Ausmore, Kiamesha

Kiamesha Ausmore

Army

1999 - 2000

Scott M. Becker

Navy

2002 - Present

Charles, Davian O.

Davian O. Charles

Air Force 

2016 - 2022

 Concha, Alan F.

Petty Officer Alan F. Concha was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Plantation, Florida. He was an excellent student and an exceptional athlete. He was an active member of the Plantation swim and basketball teams. He graduated in 2016 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, where he was a member of the wrestling team, achieving significant individual and team accomplishments. He subsequently enrolled at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton and completed his studies at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. Today, six years after enlisting, Alan proudly still wears the uniform of the United States Navy. He continues his naval career and is currently stationed in Spain, serving aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley. Previously, he served aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in Japan for four years, where his commitment, hard work, and dedication earned him the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.

 Elidor, Abner

Abner Elidor

Army

2001 - 2004

Ewart, Joe

Joe Ewart has resided in South Florida for 23 years, the last 9 as a resident of Plantation.  He is a U.S. army Vietnam combat veteran serving from 1969 to 1970 with the Americal Division, 11th Infantry Brigade.   He has is married with two children and 3 grand children.  He retired in 2008 after a 40 year career as a sales and marketing executive with several national travel industry firms.  He has also served as a volunteer with Everglades Angels Dog Rescue.  In addition,  he was most recently active with the South Florida chapter of Honor Flight and served as Chairperson of the Fund Raising committee.

Helling, Jerome K.

Jerome K. Helling

Air Force

1962 - 1966

Hiller, Lee

Lee Hiller

Navy

1974 - 1977

Hurtado, Kerwin

Kerwin Hurtado

Army

2002 - 2009

Jaslowski, John

John Jaslowski

Marine Corps

1975 - 1978

McCormack, Michael Alfred

Michael Alfred McCormack July 26, 1948 — November 19, 2021

Michael A. McCormack is being recognized posthumously as a Hometown Hero by the City of Plantation because he dedicated his life to service, family and career.  Born July 26, 1948, in Fayetteville, NC to a US Army Family, Michael enlisted in the US Navy Reserves in August of 1969 when so many of his generation were avoiding serving their country. Michael attended basic training in Pensacola, Florida and served his two-year active duty stationed at the Pearl Harbor-Hickam Wahiawa Base in Honolulu, Hawaii as a Chief Petty Officer-Navy Cryptologic Technician responsible for tracking enemy signals, jamming radars and disrupting enemy threats to national security.  While serving his country, Michael earned many letters of commendation and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal prior to completing his military service in August of 1975.

Michael and his wife, Donna Marie McCormack, and their daughters Melanie Ann DeMar and Michelle Marie Johns became Plantation Acres residents in 1985 and raised Appaloosa horses.  Because Michael loved his family beyond words, he was always involved in community activities including the Plantation Acres Saddle Club and the local 4 H community. The City of Plantation is a great place to raise a family.

Ramer, Marc

Marc Ramer served as an Aviation Technician in the United States Navy during The Persian Gulf War / Operation Desert Storm. While stationed at NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville he continued his education and received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Masters in Business Management from Webster University. He has resided in Plantation over 35 years with his wife Colleen where they’ve raised their son Kilian and daughter Tiernan. An active member of the community, Marc enjoyed his many years of coaching his son’s P.A.L football team’s and watching his daughter’s theatre performance at South Plantation High School. Since being honorably discharged from the Navy he's had a successful career in the banking industry.

Romer Jr., Ronald L.

Ronald L. Romer Jr.

Navy

2004 - 2024

Shevlin Sr., Edward T.

Edward T Shevlin Sr was a Master Sergeant in the 411th AAA Gun Battalion during WW2 in the European Theatre. He landed on Utah Beach D+2 and proudly served under General Patton. In 11 months of continuous action, his unit shot down 67 enemy aircraft, earned five campaign awards, and received numerous commendations. He spoke often about the time he discovered a 1938 Cadillac in an abandoned pickling factory and drove it back to base. Upon seeing the Cadillac, General Patton said “Master Sergeant Shevlin, slap a star on that car… it’s mine now”. That car can be found on display at the Patton Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The last few months of Ed’s service was spent cleaning up and helping the survivors of Dachau, an experience that affected him deeply but rarely spoke of.  Ed and his wife Muriel retired to Plantation in 1985 to be with their son, daughter in law and grandchildren and lived a very happy and peaceful life.

