Suffolk residents who served in the military were honored at a special Veterans Appreciation Breakfast Saturday hosted by Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and attended by local officials and service organizations. The lawmaker, who hosts the event every year, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his dedication to local veterans.
The keynote speaker was Suffolk Legislator Chad Lennon, a 16-year Marine Corps member with four years of active service, including 50 combat missions in Afghanistan. “We need to welcome our veterans home the correct way,” Lennon said to the attendees at the SSG Keith Bishop VFW Post 2937 in Medford. He told his fellow vets that he is a conduit to make sure they get the services they earned, especially those who were exposed to burn pits, radiation, and the toxic defoliant Agent Orange.
“Many of us had unique exposures; we need doctors to understand what we are going through,” Lennon said, urging veterans to keep up with their health checks. “I lost two members of my platoon to cancer while they were in their 30s and 40s. You must get the services you are entitled to as veterans.”
The Marine major, who recently ran in the Suffolk Marathon carrying a 22-pound weight to signify the number of service members who take their own lives each day, noted that the county legislature recently passed his bill to make September 22 Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. “Suffolk County is leading the way in making sure our veterans are taken care of,” said Lennon, the only veteran in the 18-seat legislature.
Lennon helped shoot down an income means test for veteran services, noting that 1% of the U.S. population serves in the military and 6% are veterans. “In 10 years, the number of those volunteering will be cut in half,” he said, stating that a military draft may be likely.
“It’s amazing how Suffolk County responds to its vets,” said Nick Caracappa, chairman of the county legislature’s Veterans Committee, pointing out that Suffolk has the largest number of veterans in the state and is second only to San Diego with the most military members in the nation. “This is an important weekend to thank and commemorate our veterans,” he said, adding that $1 million was raised for them through the Suffolk Marathon.
Brookhaven Town Council Member Karen Dunne-Kesnig exclaimed that her patriotism defines her as a person. She said her favorite song is ‘God Bless the USA,’ a classic by Lee Greenwood that honors those who served. Her fellow board member, Mike Loguercio, a Gold Star member who lost a godson in Afghanistan, expressed his support of the veterans, as did Legislator Dominick Thorne.
Marine Corps Veteran Mike Kilano was at the breakfast representing Paws of War, an organization that provides service and comfort animals to those who served. “It’s important to have events like these to spread awareness of the programs that are out there for the veterans,” he said, telling a story of how close he came to suicide after returning from duty. “A service dog got me out, got me living again. You’re seeing me now, but I almost wasn’t here. There’s no judgment with a dog or cat. You can always hug your fur baby.”
Lainey O’Donnell was there from the Warrior Ranch, a Calverton farm that matches veterans with rescued horses in a unique equine therapy program. She spoke of how Sully, a former racehorse missing an eye from abuse, connects with veterans and first responders who are going through tough times of their own. O'Donnell said they can drive a cart pulled by Sully and ride some of the other horses in an experience that means a lot to the animals and the participants.
Representing the Blue Star Mothers, relatives with family members in the service, was President Patricia Harper, a Great River mom of a Navy vet. “We are a warm and soft resource for those transitioning from the military to civilian life,” said the former naval sea cadet officer. “Who better than the mothers and daughters to dig into the resources and challenge the status quo to make things better for our veterans.”
From the Long Island State Veterans Home was Samantha Calandrino discussing the services offered by the Stony Brook facility, along with Marcelle Leis, a 24-year National Guard veteran who heads up the county’s Veterans Services Agency, and Veterans Service Officer Ingrid Alexander, a Navy vet with the state Department of Veterans Services. The reps joined forces to discuss how veterans can best access service records and other critical information.
Janice Piazza from Operation Veronica described the handmade items the women of her group make for veterans, including neck warmers and survival bracelets. Operation members post up at supermarkets to collect supplies for military personnel.
Rounding out the slate of presenters was Paul Donohue, president of the Medford Chamber of Commerce, who specializes in Medicare. According to the expert, plans change every year, and veterans should review everything available to them in order to select the best plan for their needs.
Post 2937 Commander Artie Kruse and the second in command, Kevin Sutton, thanked Assemblyman DeStefano for organizing the breakfast every year. “Thank you to Joe DeStefano and all the officials and groups here today. It means a lot to us that you care about our veterans,” Kruse said, adding, “We are not the heroes; we came home. The heroes are the ones who lost their lives.” The Commander noted that it was the 125th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, while Legislator Lennon recognized the 249th birthday of the Marine Corps on November 10.
“Our veterans embody the spirit of sacrifice, courage, and dedication,” Assemblyman DeStefano said in closing. “They are the guardians of our freedoms, having answered the call to protect our nation in times of conflict and peace.” The Assemblymen, reelected to a fourth term last week, thanked the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, CelBagles, and Ridgewood Savings Bank for sponsoring the event, along with his wife, Linda, for her support.