Nominee Finalists

Donna is a RN who worked at ECMC for many years and now volunteers in a clinic at Friends of Night People which gives care to the poor and undomiciled and provides a clinical experience for UB medical students. Donna has no desire to keep any prize, should she win. Her goal is to donate any prize to a nonprofit organization.

It is my extreme pleasure and honor to nominate my brother Todd Johnston. Todd proudly served in the United States Air Force and worked at the VA Hospital until his service connected injuries forced him to retire early. Todd has had three back surgeries with fusion and a cage, a left knee replacement and surgery on his right knee. Todd struggles with pain every day that will never go away with any surgery and yet manages to get through with a smile. Todd is loving husband to his beautiful wife Heather and very proud father of his two children Caitlyn and Tyler. Todd always puts his family and friends first. Whenever he finds out someone is in need of help, Todd is the first one to help. He had a DJ service that helped earn some income for his family but due to his injuries had to stop most of his jobs due to the weight of the equipment. But won’t let it stop him from donating his time and what little he has to give. I strongly believe my brother is deserving of this.

If you ask anyone that is part of the Machias Volunteer Fire Department, they will tell you that Josh is the most dependable and humble person to work beside. He spends countless hours away from his family and friends to help serve his community (and surrounding communities) without ever asking for anything in return just to make sure the members of our town are safe.You need him, he’s there without question and he shows up willing to do whatever tasks needs to be done. Josh recently was named “Firefighter of the year” and received and award for being one of the top 10 responders in his department. Josh takes any ambulance call that he can and numerous patients request him because he’s patient and kind. If you ever met him, you would never forget him. He’s someone that everyone looks up to and he’s happy to teach anyone who is willing to learn. He’s a true inspiration to our community and his children and deserves to have something good happen to him!

Some people talk about service, and others just serve. I would like to nominate Buffalo Police Officer, Amy Veteran, Sergeant Jeremias Robles. After honorably serving 8 years as a Combat Medic, he returned home and continued to protect and serve as a police officer. What I admire most Jeremias is not just his courage, but his commitment to doing the right thing. He’s faced the chaos of war and the challenges of the streets with the same calm, steady presence that makes you feel safe just by standing beside him. Jeremias is the kind of person who runs toward trouble to keep others safe. Who carries the weight of service with quiet dignity. What makes this story even more special is that I once had the privilege of being his teacher. I watched him grow into the kind of young person you just knew would make a difference. But somewhere along the way, the roles quietly reversed because now he me teaches about courage, loyalty, and strength.

I’m nominating my wife, Jessica Miller, a devoted police officer, caregiver, and everyday hero. Jessica has spent her life protecting and uplifting others—both in uniform and out. Her dedication to service is unmatched, whether she’s responding to emergencies, mentoring youth, or checking in on elderly veterans in our community who rely on her kindness and consistency. She often goes out of her way on her own time to make sure they’re cared for and never forgotten. At home, Jessica is the heart of our family—balancing the demands of her job with endless love and strength. A new car would help her continue this important work and support our family’s busy life. She never seeks recognition, but her impact is felt by everyone she meets. Jessica is selfless, strong, and exactly the kind of person this honor was meant for.

Seth has fought over seas on multiple tours during the height of the war. After returning home, he battled with untreated ptsd and other non life threatening injuries. He currently still serves our military in the Army Reserves. He always puts his county before himself or anyone else. He is the true definition of a man who would put his life on the line for the better of our nation.

David has been with the Genesee Coutny Sheriff’s office for about 12 years. First as a dispatcher, then as a road deputy, now as an investigator. He is a fire arms instructor, CIT, DRE, FTO and holds several other titles I can’t keep up with. He cares about his community and has shown this through the countless hours dedicated to the sheriffs office. He has been awarded officer of the year in past years. In May 2020, he was shot at in a pursuit with a tractor trailer that went cross several counties. The bullet was less than an inch from his head. I was pregnant with our second child, due in August. This was probably the closest call we’ve had yet, though he’s been a part of several critical incidents. No call has never deterred him from doing what is needed to protect those in the community. He always does what is needed and what is right. He makes sure to provide for our family, even when it means he misses out at times. He’s an amazing father and husband. He deserves the world.

I’m nominating him because he’s such a caring and giving person, he would give the shirt off his back for someone and never asks for nothing. He did 2 deployments in Afghanistan, away from his daughter and our family to serve our country and never asked for anything in return. He suffers daily with ptsd and other health issues due to these deployments. He currently has a car that isn’t reliable and it breaks down regularly when he is trying to get to work. There’s been times he’s broken down on the side of the road on the way there or home. He can’t afford a new car at all and it would be amazing if he were to be blessed with a vehicle that is reliable.

My husband is a proud Marine Corps veteran who served 21 years, including deployments in OIF and OEF. He led with courage and heart, never asking for recognition. Since retiring, life has been a struggle as he tries to find his place in the civilian world and a career he can love as much as he loved serving. He’s a dedicated father and husband who gives his all to our family every single day. Being nominated for this vehicle would mean the world to him—it would show that people truly recognize the sacrifices he made. There’s no one more deserving of support and recognition from beyond his family than him.

