May 10, 2007

Veterans News, By Edward G. Aulman, Director
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency

Distinguished Service to Veterans Award

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi will be presenting the Nassau County Distinguished Service to Veterans Medal   on August 4, 2007 to Past American Legion County Commander Robert Tom Riordan, United Veterans Organization President LTC Joseph Reale (USA Ret.) Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 82 President Carl Johnson, Jewish War Veterans Homeless Veterans Advocate Larry Sklar and VFW Commander Frank Maltese.  The medals will be presented at the Salute to Veterans Concert staring Gary Pucket and the USO Troupe of Metropolitan NY at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park at 6:45pm

Walls of Honor

June 16, 2007 the Nassau County Veterans monument Fund will dedicate 550 new names to the Walls of Honor at Veterans Plaza in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY. Ceremony begins at 11:00 am.  

PTSD News

The Long Island Vet Center will station a Gulf War on Terrorism Outreach Worker in the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Plainview Office on June 6, 2007 from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

According to Military.com a DoD Task Force on Mental Health chaired by Navy Surgeon General Donald Arthur just released a report that says   “more than one third of troops and veterans (of war in Iraq) suffer from problems such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

The VA has promised Nassau County our own VET Center sometime after October 2007.   Some non-VA help is available in Nassau County. Contact the Rosen Family Wellness Center at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System 516-562-3260 or in Lynbrook at the Peninsula Counseling Center 516-569-6600.

Veterans Owned Business Events

NYS Small Business Development Center is offering a free Networking event for Veterans on June 4, 2007 at WAMU Financial Center 721 Fort Salonga, Northport fro 1700-1900.   Call 631-757-3508 to register.

June 14, 2007 in New York City the New York Daily News  and the veterans Business network is holding a Networking Event at the Copacabana (560 West 34 St) from 1800-2100. Call 800-742-1075.

Syracuse University is offering a free two week Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities. Everything is free including transportation.  Veterans must apply by June 5, 2007. Call 315-443-3392. Info at ebvinfo@syr.edu.

Huntington Militia

The reinactors of the 1775 Huntington Militia will go into action at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Saturday June 9, 2007 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  Cannon firings, military drills, including manual of arms, musket firing, flintlock firearms and a camp life demonstration will be featured.

Civil War Battle

July 21 & 22, 10:10am-4:00pm at Old Bethpage Village Restoration recreates a portion of the battle of Antietam Creek. The Infantry, the Cavalry, the Artillery the sights and smells of 1862 Sharpsburg, Maryland will be on display.

Memorial Day May 28, 2007 the Village conduct a traditional “Decoration Day” ceremony at 2:30pm.  The ceremony is based on a documented ceremony of 1870.

Cradle of Aviation Summer Camp

“They just don’t teach American History the way they used to”.  If you ever felt this way you may be right.  Respect for the achievements of our veterans may not be a high priority in our schools.  One way for young children to have a great summer and really appreciate our history is to attend the Aerospace Camp 2007 at the Cradle of Aviation this summer.  Call 516-572-4066 for information on the Cradle Day Camp that runs from July 9-August 3.

Nassau County Police Test

Filing deadline to take the Nassau County Police examination is June 8, 2007.  Applications are available at all Nassau County Police Precincts. You must be older than 17 and under 35 to take the test.  Veterans may subtract their military time up to six years if they have reached their 35th birthday.

Destroyer Escort Sailors Association Memorial Luncheon

June 16, 2007  SOLDESA will hold their annual memorial Luncheon at Katie Daly’s Restaurant 5705 Merrick Avenue, Massapequa. Contact Charlie Gugel 3153 Morgan Drive, Wantagh, NY& 11793.

Vietnam Veterans Day at Shea Stadium

The Sons of the American Legion Westchester County are sponsoring a Vietnam Veterans Day at Shea Stadium on Sunday September 16, 2007. The game against the Philadelphia Phillies starts at 1:00 pm. If your organization would like to participate contact Kenneth Kraetzer at KGK914@aol.com.

Vietnam Night

Sunrise Detachment Marine Corps League will host a Vietnam Veterans Night June 16, 2006 at their Detachment Building 99 Iwo Jima Blvd., Massapequa beginning at 1900.  Call Ed Van Leuvan at 516-798-0369 or Paul Collelo 516-216-4290.

United Way Helps Reservists

Thousands of Long Island Reservists and National Guard members have been activated at least once for service in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Many have been activated multiple times.  Many have experienced financial and emotional issues not met by the military. Long Island’s United Way established the Military Reservists Family Fund in 2004.  Call 631-940-3700 for information.

Northport Chaplain Receives National Award

Rabbi Paul Swerdlow has received the Military Chaplains Association Distinguished Service Award for 2007. He is the first rabbi ever to receive this award.

Knight of Pythias Collecting for Troops

The Mid-Island Lodge # 828 Knights of Pythias have appointed a Pythian Servicemen and Veterans Committee that has begun collecting phone cards, DVDs, lip balm, moist wipes, hand lotion and writing pads and pens for the troops overseas. Thanks for your support!

Heroes