World War II veteran honored after 71 years of service
LAKE GEORGE, New York (NEWS10) – A World War II veteran received a well-deserved medal Saturday night for her dedication to our nation.
The Fort William Henry Conference Center was packed with those who came to honor Colonel Johnnie Pantanelli, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik who presented the award.
Ninety-one-year-old Pantanelli was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by Congress. She has given 71 years of her life to the Civil Air Patrol.
Pantanelli says she considers it an honor and a privilege just to be able to serve.
“To me it’s wonderful and it’s a thing I didn’t expect, but it’s rewarding in every way,” she said.
Pantanelli says she accomplished a lot throughout her over seven decades in the Civil Air Patrol but the best reward is watching the cadets evolve.
“It’s such a great feeling,” she said. “I get such jollies from, you know, from that and then they come back after they’ve been out in the world and done all kinds of things and they say ‘thank you for helping me’ and that’s where you get your real jollies.”
Pantanelli even took time out of a night dedicated to her to acknowledge the cadets.