Salute to Veterans at Bigelow Senior Center, Nov. 10

Fairfield, CT - Ms. Terry Giegengack, Director of Human Services, announced that the schedule has been set for Salute to Veterans to be held on Thursday, November 10th at Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Check-in time is requested to begin at 10:45 a.m. The events, including lunch, are free this year, due to generous donations from Bridges by Epoch in Trumbull, CT and Synergy Home Care of Fairfield, CT and Port 5 Naval Veterans. 

Opening the celebration at 11:30 a.m., Chief of Staff Tom Dubrosky will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Following his opening remarks, will be Ms. Anne James, CT Department of Veterans' Affairs.  The Keynote Speaker is decorated veteran Col. Tom Armas, USMCR of Fairfield.  Mr. Brian Nalepka, noted jazz musician will perform at 12:30 p.m.

Veterans and their families are most welcome to attend.  Pre-registration before November 4th is required by calling 203-256-3166 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m.  The Bigelow Center is accessible to people using assistive devices.  Transportation is available to Fairfield residents by calling a few days in advance: 203-256-3168.

It noteworthy to add that Nov 10th is the birthdate of the U.S. Marine Corps!

 Bio for Col Tom Armas

Col Armas Graduated from Northeastern University, Boston Massachusetts in 1992.  After Graduation, Col Armas Enlisted in the USMCR and attended recruit training at Paris Island South Carolina.

In 1994 Col Armas was commissioned 2nd LT and attended the Basic School and Infantry Officers Course (IOC).  Upon graduation from IOC Col Armas was assigned to 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and served as a platoon commander, XO, and heavy weapons/CAT platoon commander.

In 1998 Col Armas was selected to be the Aide de Camp for the Commanding General Marine Corps Base Hawaii/Deputy Commander III MEF.

In 1999 Col Armas left active duty, joined the Marine Corps reserve and became a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, serving in the New York Field Office, New Haven Resident Office, and William Jefferson Clinton Protective

In 2004 Col Armas was recalled to active duty in support of OIF/OEF, assigned as an action officer to the Joint Inter-Agency Coordination Group (JIACG) Central Command.   While in the JIACG Col Armas deployed to Iraq twice coordinating Inter-Agency operation as the LNO to numerous US Federal Agencies.

In 2005 Col Armas joined 2nd Battalion 25th Marines.  While serving with 2/25 Col Armas served in numerous billets as the Battalion Gunner, Operations Officer, Weapons Company Commander for 06 Annual Training, Weapons Company Executive Officer during Exercise Shared Accord Senegal, Africa 07. In 2007 Col Armas became Fox 2/25 Company Commander and deployed as the Commanding Officer to Iraq in 08/09.

In 2009 Col Armas was assigned to Marine Forces North and served as an Emergency Planning Officer with FEMA Region 1 in Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

In 2010 Col Armas returned to 25th Marines serving as part of the Regimental staff as the Logistics Officer.

In October 2010 Col Armas assumed Command of 3rd Battalion 25th Marines.  While serving as Battalion Commander the Battalion deployed to Rego, Latvia to train the Latvian forces in support of Exercise Saber Strike 12, Senegal, Africa in support of Exercise Western Accord, to train Senegalese Special Forces, Commando's and basic infantry, and also supported Marine Week Cleveland.

In August 2013 Col Armas deployed to Jordan and Afghanistan to become the Officer In-Charge of the Jordanian Deployment Program.  This program was responsible for training Jordanian Infantry Task Forces for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In August 2014 Col Armas deployed to Bahrain to Task Force 51 to become the N-5 director plans, policy's and Theater Security Cooperation engagements and exercises.

In April 2015 Col Armas redeployed and joined the Marine Air Ground Task Force Staff Planning Cell (MSTP), Quantico Virginia.

In April 2016, Col Armas was selected to be the Senior Reserve Advisor / IMA Detachment OIC for the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group, Ft Story Virginia.

Col Armas' personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Selective Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Medal, and Combat Action ribbon.  Col Armas is also the recipient of the United States Secret Service Medal of Valor.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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