The Active Legion of Honor is DeMolay’s way of recognizing outstanding Senior DeMolays who have rendered exceptional service to humanity, excelled in their chosen profession, or manifested the ideals of our order in their daily actions.
Hi Dad! recounts how “Dad” Landwas reading Plutarch’s Lives and read about the immortal 10th Legion, and in his mind the legion and honor became synonymous. Working with “Dad” Marshall and “Dad” Boyce they designed the Legion of Honor and was approved by the Supreme Council. The first investiture took place on May 28, 1926 upon 15 men aged 20-25.
Some things have changed in ninety-four years. You need to now be 25 years old to be eligible and the ceremony is public. One thing has not. When we look to the Legion of Honor, we want to show our Active DeMolays, men that they can emulate, men who when they were young knelt and take upon themselves the obligation of being a better son, a better friend, and a better person.
Our state is so vast and our alumni ranks rather large that some names may be unfamiliar. Below you will find a very brief vignette of each of this year’s Active Legion of Honor honorees. It is hard to capture in a few brief sentences all of the great work these outstanding men have done, and will continue to do.
Please join me in congratulating them!
R. Scott Birge Sr.: Br. Birge empowered student leaders. Br. Birge has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in his professional work in higher education. Starting in 1975, until his retirement in 2019, he worked for the University At Albany’s Division of Student Affairs. Holding various positions, he eventually became the manager of the University’s Campus Center. This role included supporting student activities, events, working with elected student government leaders, and ensuring the evolving needs of the campus community including overseeing the expansion of the campus center. In his free time, he plays the bass drum from the Great Dane Pep Band.
Joshua Patrick Burke: Br. Burke is a whiz at audio-visual work. A passion of his since high school, Br. Burke has translated that into a professional career in Event Management for CMIav. Josh’s hard work and dedication has been critical to the success of numerous corporate and non-profit events. His skills and positive attitude have had a tremendous impact on his clients’ success and helping their messages and meetings to be so successful.
Justin Patrick Cook Br. Cook is passionate about the performing arts. Br. Cook worked with the Albany Symphony Orchestra on special projects including the Shift Festival sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Symphony performance along the Erie Canal in honor of the canal’s bicentennial. As publication manager for the Empire State Youth Orchestra, Br. Cook empowers young musicians. Br. Cook volunteers with the Freedom Park in Scotia and hosts the Scotia Relay for Life. Currently Br. Cook serves as a trustee for the Village of Scotia. Our DeMolays know Br. Justin for his epic DJing at many state conventions.
Jephthah Gerard Dais: Br. Dais by day guides investments, in his free time he invests and guides youth. Br. Dais is in the financial services field and currently serves as both COO and CFO for a capital management company in New York City. In this role, Br. Dais contributes to the success of his organization’s clients and employees. He also ensures rigorous compliance with US financial laws and regulations. Br. Dais currently serves as State Chapter Advisor for New York DeMolay helping to mentor and guide the State Officers, plan events, and encourage their growth as leaders. Br. Dais is also the chairman of Knickerbocker Chapter and is currently the charter Master of Jacques DeMolay Lodge UD.
Kent Arthur Dorney: Br. Dorney saves lives and empowers others to save lives. He is active in the emergency medical field. Br. Dorney has worked for a number of different EMT/EMS services in Western New York. This includes service on the first Mercy Flight Crew, working in the Tactical Paramedical Response team to care for police officers who had been wounded. He developed and designed the Field Training Officer Program. This program has become a national model and is employed by EMT/EMS organizations around the country. In his decades of service he has saved literally thousands of lives, and provided critical training to help others save lives.
Patrick Thomas Filiberto: Br. Filiberto makes a family owned small business thrive. He is the head chef at Shorty’s Southside in Amsterdam, NY. Shorty’s Southside is an Amsterdam institution, famous for its prime rib, Italian classics, soups, and American traditional food. Br. Filiberto’s culinary skills makes this a destination for those traveling to the Mohawk Valley Gateway Bridge, as well as a local favorite among Amsterdamians. His work has benefits the small business community in Montgomery County, and helped to have a positive economic impact in the City of Amsterdam
Stephen M. Genthner Br. Genthner is a healer. A Doctor of Chiropractic with his own practice in Olde Towne Chiropractic in Portsmouth, VA. Br. Genthner makes sure that people are well cared for and have the health they need. His patients turn to him for his compassion and expertise in chiropractic. In addition to direct patient care, Br. Genthner hosts a number of educational seminars and classes on chiropractic and volunteers his time in his local community.
