Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan has announced the recipients of the 2nd Annual Congressional Veteran Commendation ceremony, honoring veterans from Florida's 16th Congressional District. The awards recognize both wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement.

“These awards are just one small way we can help pay tribute to our local heroes who put it all on the line to defend our country and way of life,” said Congressman Buchanan. “While we will never be able to fully repay the honorees for their selfless sacrifices, I hope the Congressional Veteran Commendation helps express how grateful our community truly is for their service.”

An independent panel of veterans selected thirty individuals based on their military service and contributions after leaving active duty. Among those honored were Angel Alvarez from Riverview, who served in the U.S. Army during both the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, and Angelo Barnello Sr., also from Riverview, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

In addition to recognizing these thirty veterans, Buchanan presented meritorious medals to three other veterans during the ceremony. Charles McMurtry received the U.S. Army’s Good Conduct Medal and Expert Infantryman Badge; Errol Brady Ross was awarded several honors including the U.S. Marine Corps’ Southwest Asia Service Medal 3 Stars; Joseph Pereira was presented with a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Vietnam.

Buchanan's efforts extend beyond this ceremony. In December 2021, a measure he proposed aimed at reducing military training accidents became law following an incident involving Bradenton soldier Nicolas Panipinto. Additionally, Buchanan reintroduced legislation like the Veterans Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act and supported initiatives such as the Veterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act, which passed unanimously in 2022.