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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized three female veterans with Freedom Awards this month. Every March, Rockland County presents the Freedom Award to outstanding female veterans for their outstanding service to our nation.
The 2020 Freedom Award was presented to United States Army Veteran Vanessa Melanson, the 2021 Freedom Award was presented to United States Navy Veteran Viviennee Reuille and the 2022 Freedom Award was presented to Army National Guard Veteran Myrnaliz Nieves.
“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.”
Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Melanson served as an officer in the United States Army Medical Service Corps as a Principal Investigator for biodefense research in the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Her research helped develop vaccines for viruses including Ebola and Marburg. After 14 years of active duty, Melanson went into the reserves where she still serves to this day.
Engineman First Class Viviennee Reuille is a retired United States Navy Veteran. Reuille served in the Navy for 11 incredible years from 1986 through 1995 and then went on to continue serving her country in the Naval Reserves from the year 2000 until 2014.
Staff Sergeant Myrnaliz Nieves served in the Army National Guard for 13 years. She served as a Human Resource Specialist and performed military funeral honors for fallen heroes and served as an Equal Employment Opportunity representative overseas in Afghanistan.
“There’s no question, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without women like these who make the brave choice to serve, and it is my pleasure to recognize their courage,” said Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam.
“We thank these individuals for their bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Day.
