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Rockland County Honors Marine Corps Veteran Elizabeth Rubio with 2025 Freedom Award

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County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency recognized a female veteran with the Freedom Award Monday, an annual County honor made to female veterans for outstanding service to our nation.

“Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial, particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.” said County Executive Ed Day.

The 2025 Freedom Award was presented to Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Veteran Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio. Rubio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served honorably from 2011 to 2019, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout her career, she held key roles across multiple commands, including Marine Corps Recruiting Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Lisa continued her commitment to others as a Veterans Service Officer in the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. Now pursuing a law degree, she remains devoted to advocacy and service.

“I am so proud to present this award to Lisa who not only has been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated Veteran Service Officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Veterans Service Agency Director, Susan Branam.

“We thank Lisa for her bravery and continued commitment to our residents. We are proud to list your name among the women recipients of the Rockland County Freedom Award in years past,” concluded County Executive Ed Day.

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$16 Million Route 304 Repaving Project Set for Rockland County

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NANUET, NY — A long-awaited repaving project along State Route 304 is scheduled to begin this spring, bringing a $16 million infrastructure investment to Rockland County.

New York State Senator Bill Weber announced the project alongside Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, members of the Clarkstown Town Board, and Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) confirmed that crews will mill and resurface Route 304 from the pavement joint south of West Nyack Road to U.S. Route 9W.

Construction is expected to begin during the spring 2026 construction season. Most of the work will take place overnight to reduce disruptions for drivers and nearby businesses.

“For years, residents have raised concerns about the poor condition of Route 304,” Weber said. “Potholes, uneven pavement, and safety issues have been a constant complaint. I’m pleased to see this $16 million investment moving forward and relief on the way for the thousands of drivers who use this road every day.”

According to Weber, his office began advocating for improvements to the roadway several years ago after hearing concerns from residents and local officials. He said the project reflects continued engagement with state transportation officials to secure needed infrastructure upgrades.

The project will include milling the existing roadway and installing a new asphalt overlay. Crews will also complete targeted concrete repairs, review drainage conditions, restore pavement markings, and install audible roadway delineators to improve driver safety.

Weber also pointed to another major infrastructure project in the 38th Senate District. A $9 million improvement project on Route 303, stretching from Al Foxie Way to Route 9W in the towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown, is currently underway and expected to be completed by next winter.

“Safe roads are essential to our daily lives, our local economy, and the well-being of our community,” Weber said. “I will continue working with state and local partners to ensure Rockland County receives the infrastructure investment it deserves.”

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Pentagon Identifies 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iran Drone Strike

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WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Tuesday identified four of the six American service members killed during the opening hours of the war with Iran.

The soldiers died Saturday in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck a U.S. tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba, a key military logistics hub supporting regional operations.

Those identified are:

  • Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven

  • Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue

  • Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake

  • Spc. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines

Defense officials said the service members were supporting operations in the region when the drone impacted the command post. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin.

The strike marks the first confirmed U.S. military fatalities since hostilities between the United States and Iran escalated. Military officials have warned that further casualties are possible as operations continue across the region.

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