My name is Richard Joseph Bongiorno. I was born in Floral Park, New York in 1944. I was drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, where I served honorably from 1965-1971 in the US Air Cavalry unit. I was deployed to the Vietnam War during 1966-1967. The experience in the military instilled in me a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

After completing my service, I sought a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of New York and eventually settled in to Plantation, Florida in 1974, where I have resided with my family ever since. I have been happily married to Angela Bongiorno for 56 years. I am a father of 4 ranging from 35-58 years old and also grandfather of 5.  In Davie, I became of local business owner until my retirement in 2015. I then became an active member of the military community as a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America in Broward county which I still belong to currently serving as the Vice President  of the association. 

James Dourvetakis joined the City of Plantation in 1994 as a Police Officer and retired as a Deputy Chief in 2024, after 29.9 years of service.  He currently works for the City in a part-time capacity. 

Sergeant First Class (SFC) James Dourvetakis joined the United States Army in 1987 as a Military Police Officer.  In 1989 he was assigned as a Drug Suppression Team (DST) Investigator and in 1990 he became a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).  While on active duty he deployed to Honduras (Joint Task Force-Bravo) and Panama (Joint Task Force-Panama) with the 511^th Military Police Company.  SFC Dourvetakis left active duty in 1992 and transitioned into the United States Army Reserve.  Throughout his time in the Reserve, he again served in multiple roles as a Military Police Officer, a DST Investigator, a Special Agent, and finally as a Military Police Instructor.  During this time, he served on active duty twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2005 to 2006.  SFC Dourvetakis retired honorably from the United States Army Reserve in February 2020, after 29 years of cumulative service.

William “Bill” Hansen served in the U.S. Navy aboard three different ships during the Korean War.  He saw action throughout the Pacific and was honorably discharged with two Battle Stars and four distinguished service medals.

Following his service to our country, Bill moved to Florida, and he has lived in his current home in Plantation since 1963.

Since then, Bill has raised a family which now spans 5 generations including 4 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. 

While his family has grown, Bill has also watched Plantation grow. What started out as a sleepy little town on the outskirts of Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation has matured to the thriving metropolis it is today. 

But to him, Plantation still has the hometown feel.  The Police and Fire Departments provide a high level of service.  The library, museum, park and recreation centers are second to none. Neighbors still help neighbors.  He is very proud to say that he lives in Plantation

On behalf of Bill’s family, friends and loved ones, thank you so much for this special recognition as one of Plantation’s 2024 Hometown Heroes.  He has been our hero for generations.

William Koontz, recognized as a Hometown Hero by the City of Plantation, has dedicated his life to service, family, and personal passions. Born in New York, William has called South Florida home for over 45 years.

His journey began with a distinguished military career, serving in the US Army as a 63B Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic assigned to the C509th Airborne unit. This experience instilled in him a strong sense of duty and resilience.

In 1996, William graduated from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. That same year, he married his college sweetheart, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

William is a multifaceted individual, described by many as a devoted father, entrepreneur, athlete, and an enjoyer of food—both eating and cooking. He is also a PC geek and gamer, with a deep appreciation for technology. His love for adventure is evident in his travels around the world, and at home, he is a dedicated dog person and a bourbon connoisseur.

William Koontz embodies the spirit of a true Hometown Hero, bringing dedication, passion, and a love for community to everything he does.

I am originally from New York, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island. My mother Jeanne Reynaert Martilotto was a “war bride”, who met my father in Antwerp Belgium,  while he was serving in the Army during WWII.

I moved to Plantation FL with my wife Angie Martilotto and my son Matthew Martilotto (Army reserve), we come in 2013. First generation residing in Plantation, but my father was a resident of Sunrise until his demise. Matthew is a HS Graduate from Western HS and after the pandemic joined the Army – Reserve. I am very proud of my son commitment to serve our country; I could say he is my pride and joy. Fresh out of HS at the tender age of 18. I was drafted by the Army to serve in Vietnam. 

Not for a moment there was any doubt about joining the Army’s call. My father Oswald Martilotto (+WWII Veteran) and my Uncle Valentino Martilotto (Korean war Veteran) were both by my side during the enrollment process and when I walked into Ft Hamilton – Brooklyn Army Base. My time in the Army was quite a journey; and regardless of the war outcome I am very proud to have been served my country. Upon returning from Vietnam, I joined Transworld Airlines and worked there until the tragic days of September 11^th. Then transitioned to American Airlines until I retired in 2006.

Nowadays I enjoy boating and fishing, spending time with family and friends, visiting New York during the Florida summer hot days, but always looking forward to coming back to Plantation.

 LTC Glenn A. Ogden

 Army

 1969 - 1994

 Veteran

Tommy enlisted in the United States Navy after high school graduation.  After basic training and A school, he was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for 3 years.  He served in the 7^th Fleet area of operations on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier which included deployments in the Western Pacific, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and Sea of Japan. While in Japan, he was also on the Navy Security Force and Security Reaction Force Team.   In addition, he served on special assignments in Navada and Guam. 

His next assignment was in the United States, serving on the USS Dwight D. Einsehower stationed in Norfolk, VA.  While on the Eisenhower, he was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and North Arabian Sea participating in Lightning Handshake 2021 and Inherent Resolve.

Tommy was honorably discharged with the following decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons:

• National Defense Service Medal
• Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon
• Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (3)
• Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons (2)
• Navy Good Conduct Medal
• Navy “E” Ribbon
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation
• Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist

Kischa A. Scott

Air Force

1987 - 2007

Veteran

My name is Joanne Whatley. I have worked for Plantation for 18 years.   I grew up with my twin sister Dianne in Painesville Ohio.  We graduated high school in 1977 and started thinking about the military.  We both signed up for the United States Army.   Dianne went to basic training about a month before me.  My MOS 84B was  a photographer.   I spent two years in Germany at the US Command Headquarters in Stuttgart Germany and finished my military career with the First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood Texas.  It was one of our greatest honors to wear the uniform of this great Country.