Active Legion of Honor:
The Active Legion of Honor is DeMolay’s way of recognizing outstanding Senior DeMolays who have rendered exceptional service to humanity, excelled in their chosen profession, or manifested the ideals of our order in their daily actions.
Hi Dad! recounts how “Dad” Land was reading Plutarch’s Lives and read about the immortal 10th Legion, and in his mind the legion and honor became synonymous. Working with “Dad” Marshall and “Dad” Boyce they designed the Legion of Honor and was approved by the Supreme Council. The first investiture took place on May 28, 1926 upon 15 men aged 20-25.
Some things have changed in ninety-five years. You need to now be 25 years old to be eligible and the ceremony is public.
One thing has not. When we look to the Legion of Honor, we want to show our Active DeMolays, men that they can emulate, men who when they were young knelt and take upon themselves the obligation of being a better son, a better friend, and a better person. Our state is so vast and our alumni ranks rather large that some names may be unfamiliar. Below you will find a very brief vignette of each of this year’s Active Legion of Honor honorees. It is hard to capture in a few brief sentences all of the great work these outstanding men have done, and will continue to do. It goes without saying that each of these men live their lives in the best traditions and customs of DeMolay!
If you know of a Senior DeMolay that you think may be worthy of the Legion of Honor please feel free to confidentially recommend or suggest them to the Executive Officer. Several of these brothers were nominated based on a strong recommendation of a Senior DeMolay or advisor who spotlighted their outstanding service.
Please join New York DeMolay in congratulating them!
Rev. & Br. Eric Barnes: Rev. & Br. Eric Barnes is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of St. Andrew’s Chapter. Rev. & Br. Barnes became an ordained minister of the Reformed Church in America. Previously having ministered to the people in the Capital District and Western Montgomery County, he currently serves as Co-Pastor of the Second Reformed Church in Zeeland Michigan. Rev. & Br. Barnes ministers to his faith community’s spiritual needs. The people of his faith community know they can turn to Rev. & Br. Barnes in times of joy, in times of trouble, and in times of need and find a man whose heart and hands are open to help.
Rev. & Br. Timothy Bucknam: Rev. & Br. Tim Bucknam is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Isle Chapter. Rev. & Br. Bucknam is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church serving people in western New York and currently in Corfu. Rev. & Br. Bucknam serves as an advisor for Ridge Council DeMolay helping to mentor and guide the young men. Rev. & Br. Bucknam also ensures that young people from Perry NY are able to have a great experience in both DeMolay and Triangle. He also volunteers with a number of other you serving organizations ensuring that the youth have the opportunity to grow and learn.
Br. David Celentano: Br. David Celentano is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Wantagh Chapter and a Past State Master Councilor of New York DeMolay. He currently serves as an advisor helping to mentor the young men on the local and state levels. Br. Celentano currently works for his local government and ensuring that the local facilities are well maintained and can be used by the residents and enriching their quality of life every day.
Br. Michael Falvo: Br. Michael Falvo is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Mohawk Valley Chapter, as well as a Past Region and State Officer. Br. Falvo answered his country’s call and went to serve in the United States Air Force where he served honorably and defended our beloved country. Much like Cincinnatus, he returned home and serves the people of the Great State of New York by serving as professional staff in the New York State Assembly. Br. Falvo is also the Michael Buffer of Capital District Sports, announcing a number of different sport and athletic events.
Br. William Flax-Leight: Br. William Flax-Leight is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Horace J. Taber Chapter, as well as a Past Region and State Officer. Br. Flax-Leight was a reporter for several years for the Altamont Enterprise newspaper when he answered a call to be a teacher. He taught in Troy City Schools and served as a curriculum leader. He transitioned to working in the Albany City School District as an administrator. Br. Flax-Leight’s students know they can turn to him in times of trouble and need. When the area food banks ran low, Br. Flax-Leight reached out to his Masonic brothers to help re-stock the food pantry to ensure that no child went hungry.
