Gerald Gorski's Speech for Patriots Pen, Voice of Democracy & Teacher of the Year"

"Comrades, Auxiliary members, distinguished educators, proud parents, and guests, thank you all for being here as we recognize the amazing accomplishments of the real VIP guests here today … the inspiring and impressive middle and high school Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Teacher of the Year Winners.  Let us give these exceptional young people and teachers a big round of applause for all they have accomplished. 

I would like to begin by thanking Post Commander Butch Ogden, Post Quartermaster George Wygant and Auxiliary President Tonya Ogden for inviting me to take part in this very special event.

It is with immense pride and great honor that we gather here today to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our young contestants, who through their thoughtful and inspiring words have proven that as future leaders of our great nation, we will be in very capable hands.

When I read this year’s essay entries answering the Voice of Democracy theme "Is America Today our Forefathers’ Vision,” and Patriot’s Pen theme "My Voice in Today’s Democracy,” I was more impressed than I thought possible by the thoughtful, insightful, and eloquent writings of our nation’s youth. Their ability to demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for patriotism and the values our country was founded on is truly inspiring. Their words serve as a true beacon of hope for our future.

  

As a very important part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth audio-essay scholarship programs are more than competitions. With hundreds of thousands of high school and middle school students participating every year, our programs are universally recognized as among the finest and most generous scholarship programs in the nation … providing an amazing platform for our youth to articulate their thoughts, aspirations, and dreams for America. 

I believe that unfortunately, today’s youth are often given a bad rap. Too often we hear about entitled and disconnected youth, and what we do not hear enough about is how day in, day out, there are countless young people … most young people … doing so many good and inspiring things. Young people who are leaders in their school, who volunteer their time for others and their communities, and who get involved in making the world around themselves a better place. 

Our youth essay programs ensure that for those who enter them, the message of America – the true voice of our youth – is not lost. And today, we celebrate not only these Post winners, but all the students who compete in our contests. Every essay submitted was a testament to the curiosity and emotional investment that young people bring to the table. In a world that is often filled with ugliness, their essays were a beautiful reminder that the values and beliefs that have sustained our nation for nearly 250 years still ring true today.

To our young winners here today, you have left me awestruck with your reflections on the essence of our democratic process, the power of a single voice, and the vital importance of civic activism.

Your passion for liberty, freedom, and the desire to ensure the sacrifices of America’s veterans are not forgotten and has renewed my faith in America’s future. You have eloquently expressed your thoughts on what it means to be an American citizen, on the significance of our democracy, and the responsibility that comes with protecting what we hold dear. Your words are not just essays on paper; they are the real building blocks to a brighter future for our country. 

The success of our Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen programs rests on the VFW and its Auxiliary members who do so much of the work; on the Principals and Teachers who work it into their already full curriculums; and finally, the students themselves. It is their interest that keeps the programs going, and in time, that interest will manifest in the form of leadership … the leadership needed to keep our nation strong.

And we cannot forget those who volunteer their time as Judges. I must say, I sincerely appreciate the Judges’ efforts. Since I have been a Judge from time to time in this program, I can tell you from experience, selecting the best of the best is an arduous task considering how thoughtful and heartfelt all the submissions are. 

Of all our VFW programs, I truly believe none give us a better view of what the future holds than the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests. The young people we honor today are the future of our country.  What they are today, America will be tomorrow. These are young people whose hopes, dreams and aspirations will form our future, and today, I am honored to be here to celebrate their success.

Congratulations to all this year’s programs participants on a job well done, and for the honor you have shown to America’s Veterans by completing the Voice of Democracy or Patriot’s Pen mission.

Remember this, "Each and Every One of You are Winners.”  I hope you will continue to enter each year, our Patriot’s Pen, and Voice of Democracy Programs.

Congratulations to our Teachers for teaching and inspiring our youth.  We cannot thank you enough.

Thank you again VFW 6464 & Auxiliary Members for inviting me.  May God Bless All of You.

