All Nominees

My husband has been involved in the Vol. fire service for 30+yrs. After coming home from the Army on a medical discharge in 93, he joined his 1st fire comp & was there for about 9yrs. After getting married, having his son & divorced, he was forced to move & leave that fire company. It was then, he went to work as a paid EMT where he worked for almost 10yrs & found his forever home at the fire comp. he is at now & has been since 03. Since joining this comp. he has served as EMS captain twice, NYS EMT for 20+yrs, V. Pres. & is on his 2nd term as President. An extremely dedicated family man, taking on my three children as they were his own when we met 18yrs ago & now my daughter’s daughter (6) is his best friend & wrapped around his little finger. In 2010, his health and medical conditions stopped him from answering calls. But even then after 32 surgeries and a pacemaker, this man is one of the most dedicated and loyal firefighters I have ever met and is at the firehall almost everyday.

I am honored to nominate Danielle Peters, a Navy veteran who continues to serve others long after her military career. Danielle is 100% disabled and unable to work, yet she dedicates her time selflessly to volunteering with Big Buddy GSD Rescue. She fosters dogs in need, carefully screens potential adopters, and plays a critical role in coordinating safe placements. Most importantly, Danielle transports dogs across New York State, often over long distances to ensure they reach loving foster and adoptive homes. Her work is not only time-consuming but essential to saving the lives of these animals. Reliable transportation is the backbone of her ability to continue this mission. Danielle embodies service, sacrifice, and compassion, and she continues to make a meaningful impact in her community every single day. She is incredibly deserving of this opportunity.

My husband is the kind of person who never asks for recognition, yet truly deserves it. For the past five years, he has served as an infantry soldier in the Army, dedicating his life to something. His role demands long hours, training, and time away from his family, but he has always embraced it with strength and commitment. When our daughter was just six months old, he deployed, missing precious milestones and leaving behind a family that needed him. Despite the distance, he stayed as connected as possible, showing constant love and support even from afar. Since returning, he has continued to balance military life with being an incredible father to our two children. No matter how exhausting his days are, he makes time to be present. He’s reenlisted for another four years, making the difficult choice to continue sacrificing time and comfort so he can provide stability for our family. It would be amazing to give back to someone who does so much and never asks for anything in return.

Hi I am nominating my self, me and my currently lost everything back at Puerto Rico because of all the debt we had with no help, 3 jobs, and we moved to Rochester NY to be able to provide a better life for our kids. I have 3 kids, two which are autistic one is 15 years lvl 2 autism and the other 6 years old lvl 3 autism, non speaker, eating disorders and his disability is severe, and I am currently with a mental health diagnosis. We need a vehicle to transport to work, appointments, therapies. It would be of much help if you would consider us for this opportunity, it would be a big relief on our life's. Thank you!

It is my profound honor to nominate Le'Mahn for the Basil Vehicles for Vets award. For 15 years, including two demanding deployments, he has faithfully and selflessly defended our nation in the United States Air Force. At home, his mission is equally challenging and inspiring. Le'Mahn is the devoted father to 11 children (four daughters, three sons, and four step-sons). His oldest daughter has mosaic Down syndrome, requiring specialized care, frequent advocacy, and unwavering patience, all of which he provides with a servant’s heart. He is defined by profound selflessness; he consistently places his family, his fellow Airmen, and his country above himself. Managing the complex logistics, medical appointments, and daily needs of a family of 13 is a monumental task. Winning this vehicle would provide a life-changing lifeline for his family, offering crucial support to an everyday hero who gives everything and asks for nothing in return.

Matt is not only a Firefighter but also a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. He has served his community for 8 years and his country for 18. He is a hard working and dedicated husband and father as well. He also spends his off time doing handyman work on his off days. He is a great man and role model.

My sister serves in the Army with dedication, strength, and selflessness. She has committed herself to serving and protecting others, often making personal sacrifices to do so. I’m nominating her because I’ve seen firsthand her resilience, discipline, and caring heart. She inspires those around her through her commitment, hard work, and willingness to put others before herself. She truly deserves recognition for her service and the positive example she sets.

This Veteran is in need of a vehicle because she was not able to finish her classes on campus last semester due to not having a way to class. She really needs a vehicle to finish school because when she does, she can give her children a better way of life and she can have a way to work. She cannot afford a vehicle at the moment due to not having the finances to buy one. After paying bills and life insurance, she is only left with bout $250 a month to hang on to for transportation in case of emergencies (lyft, uber, etc.). Not having a vehicle is ruining her life because cannot even make it to the children's doctors appointments. She will miss her son's 8th grade graduation ceremony this year because no have transportation to get her family there. She would love to help her children have a regular life instead of struggling to get to school everyday. She love school, and she would love to finish this time around. I thank you so much for your time to read this, and thanks for your help!

