Video: World War II Veteran Sampson Lester Friedman receives Veteran of the Year Award
The ceremonial presentation of the “Rabbi Morton Pomerantz Veteran of the Year Award” to World War II Veteran and decorated war hero, 1st LT Sampson Lester Friedman, U.S. Army Air Corps (Ret.) was the most moving part of the Lincoln Dinner program. This award was named to preserve the memory of our club board member Rabbi Morton Pomerantz, who was a Marine Corp and Navy chaplain, and acclaimed advocate of Veterans and Republican causes. LT Friedman was accompanied by fellow World War II Veterans Lt. Col. John Peterkin and Jason Kaatz, Crew Engineer, UH1 Helicopter, who escorted Mr. Friedman up to the podium to the haunting musical strains of “Mansions of the Lord” performed by John Walters.
The Queens Village Republican Club has decided to memorialize its Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of our former president Harvey Ellwood Moder. Florence Maloney, recipient of this year’s Harvey Moder Lifetime Achievement Award, has led a life of service to the educational community, the Catholic community, to the Republican and Conservative Parties, and to her country, as a teacher, a leader and an inspiration to all. 
J.C. Polanco has spent his entire career serving others in New York City. Born in upper Manhattan and raised in the Fordham section of The Bronx to immigrants from the Dominican Republic, J.C. was taught early on that education is the key to success and opportunity. This immigrant spirit, emboldened by a sincere belief in the power of the American Dream, propelled J.C. to Fordham Preparatory School on a work grant, and earned him a coveted position as bat boy for the New York Yankees along the way.
The Queens Village Republican Club is thrilled to have the honor of Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy under President Ronald Reagan deliver the Abraham Lincoln Address at this year’s Lincoln Dinner, on Sunday March 18th. Mr. Gaffney, the founder of the Center for Security Policy has for over 30 years been a leader in the effort to keep our nation secure and free. His leadership has been recognized by some of the most prestigious liberty oriented organizations in the United States.