Thomas, Daniel

Captain Daniel “DT” Thomas grew up in Plantation, attending Peters Elementary, Plantation Middle School, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2002, Captain Thomas completed flight school in Valdosta, GA and Pensacola, FL, and was designated a Naval Aviator in June, 2004.

He completed a total of nine deployments, including  four flying deployments in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as an eight-month deployment from

2015-2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During this deployment, he served as Officer-in-Charge on a five-month Personal Recovery Detachment in northern Iraq, culminating in the Detachment’s rescue of four Americans. Captain Thomas completed a Master’s degree at the U.S. Naval War College in 2018.  He commanded Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT from March, 2021-May, 2022, and the SEAWOLF Rotary Wing Weapons School from July, 2023-July, 2025. He is currently stationed at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi as the Prospective Training Wing FOUR Commodore. Captain Thomas has accumulated over 3,800 hours of operational and combat flight time in Navy helicopters. 

Yonke, Stephen

Stephen Yonke

Coast Guard

1994 - Present

Arriola, Edgar 

Corporal Edgar Arriola graduated from Plantation High School in 1999. He enlisted into the United States Marine Corp on July 25th, 1999. Corporal Arriola completed recruit training aboard MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina in October of 1999 and moved on to attend Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Geiger located in North Carolina. Following completion of MCT, Corporal Arriola reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend Personnel Clerk Course (MOS 0121) in January of 2000.  He graduated top 3 in his class and was able to choose his future base station; Camp Pendleton, California.  Corporal Arriola checked into the 11th Marines Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division and was assigned to primary MOS 0121, Personnel Clerk where he spent 3 years with this unit.  Corporal Arriola was deployed to Kuwait in February 2023 for the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.   

Corporal Edgar Arriola was honorably discharged in July of 2023 with the following decorations, medals, badges, and ribbons:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Rifle Expert Badge
• Meritorious Mast (3rd Award)  
• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

Bongiorno, Richard Joseph

My name is Richard Joseph Bongiorno. I was born in Floral Park, New York in 1944. I was drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, where I served honorably from 1965-1971 in the US Air Cavalry unit. I was deployed to the Vietnam War during 1966-1967. The experience in the military instilled in me a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

After completing my service, I sought a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of New York and eventually settled in to Plantation, Florida in 1974, where I have resided with my family ever since. I have been happily married to Angela Bongiorno for 56 years. I am a father of 4 ranging from 35-58 years old and also grandfather of 5.  In Davie, I became of local business owner until my retirement in 2015. I then became an active member of the military community as a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America in Broward county which I still belong to currently serving as the Vice President  of the association. 

Dourvetakis, James

James Dourvetakis joined the City of Plantation in 1994 as a Police Officer and retired as a Deputy Chief in 2024, after 29.9 years of service.  He currently works for the City in a part-time capacity. 

Sergeant First Class (SFC) James Dourvetakis joined the United States Army in 1987 as a Military Police Officer.  In 1989 he was assigned as a Drug Suppression Team (DST) Investigator and in 1990 he became a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).  While on active duty he deployed to Honduras (Joint Task Force-Bravo) and Panama (Joint Task Force-Panama) with the 511th Military Police Company.  SFC Dourvetakis left active duty in 1992 and transitioned into the United States Army Reserve.  Throughout his time in the Reserve, he again served in multiple roles as a Military Police Officer, a DST Investigator, a Special Agent, and finally as a Military Police Instructor.  During this time, he served on active duty twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2005 to 2006.  SFC Dourvetakis retired honorably from the United States Army Reserve in February 2020, after 29 years of cumulative service.

Hansen, William "Bill"

William “Bill” Hansen served in the U.S. Navy aboard three different ships during the Korean War.  He saw action throughout the Pacific and was honorably discharged with two Battle Stars and four distinguished service medals.

Following his service to our country, Bill moved to Florida, and he has lived in his current home in Plantation since 1963.

Since then, Bill has raised a family which now spans 5 generations including 4 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 

While his family has grown, Bill has also watched Plantation grow. What started out as a sleepy little town on the outskirts of Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation has matured to the thriving metropolis it is today. 

