Government

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Rockland Women Who Served

Published

1 week ago

March 1, 2026

As March marks Women’s History Month, communities across the country are recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of women who have shaped history — including those who served in the United States Armed Forces. In Rockland County, several female veterans have been honored for their exemplary military service and continued dedication to their community.

🇺🇸 Major Mattie Moore (U.S. Army Reserve, Ret.)

Among those recognized is retired U.S. Army Reserve Major Mattie Moore, who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Following her deployment, Major Moore continued her commitment to service through a 30-year career at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. Her military and civic contributions earned her the prestigious Rockland County Freedom Award, which recognizes veterans who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to both country and community.

🇺🇸 Mary Contreras (U.S. Army, Vietnam Era)

The late Mary Contreras also stands among Rockland’s honored veterans. Serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War era, she provided critical medical care during a turbulent period in U.S. history.

Contreras was posthumously awarded the Rockland County Freedom Award in recognition of her service, compassion, and lasting legacy.

🇺🇸 Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Rubio (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.)

Another local honoree is retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio, who served from 2011 to 2019. During her military career, Rubio held leadership roles within Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Special Operations Command, earning multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Rubio continued advocating for fellow veterans in Rockland County, working to ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned.

Breaking Barriers in Combat

In recent decades, expanded roles for women in the armed forces have placed them directly in combat operations. Female soldiers have led patrols, flown fighter jets, defused explosive devices, and commanded units under fire.

Nationally recognized examples include:

Tammy Duckworth, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs when her aircraft was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq and later became a leading advocate for veterans.
Leigh Ann Hester, who became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action after engaging insurgents during a 2005 ambush in Iraq.

A Legacy of Service

These women represent the courage, resilience, and leadership that define both military service and Women’s History Month. Their stories reflect not only battlefield dedication, but also a lifelong commitment to strengthening their communities.

Government

$16 Million Route 304 Repaving Project Set for Rockland County

Published

3 days ago

March 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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.”

Government

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

Published

7 days ago

March 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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.