Juan Carlos (J.C.) Polanco Master of Ceremonies at Lincoln Dinner
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.
After studying history and political science at SUNY Albany, he returned to the Bronx to teach Social Studies at Harry S. Truman High School, while earning a law degree and Masters in Business Administration from Fordham University at night.
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.
It takes extraordinary individuals to make organizations great. Ann Schokett is one such extraordinary individual who has led her Federation of Republican Women’s organizations to greatness. We are proud to honor Ann Schockett as the Republican Woman of the Year at our Lincoln Dinner, and to call her our friend. 
The Queens Village Republican Club sent a beautiful commemorative plaque to Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and the Senate of the State of Georgia for their action in blocking the sales tax exemption proposed to be offered to Delta Airlines. The Atlanta-based airline is ending their discount program for members of the National Rifle Association.
We are proud to present a remarkable line-up of headlining speakers and honorees, including the new President of The Heritage Foundation, Kay Coles James, and featuring Roger Stone, the celebrated author and senior campaign advisor to Presidents Nixon, Reagan and Trump. We will also hear from our venerated Congressman Lee Zeldin representing the 1st District of New York, and our nation’s foremost national security expert, Frank Gaffney, Founder of the Center for Security Policy. The Veteran of the Year is Sampson Lester Friedman, a highly decorated World War II hero from Bellerose, NY, whose combat unit assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations secured victory for the United States of America and the Allied Forces. Our other distinguished honorees 
I want to thank the Queens Village Republican Club Board Members for the honor they are about to bestow upon me, being named Community Leader of the Year at the 143rd Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. My parents always encouraged me to give back to the community. 