Scott David Harris: Br. Harris is a gifted chef and educator. Working with students at a local high school in Tonawanda NY, Br. Harris brings the best out of his students in the culinary field. He combines his love of cooking and his love of teaching together to make a positive impact on the lives of his students.
Philip Andrew Hazard: Br. Hazard is a modern day Cincinnatus. Br. Hazard went to serve our country in the United States Airforce during the War on Terror. After his honorable discharge, Br. Hazard worked in a civilian role for the United States abroad. After serving our country, he returned back to the States studying and teaching history. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Florida State University.
Matthew F. Howard: Br. Howard is there for others. An advisor with Ridge Council DeMolay he has served in different roles on the advisory council and currently chapter advisor. Through DeMolay he helps to prepare the next generation of leaders. Br. Howard also sets an example by his regular volunteer work at the local foodbank and work with his church. He is a person others turn to move things, build things, garden and make people smile.
Rodney A. Maine Jr. Br. Maine empowers seniors. Working for the Tompkins County Office of the Aging, Br Maine enables to age in place, be aware of services provided by Tompkins County as well as the State Of New York. Br. Maine interacts with thousands of seniors each year and is well regarded for his knowledge and his caring attitude.
Thomas J Richard Perry Br. Perry is a master teacher. He helps to educate the next generation of students at the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School. Br. Perry is an engaging teacher who goes the extra mile to make sure that students succeed. Br. Perry is an active advisor for New York DeMolay. “Dad” Perry is currently serving as Assistant State Chapter Advisor, Assistant Director of Ritual and an advisor for Trinity Chapter.
Andrew Owen Roberts: Br. Roberts brings history alive to his students at Newark Valley Senior High School with his passion for American History. In addition to serving as a teacher, Br. Roberts serves as Department Chair. In this role he oversees budgets, regents examinations, grading schedules, and ensuring that in-classroom curriculum aligns with the state standards. Previous to his work at Newark Valley Senior High School, Br. Roberts taught social studies at Clinton Central Schools..
Christopher Jordan Roberts: Br. Roberts manifests the DeMolay ideal of courtesy through his professional work with the senior care. Br. Roberts is currently the Vice President of Operations for Revolution Healthcare Management. In this role, Br. Roberts ensures that residents in two skilled nursing facilities receive the health care and love they deserve. Previous to that, he worked as an administrator at several other skilled nursing facilities.
Eric K. Romano: Br. Romano ensues all children have a great education. Br. Romano currently serves as Principal of Ralph H. McNulty Elementary School for the Greater Amsterdam School District. Upon his appointment, Dr. Nellie Bush, School Board President, said of him “He has been successful building relationships and developing a deep appreciation and respect for the community that we serve, Additionally, his background in special education and his experience working with students, families, and staff make him an ideal fit for the position.”, Br. Romano served as Assistant Principal at Marie Curie Elementary School in Amsterdam, and a Special Education Teacher for the Fonda-Fultonville School District.
David S. Schneider: Br. Schneider prepares the next generation. Br. Schneider is a retired educator, having made the difference in lives of thousands of students. In the classroom Br. Schneider was known for his engagement and caring approach for his students. Br. Schneider is an active advisor for New York DeMolay, having served as District Deputy for the Four Rivers Region and State Education Director. Br. Schneider helped to revamp our Representative DeMolay Process and has done outstanding work for New York DeMolay.
Brian D. Singer: Br. Singer is a tireless advocate for youth programs. A Senior DeMolay from Kenmore Chapter, Br. Singer continued his fraternal experience in lodge and the Royal Arch Chapter. Currently serving as the Grand King of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of New York, Br Singer has worked to confer the York Rite Tribune for DeMolay and the Order of Deborah for Rainbow and Triangle. In addition to that, his outstanding service to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons has advanced work with the Masonic Medical Research Institute, and a strengthening of Capitular Masonry here in the Empire State.
Joseph F. Zimmerman: Br. Zimmerman explains democracy. Br. Zimmerman is a world famous scholar of American Politics with a focus on Federalism and state and Local Government. Having earned his PhD at Syracuse University, Br. Zimmerman’s academic home has been the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Br. Zimmerman is the author of over 49 scholarly books. Originally hailing from New Hampshire, Br. Zimmerman resides in Delmar.