 

VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary announces the 2024-2025 post winners for Patriot’s Pen.   This year the Post solicited entries at the Fowlerville Fair, Livingston County Vets Fest, Homeschooled and the following School Districts; Fowlerville, Webberville, Williamston, Williamston St. Mary’s Catholic School and Howell.

Results of the Patriot’s Pen competition are as follows; five school districts were invited to participate with three school districts participating.  Nine applications were received and judged.  $775 dollars of scholarships were issued

 

 

 

Kyle M Thiel was our Third-Place winner from Fowlerville Jr. High School, Fowlerville, Michigan.  He is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $125, Third Place Certificate and a plaque.  Kyle was not able to attend today due to previous commitment.

 

Kyle’s Speech My Voice in America's Democracy Today:

"I am still young but My voice in American democracy does not need to be a quiet one. In fact, I think it is even more important for me to form my voice while I am learning and growing. To have a voice in American Democracy is to vote. I am only thirteen years old. I don't have the ability to vote yet but I can have an opinion. When America was officially founded in 1776 citizens could only vote if they were a landowner or a taxpayer. The logic was that people needed to have "skin in the game" if they wanted to have a say in anything in the government. Over the years, men and women fought for voting to become an American right regardless of sexuality, race, or economic status after the age of eighteen. Americans today do not fully appreciate that fact.

Living as a thirteen-year-old with four little brothers, I could choose to believe that politics do not affect me yet. However, they do, and my voice in American democracy is to educate myself on what is going on in our country. And to understand the history of our nation and what it was built on. This way, when I become eighteen years old, I can cast my vote in an educated way.

I have seen many elections and their consequences. An example is, in 2020 schools in my state were shut down three months before we were supposed to get out of school due to the Covid pandemic. They remained mostly closed for months after. Those elected officials made policy decisions that significantly impacted my education and life experience as well as a lot of students, some with negative impacts. My voice in America's democracy is based on educating myself on who is going to make the best decisions for my life and, more importantly, the state or country as a whole, which can affect my generation and generations to come.”

 

 

 

Hanna E. Rush was our second-place winner from Williamston Middle School, she is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $250, Second Place Certificate and a plaque.  

 

Hanna’s Speech My Voice in America's Democracy:

"My voice in America's democracy can be shown in many ways, some being small acts of citizenship, others being bigger acts which make a large impact on my society. Democracy is, "government by the people." Usually, people relate democracy with your constitutional right to vote when you turn 18. In my opinion though, democracy is a way to show that you as a citizen are remaining active in your community.

My first example of using my voice in America's democracy is making sure I engage in my local government. Staying engaged in my local government is simply participating in school functions, such as Student Council. I would define the Student Council program as a "student government" who vote and make decisions to improve the experience of the school. We represent all of the current students at my school; therefore, we vote on issues such as, "How to spend our school budget?" and "How can we improve our school experience?"

Next, I use my voice by making sure I stay informed about my local and national government's politics. I make sure that I am informed about how the government works before I turn 18. When I tum 18 I can vote, but I can only get one vote per election, so I need to stay informed. I need to know who to vote for and why, so I can make an educated decision. To stay informed, I pay close attention when the teacher is explaining government topics in class.

Finally, I use my voice in America's democracy by encouraging others to vote. Even though I am too young to vote myself, I can indirectly have a voice in America's democracy. Some of my friends and family are old enough to vote, and by encouraging them to vote, I am making an impact in America's democracy. Voting is your responsibility as an American citizen. I know some people who were not planning to vote this year, so I explained this to them, and helped them realize the importance of voting.

In conclusion, I too can have a voice in America's democracy by engaging in my local activities, by staying informed about the government, and by encouraging others to vote. On a regular basis, I do all of these things when I am discussing democracy. These are all of the ways I guarantee people hear my voice in America.”

 

 

 

Grace M. Schneider, from Perry Middle School, Perry, Michigan, and was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary First Place winner and has Advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Grace Schneider is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $400, First Place Certificate and a plaque.

