Hometown Hero Banner Program Celebrated with Ribbon Cutting

[By Wendy Post]

The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce partnered with Tioga United Way to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the Hometown Hero Banner Program, a community initiative honoring the service and sacrifice of local military personnel, first responders, and emergency service professionals. The ceremony took place on June 15 at the Tioga County Veterans Memorial at the Courthouse Square in Owego. 

The ribbon cutting served as the formal unveiling and celebration of the first round of Hometown Hero banners, which began appearing on downtown Owego light poles in April 2026. The program, spearheaded by Bob Russell, Director of Tioga United Way, was launched in late 2025 through a collaborative effort between Tioga United Way, the Village of Owego, and numerous community partners. 

More than 100 banners are expected to be displayed throughout the community, recognizing both past and present members of the military, law enforcement, fire departments, EMS agencies, and other hometown heroes whose service has strengthened and protected the community. 

The celebration follows the community’s annual Service of Remembrance held on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, and continues the effort to ensure that local heroes are recognized not only during holidays, but throughout the year.

During the ceremony, Russell spoke about the importance of honoring those who serve. 

“This community here, you know, Owego, Tioga County in general, is just one of the most outstanding communities that you’re ever going to live in,” said Russell. “Being able to see your family member or yourself up on a banner like that and know that you’re appreciated is really what we’re trying to accomplish. We just want everybody to know how thankful we are.” 

The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce praised the program’s impact on the community. 

“As a military wife for more than 25 years, this event holds special meaning for me personally,” said Sabrina Henriques, President and CEO of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce. 

She added, “I understand firsthand the sacrifices made not only by those who serve but also by the families who stand beside them through deployments, long separations, and the uncertainties that come with service.” First responders, participating families, and supporters attended the ribbon cutting and joined in recognizing the individuals represented throughout the display.

The OFA team that designed and built a “Salute to Service” Shelby Cobra, which features a tribute to local veterans, was also at the ribbon cutting with their build. Throughout the course of one academic year, high school students build a high-performance Factory Five vehicle from the ground up. Using a project-based curriculum created by WCP, the teaching artists guide students through the process of creating a functioning racing organization over one school year.

You can learn more about the WCP at https://www.winners-circle.org.