FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2018
Contact: John Lyon (845) 638-5645

New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day and the County's Veterans Service Agency Acting Director Susan Branam presented Nanuet resident Karen Ross with the sixth annual Rockland County Freedom Award for her outstanding service to our nation as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy.

"This event is normally held in March as part of Women's History Month where we recognize the contributions that women have made to our country but that have all too often gone unnoticed," said County Executive Day. "However, due to Mother Nature's desires, we've had to push this event into April. Regardless of the month we are proud to highlight the achievements that women have made in building our nation and, in this case, defending it."

Karen Ross was raised in Nanuet and graduated from Nanuet High School in 1977. She then travelled all over the world during a long and distinguished career with the Navy. She trained as a cryptologic technician "communications" to those of us not in the Navy. Her service brought her to California, Virginia, England, Italy and finally Guam, where Chief Petty Officer Ross' final assignment had her serving as Communications Division Message Center Chief at the Naval Communications Area Master Station.

Chief Petty Officer Ross received numerous medals and citations for her service: the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon (11 awards), and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards).

Since retiring from the Navy in 1997 Ross has worked for Child Care Resources of Rockland a non-profit resource and referral agency for families in Rockland County that are looking for child care. She is currently the Director of Family, Community and Operations Services. Her child care advocacy extends to working with other community organizations, public school systems, and attending events to promote the agencies services to the community at large.

Karen Ross also serves on the board of directors for Parents Helping Parents, a local non-profit organization committed to helping parents of children with drug/alcohol abuse, emotional, and other behavioral issues work through their problems.

"It is for this outstanding record of leadership to both her nation and her own community that we honor Chief Petty Officer Karen Ross today. The Rockland County Freedom Award serves as a testament of thanks from all our residents," concluded County Executive Day.

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