 

Grace’s Speech My Voice in America’s Democracy:

"My voice in America, do we really have one? A lot of young adults, teenagers, and children tend to think that we have no voice. The thing is: we do have a voice. Our voices might not be screaming at the top of our lungs like politicians, but it’s still there. Our voices can never be silenced. We have as much power as thousands of other citizens. As young adults and children our voices can help persuade others to do the right thing. If we can persuade people to do the right thing it could make our great country even greater.

People all throughout history have been fighting for their voice. They might not have started out screaming, but it got louder and louder. Black people have been using their voice for bigger and better things. They started out whispering signal songs of hope as they were getting shipped to different plantations. They’ve gotten so far, using their voices in the underground railroad; to protesting for civil rights, and even having our first black President and Vice President. And now, with their voice, they are unstoppable, accomplishing so much by using their voices to never give up.

You might think that those are the only people who have used their voice when they felt like they had none, well you’re wrong. Our Founding Fathers and colonists had to use a voice that they never thought they had against the King. They found it unreasonable getting taxed for tea among other things, so they started the American Revolution. They dumped tea, wrote to the King, trying to avoid starting a war. Eventually realizing they had no other choice than to declare war against England. The other countries laughed at America. They didn’t think we could pull through, that we could last long as a country. Now, America is the greatest country in the world. 

So, you see, we aren’t that different. If there’s something we see that we think is wrong, we need to speak out against it, and fight against it to make things better. Because you can do anything you put your mind to. You might not be screaming at first, but you won’t be silenced. So don’t stop using your voice, keep screaming, and never stop. People who use their voice become great people, known for good. So be that person, and don’t let anyone silence you.”

 

Results of the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition are as follows; Five school districts invited to participate with two school districts participating.  Two application was received and judged.  Judges, Judged the Audio essay in MP3 format; Audio Recording, three to five minutes + or - five seconds, not the essay.  $950 dollars of scholarships were issued.  Arianna G. Stolarz, from Williamston High School, Williamston, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary Second Place Winner.  She is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $350, Second Place Certificate and a plaque.

 

 

Arianna’s Speech "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”:

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” George Washington. Peace can be defined in many ways, such as lack of disturbance, or ataraxia. Peace can also be described as an absence of war and harmony within nations. America’s forefathers were very clear in their stance on this, with Abraham Lincoln going as far as to say that keeping peace is America’s most intrinsic job. Now, almost 160 years later, America has almost completely forgotten that promise, along with many others. America today is not like our forefathers’ vision, for with our stance on independence, our presidential history, and how the Constitution is received, it almost differs fully from what they first began. 

 

One way America differs from the beginning vision is the promise of independence. Independence is the state in which a person can support oneself; the state of being non-dependent; and the state of mind in which a person holds neither bias nor prejudice against another. For America’s founders, independence is of moral beliefs and human nature. In the first writing of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that "all men are created free and independent,” though the one American citizen know is "all men are created equal.” As explained by James Wilson, all are created free, and none may hold power over another without consent, consent given with one’s utmost trust that the other will increase happiness in all governed. In democracy today, it is quite common for people to think only of themselves while voting and not how it will affect the overall happiness of the community. Another way independence differs from the beginning vision is economic independence. Economic independence is the right to pursue happiness and have equal chances, as all are created equal. Yet, none are created equal, for if one were to be born a woman, or one were to be a person of color, or neurodivergent, they would be discriminated against. According to Erin George and Gretchen Livingston, as of today, women are paid less, and even though their pay has gone up, they are still not equal, with women being paid 84 percent of what men are on average. Yet men have issues as well. If a man were to be assaulted sexually, there is very little chance for society to believe him, especially if said assaulter was a woman. Clashing with many beliefs, one in six men are assaulted sexually, and many experience the same trauma women do after assault. People of color are also treated unequally. In America, one in four housing applications are denied because the applicant is a person of color, especially if they are an immigrant or in the Black community. As a result of moral beliefs and economic independence, America is not like their forefathers' visions for the future. 