But to him, Plantation still has the hometown feel.  The Police and Fire Departments provide a high level of service.  The library, museum, park and recreation centers are second to none. Neighbors still help neighbors.  He is very proud to say that he lives in Plantation

On behalf of Bill’s family, friends and loved ones, thank you so much for this special recognition as one of Plantation’s 2024 Hometown Heroes.  He has been our hero for generations.

Koontz, William

 William Koontz, recognized as a Hometown Hero by the City of Plantation, has dedicated his life to service, family, and personal passions. Born in New York, William has called South Florida home for over 45 years.

His journey began with a distinguished military career, serving in the US Army as a 63B Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic assigned to the C509th Airborne unit. This experience instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience.

In 1996, William graduated from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. That same year, he married his college sweetheart, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

William is a multifaceted individual, described by many as a devoted father, entrepreneur, athlete, and an enjoyer of food—both eating and cooking. He is also a PC geek and gamer, with a deep appreciation for technology. His love for adventure is evident in his travels around the world, and at home, he is a dedicated dog person and a bourbon connoisseur.

William Koontz embodies the spirit of a true Hometown Hero, bringing dedication, passion, and a love for community to everything he does.

Martilotto, Michael 

 I am originally from New York, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island. My mother Jeanne Reynaert Martilotto was a “war bride”, who met my father in Antwerp Belgium,  while he was serving in the Army during WWII.

I moved to Plantation FL with my wife Angie Martilotto and my son Matthew Martilotto (Army reserve), we come in 2013. First generation residing in Plantation, but my father was a resident of Sunrise until his demise. Matthew is a HS Graduate from Western HS and after the pandemic joined the Army – Reserve. I am very proud of my son commitment to serve our country; I could say he is my pride and joy. Fresh out of HS at the tender age of 18. I was drafted by the Army to serve in Vietnam. 

Not for a moment there was any doubt about joining the Army’s call. My father Oswald Martilotto (+WWII Veteran) and my Uncle Valentino Martilotto (Korean war Veteran) were both by my side during the enrollment process and when I walked into Ft Hamilton – Brooklyn Army Base. My time in the Army was quite a journey; and regardless of the war outcome I am very proud to have been served my country. Upon returning from Vietnam, I joined Transworld Airlines and worked there until the tragic days of September 11th. Then transitioned to American Airlines until I retired in 2006.

Nowadays I enjoy boating and fishing, spending time with family and friends, visiting New York during the Florida summer hot days, but always looking forward to coming back to Plantation.

Moncrief, April

 Colonel April Moncrief resides in Plantation, Florida with her husband Rich, and children Abigail and Richard. On July 13, 2024 she assumed command of 4th Brigade, 94th Division, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The 4th Brigade teaches Adjutant General, Finance, and Chaplain courses to over 4,000 students annually, and is comprised of five Battalions spread across the United States. She previously commanded 11-95th ILE Battalion in Kansas City, Missouri, and Headquarters and Headquartes Company US Army NATO at SHAPE, Belgium. Colonel Moncrief started off her prestigious Army career at West Point, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 2001. She earned a Masters of Public Administration from Marist College in 2005, and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2022. 

 LTC Glenn A. Ogden

 Army

 1969 - 1994

 Veteran

Parris, Thomas 

 Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy after high school graduation.  After basic training and A school, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for 3 years.  He served in the 7th Fleet area of operations on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier which included deployments in the Western Pacific, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and Sea of Japan. While in Japan, he was also on the Navy Security Force and Security Reaction Force Team.   In addition, he served on special assignments in Navada and Guam. 

His next assignment was in the United States, serving on the USS Dwight D. Einsehower stationed in Norfolk, VA.  While on the Eisenhower, he was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and North Arabian Sea participating in Lightning Handshake 2021 and Inherent Resolve.

Tommy was honorably discharged with the following decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon
• Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (3)
• Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons (2)
• Navy Good Conduct Medal
• Navy “E” Ribbon
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation
• Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist

Kischa A. Scott

Air Force

1987 - 2007

Veteran

My name is Joanne Whatley. I have worked for Plantation for 18 years.   I grew up with my twin sister Dianne in Painesville Ohio.  We graduated high school in 1977 and started thinking about the military.  We both signed up for the United States Army.   Dianne went to basic training about a month before me.  My MOS 84B was  a photographer.   I spent two years in Germany at the US Command Headquarters in Stuttgart Germany and finished my military career with the First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood Texas.  It was one of our greatest honors to wear the uniform of this great Country.