New City, NY – In a heartfelt ceremony held Wednesday, Rockland County paid tribute to the valor and dedication of two remarkable female veterans, bestowing upon them the prestigious Freedom Award. This annual recognition, presented each March, highlights the exemplary service of female veterans who have made significant contributions to the nation’s safety and freedoms.
County Executive Ed Day, alongside Susan Branam, Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, led the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices and achievements of women in the military, whose efforts have historically been underrecognized. “Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked,” Ed Day remarked, highlighting the essential role women have played in shaping and defending the United States.
The 2024 Freedom Award was awarded to Major Mattie Moore, US Army Reserve (Ret.), in recognition of her distinguished service during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991. Major Moore’s career is marked by a lifelong commitment to both her country and community. A Registered Nurse since 1971, she has worked in various hospitals and dedicated 30 years of service to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. Beyond her military and professional achievements, Major Moore has actively volunteered with numerous organizations in Rockland County, including the United Negro College Fund, Healing the Children, and the American Legion Hunger Program. Her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County further exemplifies her deep commitment to community service and heritage.
The ceremony also posthumously honored Mary Contreras, a Vietnam Veteran and nurse in the US Army, acknowledging her profound impact on the lives she touched through her service and beyond. Known for her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to family and community, Mary Contreras’s legacy continues to inspire those who remember her proud military service and compassionate spirit.
Susan Branam, Director of the Veterans Service Agency, expressed the county’s deep appreciation for the honorees, stating, “There’s no question, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible without women like these who made the brave choice to serve, and it is my pleasure to recognize their service” The ceremony served not only as a tribute to Major Moore and Mary Contreras but also as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of female veterans to the nation’s history and continued prosperity.
County Executive Ed Day concluded the ceremony with a message of gratitude, “We thank Major Moore and Mary Contreras for their bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your names among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past.”
The presentation of the Freedom Award to these distinguished female veterans underscores Rockland County’s commitment to honoring all who have served, highlighting the integral role women have played in the nation’s military history and their ongoing contributions to community and country.