Another way America differs from its forefathers’ vision is recent presidential history. The founding fathers believed that the president represented the nation as a whole, like a figurehead except with power. Due to this, the president was supposed to have a good track record and not bring the nation down. For the past few decades, however, the presidents have not chosen their actions so well. For example, Richard Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s was unwise. This, considered a national crime, reflected poorly on America’s social status and virtues, for it affects how others see America and how America sees herself. Although Nixon resigned from his presidency, this event is still remembered today. Nineteen years later, another president made a poor choice, Bill Clinton. In January 1998, news came through that the president had an affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. At this time, Clinton was 49 while Lewinsky was 22.  A while later, another president rose with a multitude of crimes. This president is Donald Trump. So far, the man has been charged with 88 criminal offenses and has been found guilty of 34 of these counts. He is the first president ever to be indicted, as of the year 2024. The former president has many accusations from women, although he denies them all. Though other presidents have done wrong, the political economy has begun a rapid decline and it’s just getting faster. For these reasons, America today is not adjacent to our forefathers' beliefs. 

The last reason America differs from its forefathers’ beliefs is the constitution and how it is received. While the original constitution promoted freedom for all, America is slowly losing that freedom. An example of this sorry sight is the Mckesson v. Doe case ruling. In the end, mass protesting was banned in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, going against the First Amendment. The promise of freedom is being broken and America is no longer free. The older generations have come to America because they could not speak out, but now that freedom is getting banned. Another way freedom of opinion is being lost is in court cases. On average, the U.S. Supreme Court receives about 10,000 petitions a year, yet they only consider 8,000 petitions and accept around 80 each year for an oral argument.  That is around 9,920 petitions going unheard each year. For these reasons, along with others, the vision of the forefathers’ is not like America today.

Our presidential history, independence, and the constitution have largely changed since the 1800s, not respecting our forefathers’ vision today. Through the rise of prejudice, crime, and much else, America has begun a downward spiral. "A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned — this is the sum of good government.” Thomas Jefferson. To be free is wanted by many and given to little. The pursuit of purpose is so necessary for a human to flourish in their environment. Maybe this is why the world is so squalid and losing its color. America’s ancestors came there to loosen their shackles: all they did was get tighter.” 

 

 

 

 

 

Alyssa J Seiter, from Fowlerville High School, Fowlerville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary First Place Winner.  She is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $600, First Place Certificate and a plaque.

Alyssa’s Speech "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”

 "The vision of America was for every individual to have fundamental rights. The birth of our nation, the United States, came from our forefathers, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and many others. Their vision was to have personal freedoms, where there is opportunity for everyone. 

During their time, they fought a Civil War, causing a huge amount of blood to be shed in order to gain the freedoms we have now. This war was between the United States and Great Britain, at that time, the colonists were under British rule. After the war was won by the colonists, our forefathers accomplished the goal of beginning a new country by establishing and ratifying a constitution with federal and states’ rights. This helps keep the balance of power in America. 

Leading up to our time period, there has been a significant amount of issues in the United States. We overcome these obstacles, and continue to prosper, even in times of major difficulties and disagreements on how to solve crucial issues that could divide and separate our country.  Our forefathers fulfilled their vision for each and every individual to vote, this helps to keep us united. 

If they appeared today, they would be proud to see that everyone's voice is still heard by being able to vote and express their opinions. They would be astonished to see that our population has grown to over 346 million citizens who live in a land of fortuity. We have disagreements, but we overcome them together, and work through them. 

In the past, there was a lot of segregation, judgment, and violence. These problems are still occurring but are gradually disappearing because we listen to others and work together to form a more perfect union. They would see that major difficulties have been overcome and solved by the foundation that they founded. Our fathers would be content to see our nation thriving on industrialization, and the goods, services, and labor we produce. Across our land, the vision from our forefathers is still flourishing today.”

