At its annual Veterans’ Day ceremony, the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee recognized Wilton’s Shalini Madaras for her care and concern for military veterans. Ms. Madaras is the first non-Norwalk resident to be so recognized by the committee. 

Ms. Madaras’ husband, Bill Madaras, accepted the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee’s award on her behalf at last Friday’s ceremony at Norwalk City Hall, as she was travelling outside the country. 

Since the death of her son, Pfc. Nicholas Madaras, during his 2006 deployment to Iraq, Ms. Madaras and her family have dedicated themselves to his memory by providing extraordinary service to veterans.  Their highly successful “Kick for Nick” project, which is inspired by their fallen son’s love for soccer, collects and sends soccer balls to children in Iraq.  Most recently, after several years of hard work, Ms. Madaras established the Pfc. Nicholas A. Madaras Home for Female Veterans in Bridgeport. The facility is a safe, secure environment for female veterans and their children, and provides health care, case management, gender-specific counseling, assistance in finding permanent housing, and vocational training.

State Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143), who attended the Norwalk ceremony, said, “It is very impressive that this is the first time the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee has recognized a non-Norwalk resident for work on behalf of veterans. Shalini Madaras’ achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished through true personal dedication despite substantial obstacles.  We owe so very much to the Madaras family, and to the hardworking group of Wiltonians who have helped them bring their wonderful projects to life.  We are very proud to have this extraordinary family in our community.”

Anyone interested in lending assistance or becoming involved in the Female Soldiers, Forgotten Heroes project should contact Shalini Madaras by email at shalinimad@aol.com or phone at 203-451-6622.  More information is available at www.homesforthebrave.org.