was it: my 10th Annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. For ten years now, this ceremony has given us the chance to hear the stories veterans don’t often tell: the moments from their service that stayed with them, and what they love most about this country. We had the privilege of honoring 32 remarkable men and women from our region.
Thank you to the families, friends, and community leaders who nominated them and made sure their stories were told. Thank you as well to Local Civil Air Patrol cadets helped usher the veterans, color guards from Canandaigua American Legion Post 256, Shortsville American Legion Post 34, and Marine Corps League Memorial Day Detachment 468, Pastor David Cialini and Heritage Baptist Church, veteran Eric Foster for a beautiful National Anthem, Wayne County Sheriff Rob Milby for leading the Pledge, and to Fort Hill Performing Arts Center for hosting us.
Congratulations and thank you to our 2026 honorees:
ONTARIO COUNTY
Peter Bresette, Canandaigua
Chad Christensen, Canandaigua
Eric Heieck, Geneva
Kenneth Gayhart, Geneva
Charles Hippert, Geneva
David Haag, Geneva
David King, Seneca
Thomas Schwab, Canandaigua
Jim Swing, Canandaigua
Kyle Wirth, Farmington
John Schlesing, Farmington
James Galasso, Farmington
John Cipollina, Canandaigua
David Hefti, Naples
Timothy Brown, Victor
Dakota Orbaker, Seneca
Cierra Pierce, Bloomfield
WAYNE COUNTY
Kay Rathke, Ontario
Scott Peters, North Rose
Thomas Putnam, Williamson
William Gleichauf, Williamson
Eugene Van Deusen, Wolcott
Roger Pritchard, Wolcott
LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Anthony Gaiter, Conesus
Mike Falk, Lima
Robert Ciecierega, Geneseo
Dennis Staley, Geneseo
Brandon Mastin, Springwater
Ted Conrad, Mount Morris
MONROE COUNTY
Luann VanPeursem, Churchville
David Brown, Chili
Richard Gatto, Honeoye Falls
To every veteran in our community: thank you. Your service didn’t end when you came home, and we are so grateful for all you continue to give.
American Legion Canandaigua Post 256
Shortsville American Legion Post 34