WASHINGTON, DC –[Photos: Tim Kubasik / AHEPA]
The Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) hosted its 2025 National Banquet at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. on May 21.
During this glamorous event, held in conjunction with AHEPA Capitol Hill Day, on May 22, the Order bestowed the 2025 Public Service Awards to several freshmen Greek American U.S. representatives, as well as the 2025 AHEPA Military Medal of Honor and the AHEPA Academy of Achievement in International Relations Award to two exceptional dignitaries.
Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP and Chairman of The AHEPA Foundation Inc, warmly welcomed the attendees and introduced master of ceremonies for the evening, Chicago businessman, John Manos while His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia and National Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, offered the opening prayer and conveyed a message from H. E. Archbishop Elpidophoros.
AHEPA member Charles Mackenzie presented the Public Service Award to his son, past AHEPA Chapter President, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA). Additionally, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), active AHEPA member and longstanding Greek American champion, presented U.S. Reps. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) and Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) each with the Public Service Award. Though unable to attend, U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) was also awarded the 2025 AHEPA Public Service Award.
In a surprise appearance, U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) offered remarks to members of AHEPA family from the United States, Canada, and Europe, who filled the ballroom to capacity.
AHEPA Supreme Secretary Zenon Christodoulou took the stage to present the final 2025 AHEPA Public Service Award to Stavros Anthony, the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Nevada. Lt. Governor Anthony provided a warm video message of thanks to AHEPA for the honor, accepting his award and expressing regret that he was unable to attend.
Lt Colonel Praxitelis N. Vamvakias made a moving presentation of the 2025 AHEPA Military Medal of Honor to his brother in arms, General Andrew P. Poppas, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command. General Poppas graciously accepted the award in a heartwarming video addressing the audience.
The final award of the evening, the Academy of Achievement Award in International Relations, presented by Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos, was for Dr. Michael Rubin, PhD., Senior Fellow for Defense Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.
Remarks were also offered by Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the U.S.; Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S.; His Grace Bishop Nektarios Papazafiropoulos; Margaret Dritsas, Daughters of Penelope Grand President; Alec Economakis, Sons of Pericles Supreme President; and Cristina Saavedra-Mamounis, Maids of Athena Grand Secretary.
Since its establishment in 1922, AHEPA has actively promoted good citizenship and community service initiatives, both within the United States and later on, internationally.
