June 26, 2003

A Summer of Special Events

Tom Riley of Freeport, President, Korean War Veterans Association of Nassau County has announced the unveiling of two memorial stones displaying the official list of Nassau County residents killed during the Korean War. The event is scheduled for July 13, 2003 10:30 AM at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. The official fighting ended in Korea with the signing of an armistice on July 27, 1953. The violence continued for decades and the threats continue to this day.

John Lee, of Valley Stream, Commandant of the Sunrise Detachment, Marine Corps League is making plans for a salute to a native Long Islander who received two Medals of Honor. Sergeant Major Dan Daly was born and raised in the City of Glen Cove. He received his first Medal of Honor during the Boxer Rebellion and a second during Marine operations in Haiti. He again distinguished himself during the battle at Belleau Woods in World War I. The Marines and the City of Glen Cove are hosting a parade in his honor on Sunday August 10, 2003 at 1:00 PM. Muster is at noon at the Glen Cove Fire House Glen Cove Ave and Glen Cove Rd. All veterans organizations are invited to participate. Please call 516-798-9369.

County Executive Tom Suozzi has announced the Salute to Veterans will be held Saturday, August 2, 2003 at the Harry Chapin Theatre, Eisenhower Park. The event that begins at 7:15 PM will begin with the awarding of 5 Distinguished Service to Veterans Medals and will honor the Korean War Veterans. Gary U.S. Bonds and music from the 50's and 60's will be featured.

The Town of Huntington Veteran's Advisory Board is inviting all veterans to attend a commemorative breakfast on July 26,2003 at the Huntington Town House from 9:00AM to noon. This event will remember the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice. A $15 donation is requested. Call 631-351-3012 for reservations.

Washington D.C. will be the location for several Korean War Commemorations between July 25-27. For information and updates call 1-866-567-3250(toll free).

HOMELESS VETERANS FACTS

Veterans comprise 23% of the overall homeless population and 33% of the homeless male population. Female veterans are four times as likely to become homeless as their non-veteran counterparts; 40% of homeless veterans reported mental health problems;49% reported alcohol abuse; 31% reported drug use; and 52% reported chronic medical conditions. Nassau County has an estimated 4,000 homeless veterans.

CARES (Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services) is moving into the final phases of the decision process that may lead to the opening of a second VA Clinic in Nassau County. Local hearings are expected this summer.

Results of a just published VA-funded study indicated that Gulf War deployed veterans performed significantly worse on tests of attention, visuospatial skills, visual memory and mood. Additionally, Gulf War deployed veterans who used pyridostigmine bromide performed worse than their deployed comrades who did not use the drug.

Women veterans who own or plan to own a business should be interested in a conference sponsored by the US Women's Chamber of Commerce on July 9 on Long Island and July 10 in Manhattan. For information on the Women's Business Procurement Project contact: info@uswomenschamber.com.

Veterans in need of a job or a better job should consider the services of the New York State Department of Labor. New York State Department of Labor gives priority service in job placement to veterans. Veteran-specialist staff are located at: Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, 1425 Old Country Rd., Plainview 572-8452; NYS Dept. of Labor, 84 North Main St, Freeport 623-1956 and 301 West Old Country Road, Hicksville 9248519. Employment specialists are also at "Hempstead Works" 50 Clinton St., Hempstead, 485-4000; Town of Oyster Bay Consortium, 170 Old Country Rd, Mineola 873-5672 and 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa 797-4581

For information on any topic in this article or information on any veteran related question call me at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency 516-572-8452 . If you would like to place your name on the Walls of Honor at Eisenhower Park or contribute to the construction of a Vietnam Monument call 516-681-8214.