Queens Tribune

Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored five city leaders at his annual Veterans’ Recognition event Nov. 29, including Bernard Thompson of the Jamaica VFW. The event was co-sponsored with the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, American Legion of the State of New York and Rolling Thunder, Chapter 1, New York.

“Tonight, we pay tribute to all of the men and women of our armed forces, those who served in the past and those who are serving now,” Thompson said. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who are serving abroad, who risk their lives every day and endure long absences from their families. We owe them more than words; we owe them respect, honor and the support they need to come home safe and soon.”

Thompson presented the first award of the evening to veteran and community leader Peter De Angelis, who served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, and was assigned to the 7th Division, 32nd Regiment in Korea, where he advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the Purple Heart for wounds he received in combat. He is past County Commander of the Kings County American Legion, has held numerous leadership positions with the organization, and served as Post Commander of the William P. Mooney Post 2652 of Veterans of Foreign Wars. De Angelis currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade.

“Peter De Angelis has worked tirelessly on behalf of the men and women of the military, and has contributed greatly to the quality of life in our city,” Thompson said.

The second award went to Gene Doughty, National Director of Montford Point Marine Association’s scholarship program, as well as the organization’s past National President. Doughty was among the first 100 African American recruits selected from New York City to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In 1944, he was assigned to the 36th Marine Depot Company, serving as Squad Leader, 1st Squad, 1st Platoon at Camp Caitlin, Pearl Harbor. Doughty served alongside assault forces on Iwo Jima on D-Day, and, after the war, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

“Gene Doughty has served this country with distinction, and demonstrated extraordinary commitment to meeting the needs of New York City veterans,” Thompson said.

Firefighter and Coast Guard Officer Francesca Smith received the next award. Smith has been a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department since 2002. Before that, she was a police officer for five years. She has done extensive work as a leader in training programs for both organizations. She is also a member of the United States Coast Guard, serving as a Port Security Officer as part of the Coast Guard’s Tactical Security Operations. Last year, she advanced to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Thompson praised Smith for her “immeasurable contributions to the safety and security of our city and our nation.”

The final honoree of the evening was veteran and community leader Bernard “Ben” Thompson. Mr. Thompson is State Outreach Chairman, and past State Commander of the New York chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also has been Acting State Chaplain since 1998. Mr. Thompson enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served one tour of duty as a Weapons Specialist/Heavy Ordinance with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Vietnam. In 1980, he joined the VFW “United States at Proctor-Hopson” Post 1896 in Jamaica, and eventually became Post Commander. He continues to serve as Post Quartermaster. Thompson also works for the Department of State, serving as Chief of the Import Section in the New York Dispatch Agency.

“Ben Thompson has served this country with distinction, and demonstrated extraordinary commitment to meeting the needs of New York City veterans,” said the Comptroller.