heroes-2016-17

Brooklyn Nets

Staff Sergeant Charles Bernal from Brooklyn, New York, served in the United States Marine Corps since his entry in 1997.

During this time, Staff Sergeant Bernal served oversees in Iraq, as a Marine Corps Infantry Rifleman and Infantry Platoon Sergeant. He also served as a Marine Security Forces Guard and Instructor, as well as a Marine Corps Recruiter.

For his service, Staff Sergeant Bernal has received the following medals and commendations: Navy Achievement Medal with a Combat V Device, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Marine Recruiting Ribbon.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Charles Bernal

Lieutenant Laub was born in Brooklyn and served in the Merchant Marines during WWII from 1944 to 1946.

For his service and devotion to the United States in the liberation of France during WWII, Lieutenant Laub was conferred the honor of "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor, one of the highest honors awarded in France. Lieutenant Laub was discharged as a Lieutenant Senior Grade in 1946 as a Staff Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. After returning from service, Lieutenant Laub was awarded a basketball scholarship by the University of Cincinnati. He was drafted to the NBA by the Baltimore Bullets and later acquired by the Scranton Minors, who won two championships during his tenure. Following his accomplished basketball career, he worked for five decades in the pharmaceutical industry and was honored for his role in making prescription drugs more affordable.

Among his many accolades, Lieutenant Laub has also been inducted to four hall of fames, including: the Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame, City College of New Work Athletic Hall of Fame, University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame, and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Jack Laub

Sergeant Danny Benitez of Fort Lee, New Jersey, served actively in the United States Army since his entry in 2007.

For his service, Sergeant Benitez has been awarded the Combat Action Badge, and Iraq / Afghanistan Campaign Medals.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Danny Benitez

Petty Officer Third Class Dindsay Espaillat of Iselin, New Jersey, served in the United States Navy from February 2013, through November 2016.

During this time, Petty Officer Third Class Espaillat served overseas where she participated in Operation Inherent Resolve, a military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

For her service, Petty Officer Third Class Espaillat has received the Good Conduct Medal.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Dindsay Espaillat

Staff Sergeant David Ryden of Somerset, New Jersey, served actively in the United States Army for 9 years, from 1982 through 1991.

During this time, Staff Sergeant Ryden served overseas in Iraq, as part of Operation Desert Storm. In this role, Staff Sergeant Ryden, served as a tank commander, and company master gunner, for the “Iron Dukes”, 3rd Armored Division.

For his service, Staff Sergeant Ryden has received the South West Asia Service Medal, and multiple Army Commendation Medals, for capturing several enemy soldiers attempting to cross the DMZ into allied areas.

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Brooklyn Heroes - David Ryden

Retired Sergeant Michael Simms of Queens, New York, served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 through 2011.

During this time, Sergeant Simms served in North Carolina, Japan, and Iraq. Sergeant Simms was in the food service division, where he was tasked with cooking meals for over 2,000 service men and women daily.

For his service, Sergeant Simms has received the Good Conduct Medal.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Michael Simms

Seaman 1st Class Dominick Barbera from Paramus, New Jersey, served in the United States Navy during World War II.

During this time, Seaman 1st Class Dominick Barbera served overseas in the Pacific Theatre, where he is a survivor of a Japanese Kamikaze attack.

For his service, Seaman 1st Class Dominick Barbera has received the following medals and commendations: 8 Battle Stars, Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Liberation of Philippines Medal.

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Brooklyn Heroes - Dominick Barbera

Captain Thomas Morkan of Simsbury, Connecticut, has served in the United Coast Guard since 1991.

Captain Morkan is currently the Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Sector New York, based at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, where he is responsible with ensuring the safety and security of the Port of New York and New Jersey.

For his service, Captain Morkan has received multiple awards and commendations including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, and is considered a permanent Coast Guard Cutterman, having served more than seven years of sea duty.

heroes‑2016‑17