Honoring Medal of Honor hero
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Under an ocean blue sky March 8, veterans, residents, officials, and families gathered in Veterans Park as Putnam honored Medal of Honor winner Henry Breault by declaring March 8 Henry Breault Day
In 1923 Putnam native Breault was a torpedo man serving on a submarine that was involved in a collision in the Panama Canal. The sub filled with seawater in a minute. Breault could have escaped but instead he went back into the sub to help a trapped sailor. They closed the torpedo room door and were rescued 31 hours later. Breault is the only enlisted submariner to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Emcee and veteran Brian Maynard said the community “comes together time and time again to find ways to honor those who gave great service to our country.”
Mayor Barney Seney read the proclamation designating March 8 as Henry Breault Day. The he added, “We want to make sure his name and his service are not forgotten.”
In his remarks, State Senator Jeff Gordon noted how Putnam — even the entire state — has a community spirit that “helps others and especially remembers our veterans.”
“When I learned more about what Henry Breault did — rushing into that sunken submarine … he didn’t have to do it, but he put his life in danger to save a fellow submariner. And he did it because he knew about service; he knew about loyalty. He knew about faith, and in the end, it did work out well for them. But that is an incredible legacy.” He added “it’s an incredible example for others to follow.”
Gordon called upon citizens to say thank you to veterans every day but also “ask what we can do to be of help to those who have served with them, their families. So the work we do as the state, and especially as a country, is everyday work.”
State dignitaries also spoke. John DeBisschop, American Legion state commander, spoke about the bravery of pals, the teamwork, the sacrifices. Breault’s actions were “an extreme example of the lengths to which our servicemen and women will go for their brothers and sisters in arms.” He added when the situation becomes most difficult it was “no longer their sense of pride or patriotism that urged them forward. It was their sense of duty to those serving shoulder to shoulder with them.”
Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch said Breault’s “extraordinary courage on 28 October 1923 set the example for all service members to emulate.” Speaking about the services of the veterans department, he said since 46,000 out of the 146,000 veterans in Connecticut are in the eastern part of the state, the department is going to push to bring on three more teams, one somewhere up here in the northeast (corner).”
United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Northeast Regional District’s Jeff Walsh also called for the Navy to name one of the Virginia class submarines after Breault.
Ryan Walker, who wrote a book about Breault, “The Silent Service’s First Hero” is one of many who spearheaded the effort honor Breault with Henry Breault Day and the effort to have a submarine named after him. He said a Navy motto is “semper fortis” which means “always courageous”. Breault knew full well there was no established method for submarine escape. “What he did was unbelievably courageous.”
Helping with the event were: The Town of Putnam, the Putnam Recreation Department, the Putnam Police Department, the Putnam Fire Department, USS Henry Breault Association, Inc. American Legion Post #13, Alfred J. Breault VFW Post 1523, Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, Mo Coderre (who sang the National Anthem), Veterans Advisory Committee, Kyle Knickerbocker, Natchaug River Young Marines, USSVI-United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. American Legion Post 91 and many more.
DeBisschop said: “We carry forward Henry Breault’s story and the stories of all veterans ensuring their deeds and our nation’s gratitude endure forever.”
In her remarks State Senator Mae Flexer said: “I’m hopeful that this day is not only an opportunity for everyone in this community to think once again about who Henry Breault was and what his service meant and the lives that he saved and his dedicated service and that he isn’t just a name.”
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The Putnam Fire Department unfurls an American flag at the Henry Breault Day ceremony March 8 at Veterans Park. More photos on page 4. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page: Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger. Linda Lemmon photo.
captions, page 4, clockwise from top left:
From left: State Senators Mae Flexer and Jeff Gordon, Brian Maynard, CT Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Mayor Barney Seney, author and organizer Ryan Walker, American Legion State Commander John DeBisschop.
Ryan Walker
Left: United States Submarine Veterans Inc. ready to lay the wreath on the bridge. Left below: Firing off a small gun.
Retired Navy Master Chief Don Sherman
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PSA Prep sets sights on Nationals
The 2025 national prep tournament starts this week in Hartford. The Putnam Science Academy Prep Mustangs are currently on a 29-game winning streak and are looking to capture their fifth national title in eight years.
The Mustangs head into the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country and received the number one overall seed in this year‘s tournament. Putnam Science opened March 11 in the round of 16.
