The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation’s three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and countless Philhellenes, honored excellence in several professions at its “National Regional Salute Banquet” held Sat., Nov. 21, 2009, at Terrance on the Park, Flushing, N.Y., announced Supreme President Nicholas A. Karacostas.
“Tonight we honored excellence in public service, philanthropy, and in one’s chosen profession,” said Supreme President Karacostas. “Our honorees inspire and serve as a fine example for all of us to emulate in our everyday lives. Their work on behalf of the community, and within society, is reflected in the worthy mission of the AHEPA family. The American Hellenic community can be proud of their fine accomplishments.”
The honorees for the evening included:
* The Honorable Robert Menendez, AHEPA Pericles Award
* The Honorable Carolyn B. Maloney, AHEPA Pericles Award
* Dr. William J. Tenet, AHEPA Academy of Achievement Award-Medicine
* Dimitrios Kaloidis, AHEPA Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award
* Colonel Mark D. Gatanas (ret.), AHEPA Medal of Freedom
* Captain Dimitrios G. Roumeliotis, AHEPA Presidential Certificate of Honor
* Nick Manos, AHEPA Hellenism Award
More than 300 persons attended this gala affair which was the first of four AHEPA National Regional Salute Banquets to be held in 2009 – 2010. Traditionally, AHEPA hosts a Biennial Salute Banquet in Washington, DC every two years. However this administrative year, the Supreme Lodge decided to embark on a new and fresh approach by taking this historically gala affair “on the road” to four geographically disperse communities. Future venues include: Portland, Ore., on March 6, 2010; and Chicago on April 24, 2010. A fourth venue will be finalized soon.
Past Supreme Governor and Past Sons of Pericles Supreme President James Gounaris served as Master of Ceremonies. Other notables included: former CIA Director George Tenet presenting his brother, Dr. William Tenet, with the AHEPA Academy of Achievement Award in Medicine; and Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Vassilis Kaskarelis and PSEKA President Philip Christopher offering remarks.
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