The first “Rabbi Morton Pomerantz Veteran of the Year Award” was presented to Congressman Chris Gibson (R – Kinderhook), at the 140th Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. A decorated war hero, he retired as Colonel after a 24 year U.S. Army career.  He commanded the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team during the opening month of a humanitarian relief operation in Haiti.  He earned four Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, and many other medals of valor.