Friday, November 6, 2026
Three Baldwin residents – Alison Bardeguez, Mona Narcisse-Galette and David Marshall – were among 13 veterans honored by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin at her annual Veterans Hall of Honor ceremony Oct. 18, recognizing their military service and dedication to helping others.
Held at the Malverne American Legion Post 44, the ceremony brought together veterans, family members, friends and local officials. The honorees’ military service spanned generations, from World War II and the Vietnam War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many continue to support fellow veterans and serve their communities long after leaving the military.
“These remarkable veterans remind us that service can be a lifelong commitment,” Griffin said in her welcome remarks. “I am deeply grateful for their military service and for all they continue to do for others. Their leadership, generosity and commitment to community set a powerful example for future generations.”
The three Baldwin honorees reflected that commitment through experiences ranging from World War II combat to military medicine and aviation maintenance.
Alison Bardeguez
Bardeguez, 40, is a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served 20 years in aviation maintenance, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. She spent 12 years on active duty and eight in the Marine Corps Reserve, specializing in avionics maintenance for the CH-46E Sea Knight and MV-22B Osprey aircraft. Throughout her service, she led fellow Marines, maintained critical aircraft systems and supported military operations at home and overseas.
While serving in the Reserve, Bardeguez began a second career with Con Edison, where she continues to work. She moved to Baldwin in 2020.
Bardeguez is involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Long Beach, supporting veteran advocacy and community initiatives. She also volunteers with Paws of War, an organization that helps veterans and first responders through companion animals. Bardeguez has a personal connection to the organization through her own service dog, Hudson, a Bernese mountain dog. She additionally supports Sisters in Arms, a women’s veterans retreat dedicated to fostering connection, healing and empowerment.
“I think it’s important to have veterans try and help other veterans,” Bardeguez said. “Who better to help a younger generation veteran than someone who’s been through it already?”
Bardeguez said she was honored to be recognized and hopes communities continue supporting veterans regardless of political affiliation.
“I think it’s really nice that our local government personnel are taking time to recognize veterans,” Bardeguez said. “I’m a pretty strong believer that veteran support can come from anywhere. It doesn’t matter what side of the political wall you’re on. So, it’s just really nice to know that, regardless of where you are, you have that support. I felt pretty honored.”
Mona Narcisse-Galette
Narcisse-Galette, who is in her early 60s, served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, rising from Private First Class to Master Sergeant. Originally from Haiti, she immigrated to the United States in 1981 and enlisted in the Reserve, inspired to give back to her adopted country.
She served as a combat medic and licensed practical nurse, specializing in military medicine, emergency response and operational readiness.
Narcisse-Galette trained at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and Fort Dix in New Jersey, where she became an emergency medical instructor. She trained, mentored and certified hundreds of solider-medics, oversaw medical logistics and ensured military units were prepared for domestic missions and overseas deployments.
During her military career, Narcisse-Galette was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Her unit, the 4220th, later deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where she helped coordinate critical patient evacuations, emergency triage and medical care for wounded service members arriving from combat zones in the Middle East.
Alongside her military service, Narcisse-Galette pursued a career in education, working as a teacher in New York City. Today, she is a proud Baldwin resident, mother and grandmother who continues to work with local children through her daycare and tutoring business, primarily serving elementary and middle school students.
“What I do, I do it for my community,” Narcisse-Galette said. “I’m an immigrant that came from Haiti, and to me, it was payback time, like, giving back to the new country that I made my home.”
David Marshall
Marshall, 102, was recognized for his service as a World War II veteran. Born on Sept. 22, 1924, he served in the U.S. Army from March 5, 1943, to Jan. 13, 1946, achieving the rank of Corporal. He was assigned to M Company, 3rd Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, where he trained in the use of heavy weapons.
Marshall departed for the United Kingdom on his 20th birthday, alongside his close friend and fellow solider, Geroge “Schmitty” Schmitt. After completing additional training, the pair landed at Omaha Beach with their unit before heading toward the Netherlands. On their first day of combat, however, German artillery struck their position, killing Schmitt.
Marshall went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in Dec. 1944, where American troops faced freezing temperatures and sustained artillery attacks. His division helped repel German forces and liberate La Roche-en-Ardenne, Belgium. Today, town’s Museum of the Battle displays photographs of Marshall and other soldiers.
The 84th Infantry Division also received recognition for its involvement in the liberation of concentration camps and a forced labor camp.
Marshall spent 170 days in combat during World War II. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, French Legion of Honor, Combat Infantryman Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and World War II Victory Medal.