Officer Canada rush into a burning home before 911 was call and saved a family. Mother and children. She received Officer of the 2026 Award.

Areyon has come along way with her career. She has worked so hard and continues to work hard while working as a police officer.

Are yin is determined , hard working and loyal ! She loves her job! She takes pride in everything she does and wants to serve her community !

This person is hard working and shows nothing but compassion and respect to others. She does her job well and has shown in multiple occasions why she deserves this.

I feel like I am a very hard working determined female police officer. I try to go above and beyond to solve problems of others and to help the community in any way I can. I love what I do.

Veteran served as US Navy Specail Forces with a Top Secret Clearance and is very patriotic and risked it all serving his country on Countless Deployments in and out of Danger zones across the Middle East and is a kind loving family member regardless of all that he had to deal with and could not think of a more deserving man and Vetrans who gave all and left his kids and Family Behind.

I would like to nominate Paige Sultemeier for a vehicle through the Vehicles for Vets and First Responders program. For the past 12 years, Paige has served her community as an EMT and Court Officer, dedicating her life to helping others during some of their most difficult moments. She approaches every call, patient, and citizen with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a bad day a little easier. Paige drives a long distance to work through all types of weather and puts countless miles on her vehicle each year while serving others. Unfortunately, her vehicle is older and experiencing ongoing mechanical issues, making reliability and safety a growing concern. A dependable vehicle would not only ease a financial burden but help ensure she can continue serving her community safely and effectively. Paige has spent over a decade putting others first, and she is truly deserving of this opportunity.

I’m nominating my father. He is an Airforce Vet. He went in the military in the 70s. I believe he was an accountant stationed here in NYS. He recently lost the love of his life, my mother May 13 2026 the day after her birthday. It was a short fight with stage 4 cancer of unknown origin. Me and my dad took care of her for a few months on hospice. We never had a lot of money growing up and my mom was not only the love of his life and best friend but also a partner and source of income. He drives an old ish car now that sounds like it’ll break down somedays. He’s 70 and I just want him to smile and have some source of happiness. This would mean the absolute world for us and especially him in such a difficult time.

My father has had such a rough month, he recently lost his wife of over 20yrs Barb to cancer and a week later lost his 17yr dog Trixie. He drives a car that he’s pours money in year after year to pass inspection, not to mention the car has over 200,000 miles on it. I don’t know anyone who needs an uplifting more than my dad. Thank you for considering this nomination. Thank you and Go Bills and Sabres

From Bosnia in the 90’s to Iraq, Afghanistan every snow storm or flooding across NYS SFC was called to duty. He served honorably for 23 years first with the active duty army and then with the NY Army National Guard. Due to his service he can no longer work and 100% disabled. He has had both hips replaced, both shoulder repaired and due to the burn pits of Afghanistan suffers from debilitating migraines. Due to the loss of income he had in the last year a car without a payment would go a long way to helping his family financially.

These are my 2 daughters, Vivian to the left and Olivia on the right. In 2018, Vivian signed up to join the Navy. She served on the USS O'Kane, a US Destroyer. She is 4'9 and was a very healthy mentally and physically young woman with dreams of doing 20 years serving our country. That dream was cut short due to being a victim of MST. Her PTSD following the assault is crippling. Her home in Denver was foreclosed last month by Navy FCU. She needed to file chapter 7 and lost her car as well. I will be flying to Denver Friday to drive her home. She needs a vehicle. She really does not need to remain secluded in her home; she needs to reinvent herself as a survivor vs a victim. Please help our disabled Veteran.

Vivian is a wonderful motivated young lady that gave her time and energy to serve our country. Unfortunately due to some issues she is currently disabled at such a young age. She comes from a great loving family and they are trying to help her as much as they can.

My husband proudly served in the U.S. Army for 6 years, including 2 deployments to Afghanistan during the war. During his service, he suffered a serious ankle injury that still affects him daily, causing chronic pain and additional complications throughout his life. Despite these ongoing struggles, he continues to work hard and always puts others before himself. While serving overseas, he spent long periods away from myself and young daughter, missing many of her important firsts, milestones, birthdays, and early childhood memories. That sacrifice was incredibly difficult for our family, but he served with honor and dedication to his country. He is one of the most giving, compassionate, and hardworking people I know and truly deserves this opportunity. His current vehicle has become extremely unreliable and requires frequent, very expensive repairs that place a financial strain on our family. A dependable vehicle would make a huge difference in his daily life and help provide stability