On their way there, the team had to fight for every possession in the Power 5 AAA Championship, but their resilience led them to an 86-72 victory over Redemption Christian Academy.
Ben Ahmed controlled the paint with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Nico Pena added 14 points and 4 rebounds. Tony Williams ran the offense with 14 points and 5 assists, and Parrish Edmond dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and 9 points.
Redemption challenged PSA at every turn, making runs and forcing tough possessions. The Mustangs never had room to relax, answering every push with strong defense and key buckets. In the final minutes, their execution and rebounding sealed the championship win.
Four wins separate the team from their fifth national title, and they are locked in for the road ahead.
On their way to winning the Power 5 AAA Championship, the team took down all their opponents.
PUTNAM — #1 Putnam Science won in the quarterfinals 99-73 over St. Jude’s from Canada. Ben Ahmed led the Mustangs with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks and Adama Tambedou had 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals in the win. Tony Williams had 14 points, 4 assists and 2 steals and Nico Pena added 13 points as Putnam Science moved to 35-2 on the season. Brayson Green chipped in 9 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals and Sam Osayi had 6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 steals.
WOODSTOCK — PSA won, 105-91, over Bridgeport Prep in the semifinals with Jamell Hatchett leading the Mustangs with 18 points and 2 steals and both Jaeden Roberts (5 rebounds) and Abdou Yadd (6 rebounds) each adding 14 points in the win. Tony Williams added 13 points and 6 assists and Brayson Green had 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks to help PSA move to 36-2 on the season. Parrish Edmond (5 assists) and Nico Pena (6 rebounds) both scored 8 points apiece and Warren Keel chipped in 6 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Contributor: Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
Woman’s board raises $18,000-plus
PUTNAM — The Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital raised $18,700 at its ninth annual Valentine Dinner Dance to support its $250,000 pledge toward the hospital’s da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Since its acquisition in September 2022, the surgical system has been used in more than 500 procedures at Day Kimball Hospital. To date, the Woman’s Board has contributed more than $143,000 toward its commitment.
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Two PSA players commit to Harris-Stowe
PUTNAM — For Lebohang Mathikga and Tanaka Makechemu, committing to play soccer at Harris-Stowe State University isn’t just about advancing their athletic careers—it’s about continuing a journey they’ve already started together.
The two Putnam Science Academy standouts, originally from South Africa and Zimbabwe, respectively, are eager to bring their talents to the collegiate stage while supporting each other along the way.
Both players were drawn to Harris-Stowe for the blend of academic and athletic opportunities. Mathikga saw a chance to grow in an environment where the coaches were invested in his development, both on and off the field. “The soccer program stood out because of the coaches’ genuine interest in our growth as players and individuals,” he said. “It felt like a place where we could make an impact and truly belong.” Makechemu echoed the sentiment, believing the school offered the perfect balance between academics and athletics to help him reach his goals.
One of the biggest advantages of committing to the same school is the built-in chemistry and support system they will bring with them. “Knowing we’ll have a familiar face and someone who understands our game will make the transition a whole lot easier,” Mathikga said. “We’ve played together for a while now, so we know each other’s strengths, and I think that will help us both succeed at the next level.” Makechemu said, “Having that support system in place will be crucial, especially when adjusting to a new level of competition.”
Makechemu spoke about the challenges of adapting to new cultures, environments, and playing styles, which taught him resilience, adaptability, and teamwork — qualities he intends to carry with him into college. Mathikga shared a similar perspective, explaining how moving from South Africa to the U.S. forced him to grow. “Adjusting to different styles of play and communicating with teammates from diverse backgrounds was challenging, but it pushed me to improve,” he said. “I believe those lessons will be invaluable as I take the next step in my career.”
As they prepare for this new chapter, their goals are clear. Makechemu wants to refine his technical skills, earn playing time, and work toward becoming a starter—all while excelling academically. “Balancing athletics with academics is a priority,” he said. “I’m aiming for a strong GPA and academic success alongside my soccer career.” Mathikga, meanwhile, hopes to elevate Harris-Stowe’s program to new heights. “I’d like to help HSSU become a conference powerhouse and a team that competes at the national level,” he said.
While their ultimate dreams include playing professionally, both players are eager to embrace the opportunities ahead. “The chance to compete at a higher level, to challenge myself, and to keep improving is incredibly exciting,” Mathikga said. “Off the field, I’m looking forward to being part of a vibrant campus community and building lasting friendships.”
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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