The Exchange Club of Danbury will hold its annual Veterans Day Recognition Dinner tonight at Anthony’s Lake Club. This has been an Exchange Club tradition since 1978 honoring area Veterans who, after completing their military service, have continued to serve the community in professional, volunteer and advocacy capacities. State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Tom Saadi, Chair of the Exchange Club Veterans Day Committee, will serve as the master of ceremonies.  Remarks and certificates of recognition will be presented by Saadi, the Club, Mayor Dean Esposito, and State Senator Julie Kushner.  Saadi says this year’s honorees are an extraordinary group of Veterans.

This year’s Veteran honorees are:

Jason Culbreth, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Senior Technician 1st Class (Retired) – U.S. Navy:  his service in the Navy from 1996-2007, included multiple combat deployments and high-risk missions in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Culbreth is a Danbury Firefighter. 

Michael Pederson, Corporal U.S. - Marine Corps: his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983-1987 included assignment to Okinawa, Japan. Pederson, is a Danbury Police Officer,

Tabitha   Potok,   Lt.  Colonel   –  U.S.   Air  Force: her service from 2005 to the present in the Air  Force  included deployments to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.  Potok is currently assigned to the 402 Aircraft Maintenance Group, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, GA as the Deputy Group Commander.

Paul Schlemmer, Storekeeper 3rd  Class – U.S. Navy:  his service from 1962-1970 in the Navy includes a tour of duty in Vietnam and later as a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Constitution.  Paul is the immediate past commander of VFW Post 149 in Danbury and works for the Danbury Water Department.

Thomas Presnell, Specialist 4 – U.S. Army: his service in the Army from 1968 – 1970 includes a tour of duty in Vietnam and later assignment to Fort Benning, GA.  Tommy, as he is better known, is a longtime leader at VFW Post 149 and works for First Student of New Fairfield and at Blue Jay Orchards