Happy Memorial Day ladies and gentlemen.  It is my honor to stand before you to present this year’s Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship.  I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of this award.  We received no less than 13 nominations this year, once again making our decision extremely difficult, as every nominee was deserving. We are so lucky that volunteerism and a selfless can-do attitude is deeply woven into the fabric of our community.

When we started conferring this award in 2006 to honor Stephen, it was my hope that this award would grow into an annual reminder of Stephen’s contribution to Washington and our country, as well as a way to highlight the countless individuals that make Washington such a special place to call home.  Recently, I was told by several of our community’s leaders, that they feel Stephen’s award has evolved into the most prestigious honor one can receive in Washington.  I can’t tell you how much that warms my heart, but I’m sure upon hearing this, Riker would flash his trademark smile and say he was simply doing his duty as so many have done before him.  It is my hope that Stephen’s sacrifice and this award will continue to inspire Washingtonians to be a bit more thoughtful, work a little harder, help a little more, and go the extra mile for their fellow citizens.

I recently rewatched, “A Soldier’s Story,” the documentary Fox Sports made several years about Major Reich’s life. In the final scene, in Stephen’s own words, he said his biggest fear in life is to look back and say why didn’t I take that extra step, why didn’t I take that chance, why didn’t I make the extra effort to help someone.  He truly lived his life by the Army’s Core Principles of Duty and Selfless Service.  All I can say is, Buddy, between your contributions to Shepaug, to Washington and to the United States, you can rest assured, my friend, that you have left the world a better place for all of us.

Stephen left big shoes to fill. But every year, you identify many individuals who in their own way, are living by the same principles of Duty and Selfless Service. This year’s recipient is no different. Her many contributions have had a huge impact on our community and will leave a lasting legacy.

Born and bred in Washington, our winner graduated from Shepaug Valley High School in 1988 and went on to build a Jill-of-all-trades service empire from the ground up. Emerging as a bridge between area natives, and the tidal wave of New Yorkers who made Washington their new home, she took great pride in her profession.

Whether you needed groceries picked up, your garage cleaned out, your flower beds weeded or a ride to the doctor, our award winner was always at the ready to help.  Our recipient was an irreplaceable asset to the community, often the first person local charities called upon when they needed something special. She was an active member of the Lion's Club and played an important role in the Washington Ambulance Association for 30 years.

Extremely resourceful, there was nothing she could not master.  She carried the strength, determination, and know-how of 10 good people - combined.  Much like Major Reich, she embodied confidence, selflessness, attentiveness, and a supernatural work ethic. As an EMT, volunteer, caregiver, caretaker, caterer, or dog sitter, she prioritized love through nurturing the stewardship of everyone and everything around her. 

It is exactly this kind of selfless dedication to the community and people around her that has earned our winner this year’s award. I am pleased to announce the 2023 winner of the Major Stephen Reich Award for Exceptional Citizenship is Deb Forese.

As many of you know, we recently lost Deb after a valiant battle with cancer, but I am honored to welcome her family to accept this award on her behalf.

I invite all of you to please join us in the Town hall for the perpetual plaque presentation, after the conclusion of this ceremony.