I'm nominating my dear friend Christine, a U. S. AF veteran who quietly lives with the challenges that came after service. Even with her own struggles, she shows up for others in ways that matter deeply. Since losing my kid's father, Christine has been a lifeline-helping me a fellow disabled vet by picking up my kids from daycare, stepping in when I am overwhelmed, and being someone I can always count on. She never asks for anything in return. A dependable vehicle would liftsuch a weight off her shoulders and make it easier for her to keep showing up for the people she cares about- including me and my kids. Christine gives from the heart, and I can't think of anyone more deserving.

My dad has served the people of WNY for the last 40 years as both an EMT and paramedic. He has been with the company, which is currently American Medical Response, for his entire career, along with Mercy Flight for 10 years. He has the second most seniority and is a certified trainer. When he isn’t working with his normal partner, he is training the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. He has been recognized countless times for his response times in cardiac events, was nationally recognized as EMS Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association in 1995, and by Erie and Wyoming Counties in 2004 as Advanced EMS Provider of the Year. Growing up, he was constantly picking up overtime and covering shifts when people called in. My dad doesn’t do this job for the recognition. My dad does this extremely physically and emotionally taxing job because he truly cares about helping his community. I saw this tenfold during the pandemic. One can only hope it's my dad who responds to their call.

I am honored to nominate Kristen for her exceptional service with the Navy. She exemplifies pride, dignity, and excellence, serving as a remarkable role model in and out of uniform. Beyond her military career, Kristen has excelled as an X-ray technologist at a leading vascular hospital in Buffalo, demonstrating professionalism and compassion. As a single mother, she has achieved the extraordinary, raising three remarkable sons with values of discipline, integrity, and service. Her eldest son continues the family’s military tradition as a Marine, while her middle and youngest sons are Dean’s List scholars pursuing careers in education and law, respectively. Kristen’s unwavering dedication to her family, community, and country is truly inspiring, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.

Josh is the most selfless person I know. He dedicates himself to the community serving in almost every position in the fire line and company. He is always there anytime anyone needs him without question or hesitation. He is always the person that other people reach out to because they know he will always show up. He always puts his needs behind everyone else’s. For example he really needs a new truck but has put that need aside again and again to provide for his families needs. All first responders are something special but Josh shines just a bit brighter without ever seeking praise or recognition.

Katie is a critical care RN and a single mom who has dedicated her life to serving others—both at the bedside and at home. She’s the calm in the chaos during trauma codes, the voice of comfort for grieving families, and the steady hands saving lives every shift. But her heroism doesn’t end at the hospital doors. She raised her daughter alone while working exhausting ICU shifts, often running on little sleep but never running out of love or strength. Katie never asks for recognition—she simply shows up, every day, for everyone. A free car would be more than reliable transportation—it would be a thank you for years of selflessness, sacrifice, and service. She gives her all to her patients, her team, and her daughter. It’s time someone gave back to her.

My husband was deployed to Afghanistan (arghandab river valley) in 2009 with his 82nd airborne infantry unit. Two months before he was scheduled to come home he was hit with an IED and lost his left leg. His right leg sustained major injuries and he had to wear an external fixator for over 6 months. He slowly learned how to walk again and it took him almost two years to fully recover at Walter reed. He truly is a hero and deserves this more than anyone I know. He currently drives a 2012 Chevy Silverado that is basically rotting out from all of the rust, despite him spending $3,000 to get it welded last year. I believe he deserves to be recognized for his sacrifices for our country and all that he’s done for us. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this!

I am honored to nominate my daughter, Morgan, for the Vehicles for Vets program. Morgan is a proud United States Air Force veteran who served in Security Forces, protecting and serving with the highest level of dedication and honor. She has carried those same values of integrity, respect, and selflessness into every part of her civilian life. Morgan has always been passionate about helping others. Whether it is lending a hand in the community, supporting fellow veterans, or showing kindness to a stranger, she is the type of person who puts others first. She treats people with respect no matter their background and she leads by example. The past few years have been incredibly challenging for her from personal hardships to financial struggles but she has never let those obstacles define her. Instead, she continues to work hard, stay positive, and push forward with the determination I have admired in her since she was young. A reliable vehicle would make a tremendous difference.

I am nominating Officer Lance Woods for the basil vehicles for vets and first responders. Officer Woods is an outstanding officer who always looks out for the people in the community , and goes above and beyond to help those who are in need. Officer Woods day in and day out serves his community with dignity and grace in making sure that he keeps the residents of Buffalo safe, whether he is helping out with patrolling the Buffalo public schools / neighborhood. Officer Woods has been serving his community proudly with the Buffalo police department since 2008. With 17 years on the force and several nominations for what he brings to his community in saving and protecting others. I believe Officer Woods is the perfect candidate for this nomination.

I am nominating my brother Justin kiesznoski because for as long as I can remember he has always put others before himself. Anytime anyone has needed anything he has been right there doing whatever he could to help out. There is no limit to his kindness and generosity, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He has always been there for me whenever I needed help or advice. A short time ago I got hurt at work and was going further into debt with being out of work and my brother allowed me to move in with him rent free just so I can get out of debt. He is currently going through a rough patch right now, he has one vehicle down and one that's in and out of the shop, and financially he is hurting, and he is in need of a reliable vehicle for his wife and kids to get them to appointments and functions. I think he deserves this opportunity for all the good that he puts into the world. That's the type of person my brother is and that's why I think he deserves a new vehicle.