 

Results of the Teacher of the Year competition are as follows; five school districts were invited to participate with three school districts participating.  One application each were received and judged for kindergarten to fifth grade, sixth to eighth grade, and ninth through twelfth grade.  Three application was received and judged.  $1,200 dollars in Awards were issued.

 

 

 

 

Nicole Elliott, from Webberville Elementary School, Webberville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Kindergarten to Fifth Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Nicole Elliott, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.

Jason Kubiak, Webberville Elementary Principal’s Recommendation:

"I would like to nominate Nikki Elliott, a second-grade teacher at Webberville Elementary, for the VFW Teacher of the Year.

Nikki is an amazing representative for our school and community. She is a tireless worker who innovates and differentiates her lessons to reach all students and meet their needs. She is a kind, caring individual who goes above and beyond for her students as well as her fellow staff members. Watching Nikki in action in her classroom is a joy. The passion she brings to her lessons and the ways that she gets her students to engage at a high level is quite impressive. She does a great job of connecting the students’ learning to their lives and interests. 

Nikki serves on many committees at our school in a leadership position. She is a valued member of our School Improvement team, Teacher Leadership team, and our Reading Month Committee.  Nikki also is a great supporter and mentor for our newer teachers and does an amazing job of sharing her expertise and knowledge with them to help them grow as professionals. Nikki is always willing to work with a staff member to support them if they need advice for how to handle a behavior or instructional situation in their classroom and has offered to allow teachers to observe her in her room so that Nikki can model an example for them. At our Elementary building, we very strongly value the team concept and the mantra that "the whole is greater than the sum of our parts” and Nikki exhibits that fully with her mentorship and willingness to be available to share her craft. 

Nikki also volunteers and attends multiple events outside of the school day, which shows her students and families that she deeply cares about her students and their interests outside of the school. 

For these reasons and so many more, I strongly recommend and nominate Nikki Elliott for the VFW Teacher of the Year award.”

Nicole was this year's Teacher of the Year for VFW 6th District, Grade K – 5.  Her package was forwarded to the Department of Michigan for Judging.

 

Nicole Elliott was VFW District 6 Teacher of the Year for grades K – 5.  She received her award on Jan. 11th, at the 6th District Awards Ceremony held at VFW Post 6464, Fowlerville. From left were Rex Murdock, 6th District Commander; Zech Shaffer, 6th District Chairmen; Nicole Elliott, Teacher of the Year 6th District Grades K-5; Rose Sancrant, 6th District Auxiliary Co-Chairmen; and Dawn Shock, 6th District President

 

 

 

 

 

Tammy Hosford, from Williamston Middle School, Williamston, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Six to Eight Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Tammy Hosford, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.

Deb LaFleur, Williamston Middle School Principal’s Recommendation:

"I am writing to nominate Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Mrs. Hosford, an exceptional sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at Williamston Middle School, has an unwavering commitment to serve others.

As an educator, Mrs. Hosford spends countless hours serving others to build their literacy skills. Personally, she dedicates time outside of work to care for elderly citizens who need extra helping hands. Her compassion for the common good is apparent in her work and beyond.

Mrs. Hosford takes initiative in organizing field trips that connect sixth grade students with senior citizens in our community. This opportunity not only enriches the students' educational experiences, but it also fosters intergenerational relationships. Through these field trips, students have the invaluable opportunity to interview seniors and learn about their lives as children. This experience allows them to draw parallels and contrasts between their own experiences and those of older generations. By interacting with elders, students gain insight into the historical aspects of their lives and the societal changes that occurred over decades. This aligns well with the core democratic values, as it promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation of diversity within the community.

The field trips to the senior center encourage students to practice skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking. As they listen and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, they cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and respect the diverse experiences within our society. Genuinely, the community involvement promotes happiness across ages. Children and adults are smiling, laughing, and sharing personal moments with each other. This is especially important for middle school students, who are forming their own identities and values. Through the experiences at the senior center, they learn the importance of community involvement and the impact their actions have on others.

