Amy J. Maniscalco, receives “Woman of Distinction” award from Senator John J. Marchi and congratulations from her husband, Louis Maniscalco.

The New York State Senate has honored Staten Island resident and Red Cross employee Amy J. Maniscalco as a "Woman of Distinction.” Recent ceremonies were held in the "Well" of the Legislative Office Building in Albany, where Ms. Maniscalco was presented with the 2006 award along with approximately 40 other women from around New York State.

Ms. Maniscalco of Fort Wadsworth received her award from Senator John J. Marchi (24th SD), who also recommended her for the honor.

Ms. Maniscalco serves in a number of capacities with the Staten Island area office of the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY). She is the Red Cross liaison for Staten Island, an instructor of various Red Cross programs such as Basic Aid Training and WHALE Tales (teaching children about water safety), and a member of Red Cross Disaster Services that responds to emergencies in the borough.

Ms. Maniscalco's efforts also were critical in helping to deliver the Military Family Relief Fund to New York State. The New York Military Family Relief Fund is a new “check-off” on New York State income tax returns that allows residents to support relief grants to families of service men and women. The fund finances casualty-based grants of up to $1,000 for soldiers injured while on active duty and $5,000 awarded to the families for those killed in action. The fund also provides needs-based grants of up to $2,000 if the member's military pay is 30 percent less than civilian pay.

In addition to this designation from the New York State Senate, Ms. Maniscalco recently was presented with several additional honors -- the 101st Cavalry Commendation Plaque for Operation Iraqi Freedom III Service for the assistance she provided to soldiers and family members during deployment to Iraq as the unit’s family readiness coordinator, and a Certificate of Appreciation as a presenter for the 2005 NYS Family Readiness Program Training.

Ms. Maniscalco has held the position of family readiness coordinator for the 101st Cavalry, Staten Island, New York, since November 2003. She will become the family readiness coordinator for the TAC II, 42nd Infantry Division, Staten Island, New York, in September, under the NYS National Guard’s current reorganization. She also is the creator of www.nypdwives.com, an on-line support group for families of New York City police officers, involved with the NYPD American Legion Post and supports other veterans organizations.

“All of us are very proud of Amy and that she is receiving these well deserved honors,” said Olivier Szlos, senior director of community development, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “She truly is a deserving citizen who, every day, puts others—neighbors, friends and family—first to help them be prepared here at home through Red Cross training and through programs with the police department and the military. We embrace her spirit and determination to help people every day.”