Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen.  I am humbled to be here in front of you today to honor the service of Major Stephen Reich with this year’s Exceptional Citizenship award.  Thank you all for participating in this wonderful day honoring all the military service personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation.  Heroic leaders, like Stephen, and the long unbreakable line stretching back before this nation's original struggle for independence, literally preserved our right to be here for this moment.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank two groups of people.  First, the thoughtful citizens who submitted this year’s nominations.  They were the most thorough, heartfelt, and well researched letters we’ve ever received.  I am so pleased that after 17 years, Stephen’s memory lives on so strongly in our award.  Secondly, I would like to thank our award committee.  I sincerely appreciate all your time, your efforts, and the care with which you work on Stephen’s award.

Major Stephen Reich is the embodiment of the tradition of service which defines the Washington community.  His tireless efforts in the classroom, on the baseball field and on the battlefield are an inspiration to all of us.  I am grateful to be part of this award that allows us to honor a Washingtonian each year in Stephen’s memory, as it has allowed us to highlight the dedicated volunteers and wonderful civic organizations that make our town great.

Even though we are here to honor an individual, I think it’s important to remember that the individual is part of the larger Washington community, a community that thrives on volunteerism and caring for one another.  Much like Stephen, who as an individual made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, would have been the first to acknowledge he was just doing his duty as part of a larger team, like many that have gone before him.

Since we lost Stephen on that tragic day in 2005, there have been countless, incredible honors in his memory.  From Reich Hall at Fort Campbell to Turbine 33 Hanger at Hunter Air Base to the baseball team room at Doubleday Field at West Point, to name just a few.  But I think perhaps one of his most enduring legacies is the inspiration he has given to several Shepaug students who have followed in his footsteps of service and attended West Point.

Before I announce our winner, I would like to remind everyone that after this ceremony we will be unveiling the name on the perpetual plaque in the foyer of the town hall, and all are welcome to join.

This year’s award winner moved to Washington in the mid 1960’s and has been a pillar of the community ever since.  She has volunteered her time and effort in many important organizations, and I’d like to highlight just a few here:

-Our award winner served more than two decades on the Lake Waramaug Association Board of Directors, during which time she revamped all the bylaws to allow the organization to become much more productive. 

-On the board of Steep Rock our recipient was actively involved in chairing the preservation committee and worked tirelessly to acquire the right of way access to the Lake Waramaug Pinnacle

-Our winner has also served over two decades on the Susan B. Anthony Project.  During her tenure, she held many different positions that were instrumental in raising money, purchasing a new building, and ensuring the organization was always in a good position to help survivors of domestic violence

-The Institute of American Indian Studies has also been the beneficiary of our award winner’s time and expertise.  She served as Museum Director in the 1980’s and been both a Trustee and Treasurer.

-And finally, our recipient has been a long-time director, officer, and administrator of the Washington Scholarship Fund.  She has helped that organization provide over $3.5 M in scholarships to students from Washington.

From speaking with our winner’s family as I gathered information for my remarks today, I learned that there has been a running joke inside the family.  Every time they asked her for a moment of her time, her common response was: “sorry, I have to go to a meeting”.

 Some notable quotes from her nomination included:

“A tireless, dedicated and natural mentor”

“She has inspired so many others to continue to give of their time and effort to the town of Washington”

“Rarely have I met such a no-nonsense, staunch supporter of a cause”

“This person is a force of nature, if you want something done, ask her to do it!”

And my favorite, upon learning she was this year’s award winner, she responded “what on earth could I have done to possibly deserve this award”

It is exactly this kind of selfless volunteerism we seek to honor with this award. 

It is with great pleasure that I announce this year’s winner of the Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship: Susie Payne.