Mrs. Hosford’s commitment to building students' literacy skills and making connections between generations is apparent in her initiative with the senior center. Thank you for considering Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. I wholeheartedly believe her demonstration of the core democratic values within and beyond the classroom deserve recognition.”

 

 

 

Jill Thomas, from Fowlerville High School, Fowlerville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades ninth to twelfth grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Jill Thomas, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.

Matt Stuard, Fowlerville Superintendent’s Recommendation:

I'm writing to recommend Ms. Jill Thomas for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. While I've only had the chance to work with her for a little over a year, it's clear that she's deeply committed to her students and community, and especially to supporting veterans.

Jill's involvement with veterans stands out. She co-organizes our Military Appreciation Football Game, volunteers with VetFest, and works with Restoring Valor to help restore homes for veterans impacted by natural disasters. She also gives her time each month to serve meals at your post. This kind of dedication is rare, and it shows how much she cares about honoring and supporting those who have served.

Her leadership in the school and local community is equally impressive. She's been the President of our Athletic Boosters for six years, and she serves as Vice President of the Livingston County Gymnastics Board, where the high school gymnastics team competes. She's chaired our School Improvement Team for over 15 years and has been the Student Council Advisor for 20 years. On top of all that, she's the Senior Class Advisor for the Class of 2025!

Ms. Thomas is currently teaching World History, Government, History Through Film, and Academic Focus. In the past she's taught American History, Economics, and Crucial Issues. In every subject, she promotes civic responsibility, democratic values, and the importance of community service.

Jill's commitment to veterans, leadership within the school, and dedication to fostering a sense of civic duty in her students make her an excellent candidate for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. I'm confident she deserves this recognition and encourage you to consider her for this honor.

At this time, I request Fowlerville High School Principal Mrs. Dana Coon to come up and join us.  These awards are being presented two years late.  It was discovered in this past month by one of our State Officers who turned it over to the Post at our last 6th District meeting for presentation at an appropriate time.  Michelle Spisz was not able to attend tonight as it is her Anniversary, and they had a previous commitment.

 

Michelle’s Recommendation:

"I am a unique educator that strives to make sure that my students understand they should respect the flag, always be an example, and always stop and thank a veteran for their service. Service begins for me in the classroom and letting my students know that we are a classroom family.  It is our job to watch out for one another. After we are able to do that, it is important for us to do that locally. 

I share many opportunities for my students to get involved in the community around us. Sharing a variety of community service opportunities and bringing the community into our classroom. Then I stress the importance of our job in the World. We must do what we can to make the World a better place. Using our hearts for service and taking care of those around us. My students know that freedom is not free and that because of the brave men and women that serve our country we are able to do what we do at school each day.

As far as accomplishments I am very proud to be the daughter of a veteran, granddaughter of two veterans, and great niece of a war hero. I am currently working on bringing my Great Uncle’s story of heroism to the forefront. He was shot down over the Atlantic in the start of WWII while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. I am traveling to England for a very special 80th Anniversary ceremony and will be receiving his service award as next of kin. 

I am especially proud of a military appreciation game I organized this year for my son’s varsity football team in which over two thousand people attended and paid respect to those that serve. It was a beautiful evening I will never forget.

I am a mother of six sons and a wife to an amazing husband. An active member of my veteran community as a supporter and auxiliary. I am a recipient of WHMI’s Making the Grade Award. I am blessed by stories, people, and opportunities that come my way."

Michelle was the Department of Michigan 2022-2023 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year for 6th to 8th grade.  She received her recognition in January of 2023 in Kalamazoo Michigan.  

2022-2023

Smart/Maher VFW National, Citizenship Education Teacher Award

Awarded to

 

Michelle Spisz

 

2022-2023

 

Smart/Maher VFW National

 

Citizenship Education Teacher Award

 

Awarded to

 

Fowlerville Junior High School

 

Fowlerville, Michigan

 

In recognition of being selected the state VFW, Smart/Maher school award winner for citizenship education

 

Gerald Gorski Speech for First Responders:

"Looking around at this group this afternoon and knowing that many of you are police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians — my first thought is: I am honored to be among this fine group of community leaders!

