The Oneida Indian Nation welcomed more than 450 local veterans to the 24th annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Breakfast held Monday, Nov. 4 at Turning Stone Resort Casino. During the event, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Ray Halbritter reflected on the Oneida Indian Nation’s history of military service, highlighting Nation Members in attendance as well as the many team members who are veterans of the military.
“We look forward to this event all year long,” said Halbritter. “It allows us to recognize the service of our region’s veterans and say thank you for your sacrifices and commitment to the values of liberty and justice that define this country.”
Halbritter recalled the Nation’s legacy as America’s First Allies during his remarks, and connected the unbreakable bonds formed on the battlefield many years ago to the shared dreams of freedom today. “No matter which branch of the military you represented, where or when you served, you are part of this rich shared history spanning almost two and half centuries,” he said. “You earned your place within it by coming together with people from all walks of life to achieve a common goal: the preservation of freedom at home and its expansion throughout the world.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and New York State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter also delivered remarks thanking those in attendance for their service and sacrifice.
Oneida Indian Nation Member Nichola Aregano-Diaz (Turtle Clan) was honored for her service in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Communications Specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nichola honorably served from 2001 to 2006 and was deployed multiple to the Middle East. She was promoted twice during her time with the Marines and earned the Presidential Unit Citation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Kuwait), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal (3rd Award) and certificates of commendation and appreciation. She was presented with a Brave Star Blanket, which celebrates the patriotism of American Indian services members. Nichola currently serves as General Manager of the Oneida Indian Nation’s Mary C. Winder Community Center, carrying the core values of honor, courage and commitment to the community she proudly serves.
Ryan McGinnis, a PGA Teaching Professional with the Turning Stone Resort Casino golf team, also was recognized for his work with the Nations’ PGA HOPE program that serves veterans and active-duty service members. McGinnis received a friendship feather from the Nation in honor of his commitment to veterans.
At the event, the Nation also made a donation to the Feed Our Vets, Utica Pantry, to help support their services in providing food assistance to veterans and their families.
