Nancy Leftenant

nurse to become a member of the regular Army Nurse Corps during President Harry Truman's administration. Later, in 1952, Nancy was accepted for flight school and worked on bases in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. caring for the sick and injured. Ms. Colon retired from the Air Force in 1965, and earlier this year she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush.

After she left the service, Nancy continued to serve her community. She worked as a school nurse at Amityville High School. She also served as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America organization. On a national level, she is the first and only woman to serve as national president of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. On a local level, Nancy is a long-standing member of the Committee for the Beautification of East Norwich.

On behalf of the East Norwich Civic Association, President Matthew Meng presented her with flowers and expressed congratulations and appreciation to Ms. Colon for her noble deeds and commitment. Also present to celebrate Nancy's Women of Distinction recognition were East Norwich residents Nick DeSantis, Sr.; Eileen Aliani, Claire Meng and three of Nancy's sisters.

Some of Nancy's sisters live in Amityville and one came from Pennsylvania for this special event. She has many more siblings in her large family. Ms. Colon, an active senior citizen, mowed her own lawn until the summer of 2006. Her physical activity was hampered this past spring when a car ran into her vehicle. The car was totaled, her foot was injured, and she needed to get a new car. With great determination and strength, Nancy nursed herself so well that she walked, and drove again in a couple of months, in spite of pain. She said with a chuckle and a smile, "I can't wear my heels now." In spite of that, Nancy was once again wearing a little heel and a smile, as she gracefully walked up to receive her Woman of Distinction Award.