To those who we are honoring tonight, and to all our first responders — no community can exist without you.

The men and women who wear these uniforms maintain the law and bring security and safety to every person in the community. We need you.

First responders are the backbone of emergency response services. Gratitude is what comes to mind when we think of those who serve in this capacity and emergency responders deserve recognition for their dedicated service.

As a VFW member, I speak for the more than 1.4 million of our members and its Auxiliary, when I say, we salute you all for the outstanding work you do in making America a better and safer place in which to live. We commend you for all that you do … for your integrity, your professionalism, and your uninterrupted commitment to communities across the nation. 

This afternoon, we are here to recognize and honor two of Michigan’s finest, Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher with the Howell Police Department and Robert Cindric with the Livingston County Emergency Medical Services. 

 

 

 

 

Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher was nominated by Howell, Police Chief Michael Dunn.  

Chief Michael Dunn’s Recommendation:

"I would like to nominate Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher for the Public Servant Award in Law Enforcement. Deputy Chief Kelleher currently serves as the Operations Chief of the Howell Police Depa1tment, ensuring the successful daily operation of the department covering everything from staff to equipment.

DC Kelleher started his career with the Howell Police Department in 1997. During his career with the department, he has served in multiple capacities such as School Resource Officer, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. In addition to the multiple billets that he has served in, Deputy Chief has also held the ranks of Police Officer, Sergeant, and Captain prior to his appointment to Deputy Chief.

In 2022, Deputy Chief Kelleher (then a Captain) retired from the Howell Police Department. He returned months later in the newly created civilian role of Accreditation Manager. In this position, he managed the Howell Police Department’s accreditation program that he was instrumental in establishing. The process is through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) and consists of over one hundred standards that must be met and maintained to be certified as accredited.

In 2024, Mr. Kelleher was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief and assigned as the Operations Chief for city police operations. Numerous tasks fall under his purview such as the supervision of the Sergeants, general departmental operations for road patrol and special assignments, MACP Accreditation, and far too many more to list.

In 2016, the Howell Police Department took on the challenge of seeking accreditation through the MACP Accreditation process. This process consists of over I 00 standards that the department is required to meet of which many require "proofs" that the best practice recommended is in fact being conducted and maintained by the department. An example of this would be proof of Anti-Bias training, reports on annual use of force incidents, as well as much more. This is no small task, and this is not something that is done occasionally. This program requires constant (virtually daily) work on ensuring that records are current, and standards are being adhered to.

As this endeavor was taken on by the depa1iment it was quickly evident that there needed to be a single point of contact that was the head of this process and Deputy Chief (then Sergeant) Kelleher took that challenge. He voluntarily changed his work schedule (not to his advantage) to ensure that this program was done right, and that the department was successful in achieving accredited status.

In 2019, after a thorough in person inspection and assessment of the Howell Police Depa1iment, we were awarded an accredited status at the MACP Chief Conference. Since 2019, the department was reaccredited again in 2023. The reaccreditation process occurs every 3 years and a part of that process is an on-site inspection of documents, records, "proofs", and so on. The Howell Police Department is again up for reaccreditation in 2026 which will require inspections in 2025. Deputy Chief Kelleher has put the department in very good standing for another successful reaccreditation.

In addition to the task of accreditation, Deputy Chief Kelleher is the employee who works more than anyone in the agency and often has to be told to go home or take vacation. His dedication to the success of the disarmament, the great relationship with the community, and the well-being of his staff are unmatched. He is an absolute professional in every sense of the word.

Deputy Chief Kelleher attends nearly all meetings with community stakeholders to plan events and prepare for successful safety and security at all events such as Balloon Fest, Melon Fest, and others. He volunteers his off time for community events such as Shop with a Cop and Coffee with a Cop. Another task that he volunteers his time for is to do assessments at other departments seeking accreditation. This is where he goes to other departments in the State of Michigan to inspect their program to ensure that they rise to the level of certification. This is a very labor-intensive task that is outside of his employment with the department.