Br. Zach Heaton: Br. Zach Heaton is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of St. Andrew’s Chapter. Br. Heaton taught for several years in Colorado Schools helping students to learn and master their subjects. Br. Heaton did more than teach students about subjects, he taught them about life and helping them to better understand how to succeed in the world. Br. Heaton currently works as an engineer for a major technology company.
Br. Michael Leonard: Br. Michael Leonard is a Senior DeMolay of Empire Chapter. The first few minutes after a medical incident are critical. Knowing the proper procedures or what needs to be done can often determine if a patient lives or passes. This is why the work of Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medial Technicians are so critical. For the people of the greater Capital District they are blessed to have Br. Michael Leonard Br. Leonard has served a number of different EMS companies, he provided COVID19 Testing and currently serves as an EMS Supervisor. Br. Leonard holds a number of emergency response certificates and training. During this past year he served as Master of Masters Lodge #5 and there were times when he would be coming off a long shift and presiding over a meeting.
Br. Daniel Rodahan: Br. Daniel Rodahan of St. Andrew's Chapter is a tireless worker for the DeMolay cause. He and his late wife, Anita, were the team of Advisors that would be in the community and even brought Mohawk Valley DeMolay to join in the cause. They opened the door for MV DeMolay to help pass water out to the Boilermaker 15K Road Race participants. Fast forward 18 years and MV has used the event to be an Alumni community event and because of the interaction countless people have experienced DeMolay Leadership at the water station. The Rodahans would love to volunteer for the Shrine Circus and staff the DeMolay table with brochures, applications and promotional material. “Dad” Rodahan has been a tireless advocate for people who are differently abled. He served on many community board of directors, most recently the Resource Center for Independent Living.
Br. David Schucker: Br. David Schucker is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Knights Templar Chapter, and a Past State Master Councilor of New York DeMolay. Br. Schucker has had a successful career in business providing outstanding service and support for the companies he has worked for. Currently, Br. Schucker’s work focuses on helping companies keep employees safe during manufacturing and shipping of products of good and services by making them aware of the latest safety and technology equipment. Br. Schucker’s coworkers find in him a great colleague and a hard working peer.
Br. John Sieligowski: Br. John Sieligowski is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Colonial Chapter, and a past state officer of New York DeMolay. Br. Sieligowski answered the call to serve his country and has done so ably and well. His service to the United States of America has kept our homeland safe and secure. We are blessed to count him among our distinguished brothers.
Br. Chad Sinanian: Br. Chad Sinanian is a Senior DeMolay of Wantagh Chapter. Words cannot describe the incredible spirit, love and joy that Br. Sinanian has for DeMolay. He has attended numerous conventions and brings every ounce of energy for DeMolay. His passion for our order knows no bounds and he lives DeMolay in so many ways. Outside of DeMolay, Br. Sinanian is a tireless advocate for people who are differently abled helping to advocate for better laws, policies, and funding on the local, state and national level. Br. Sinanian’s incredible advocacy has meant a better life for so many people. Nominated by a Class 1 Active Member
Br. John Stuart: Br. John Stuart is a Senior DeMolay of Tuscarora Chapter. Br. Stuart has served his country in the armed services and in federal service. Br. Stuart has served a number of youth serving organizations, including DeMolay, mentoring youth and helping them grow and learn. The caliber of DeMolay’s chess games greatly improved thanks to Br. Stuart’s leadership and mentorship.
Br. Thomas Wainwright: Br. Thomas Wainwright of Walt Whitman Chapter has been an ardent support of the Organization of Triangles in Suffolk County. Mentoring and guiding the young women to a finer American Womanhood. Br. Wainwright has continued his support of Masonic Youth and advocating for a stronger Masonic Youth in Suffolk County. Br. Wainwright has been a devoted father, guide, mentor, friend and brother.
Br. Matthew Walenta: Br. Walenta is a Senior DeMolay and Past Master Councilor of Empire Chapter. Br. Walenta answered his country’s call to service and ably served our beloved country in the United States Navy. Br. Walenta’s service to America has kept our homeland safe and he ensured the safety and protection of his fellow military personnel. We are blessed to count him among our distinguished brothers.