As of 2024, Deputy Chief Kelleher has successfully implemented several pieces of new technology within the department such as Guarding Tracking, Virtual Academy, and the Axon in Car Camera System. The Guarding Tracking system is designed to track both good and bad documentation for officers. The system tracks evaluations, awards, positive recognition, as well as discipline. This system is designed to work directly with required standards of accreditation.

Virtual Academy is an online training system that allows officers to complete required as well as additional training on topics such as sexual harassment, ethics, legal updates, and so on. This system also tracks the training of new officers, and documents how they are doing in the training program.

The Axon in Car Camera System that Deputy Chief Kelleher was a part of was successfully implemented in 2024. This required him to be present on his off time to ensure successful installation across the entire fleet of vehicles. Additionally, he had to be present in meetings and webinars to ensure proper setup for use. The system has led the department to be able to communicate with the Prosecutor's Office by sending files (video and data) electronically, which used to require an officer to handle in person. This puts officers on the road more and allows them to do the duties of police officer rather than delivery driver. It also allows the department to fulfill Freedom of Information Act requests via email by creating a link for the requested documents or video that the requester can electronically access.

In his more than 25 years of service to the Howell community, Deputy Chief Kelleher has been awarded an Outstanding Service medal, an Instructors Ribbon, and a Field Training Officer ribbon for display on his department uniform. His service to the youth of the community as a DARE Officer and School Resource Officer was a crucial part of the youth education in the community. In 2024, he was also presented with the Above and Beyond Award in person from Attorney General Dana Nessel for his work in accreditation.

As the Chief of the Howell Police Department, I am so very thankful for department members like Deputy Chief Kelleher who take their jobs to heat and want to see only the best for our community. Deputy Chief Kelleher is a true quite professional and never seeks recognition for his efforts. For this, I would like to recognize his efforts and ensure that the community knows the level of professionalism that they have serving them behind the scenes.”

Now we know, why Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher is Well Deserving of the VFW’s Public Servant Award (Law Enforcement).

Our next public servant award recipient is Robert Cindric, who was nominated by Deputy Director Amy Chapman with Livingston County EMS.  

 

 

 

Deputy Director Amy Chapman’s Recommendation:

"I am writing to nominate Robert Cindric for the EMT of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to emergency medical services in Livingston County.

Robert C. Cindric has served as a Paramedic in Livingston County from 2005 to the present, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to his community. Throughout his career, he has held multiple critical roles, including:

•Field Training Officer

•Shift Coordinator

•Critical Care Paramedic

Rob exemplifies the highest standards of emergency medical services through his:

•Exceptional clinical skills

•Remarkable work ethic

•Commitment to mentoring new EMS professionals

•Unwavering integrity in patient care

Cindric has been an invaluable asset to Livingston County, consistently going above and beyond in his professional responsibilities. His dedication to patient care and professional development makes him an outstanding candidate for EMT of the Year.

I strongly recommend Robert C. Cindric for this prestigious award, as he truly represents the best of emergency medical services and embodies the spirit of exceptional patient care.”

Once again, I think we can all agree that Robert has more than earned the thanks and gratitude for his exceptional service in emergency medical treatment!

I would now ask that Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher and Robert Cindric to please come up to the front to be recognized.

Deputy Chief Matthew Kelleher from Howell Police Department, is VFW Post 6464 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2024-2025.  He is receiving a cashier's check in the amount of $300.00, a certificate and plaque.

 

Paramedic Robert Cindric from Livingston County Emergency Medical Service, is VFW Post 6464 EMT/Paramedic of the Year for 2024-2025. He is receiving a cashier’s check in the amount of $300.00, a certificate and plaque.  Paramedic Robert Cindric was not able to attend tonight.  His award is being accepted by Andy King, Livingston County Medical Service.