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Maple Family Centers presents $75k check to three local veterans charities

by Press Release - June 15, 2025

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Maple Family Centers hosted its BVL Tournament of Champions at Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre on June 7. The annual event benefitted Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), a national charity that supports local recreational therapy programs for America’s veteran and active-duty service men and women. During the tournament’s opening ceremonies, Maple Family Centers presented a total of $75,000 to three Long Island-based veterans’ organizations.

Maple presented $50,000 to Long Island State Veterans Home, a 350-bed skilled nursing facility that also provides adult day healthcare and rehabilitation services for veterans and their families. Maple is a long-time supporter of the organization, who will apply this most recent donation to its Courtyard Project, a major outdoor renovation.

Maple also donated $20,000 to Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, a volunteer-driven charity that brings veterans – including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center residents – and their families to Long Beach for an all-expenses-paid week-long vacation. Finally, Hooks for Heroes, an Island Park-based charity that brings veterans on charter fishing trips, was awarded $5,000.

All adult league bowlers at Maple’s three New York area bowling centers – in Rockville Centre, Coram and Flushing – were invited to compete for the tournament by making a $5 donation to BVL. Many bowlers made weekly donations, incentivized by Maple Family Centers, which gave them a free practice game and entered them into weekly prize drawings for each $5 contribution. In total, there were more than 5,000 individual donations, and the 150 top scorers earned a spot in the three-game tournament (with handicap).

The grand champion was Sal Lauretta, who bowls out of Maple’s Coram Country Lanes. He received a cash prize and a free year of bowling. Overall, the top 10 scorers won cash prizes. There were also additional contests and prizes, including donated bowling equipment and apparel, and raffles, ensuring many bowlers went home with something.

“Congratulations to Sal and all the winners and participants. It was a great day at the lanes, and we were very proud to present $75,000 to support the work of three Long Island organizations whose therapeutic recreation programs improve the lives of our nation’s heroes,” said John LaSpina, President of Maple Family Centers. “These donations would not be possible without the generous support of Maple bowlers, who understand our company’s mission to brighten the lives of veterans every day and who enthusiastically contribute to this cause.”

Over the years, Maple Family Centers has raised more than $850,000 for veterans’ charities through BVL, including more than $250,000 for Long Island State Veterans Home.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the LaSpina family and Maple Family Centers for their generous donation to the Long Island State Veterans Home,” said Fred S. Sganga, FACHE, Executive Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home. “Their unwavering support significantly enhances both the quality of life and the quality of care for our nation’s veterans. The LaSpina family’s commitment to our veterans is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication to ensuring our heroes receive the respect and care they deserve.”

About Maple Family Centers

Providing fun for friends and families since 1960, Maple Family Centers consists of five family-owned bowling centers including Coram Country Lanes in Coram, N.Y.; Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Jib Lanes in Flushing, N.Y.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla.; and Maple Lanes Lakeland in Lakeland, Fla. A third-generation family business owned and operated by the LaSpina family, Maple Family Centers is all about entertaining the community and building relationships. The LaSpina family share their joy of bowling with families and sports enthusiasts and lead MFC in supporting the needs of the community by creating fundraising opportunities for nonprofit agencies.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Bonner attends VFW Post 6249’s 4th Annual 5K Run honoring veterans

by Press Release - June 14, 2025

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0-17 — Pictured above in the group photo taken at the event, Councilwoman Bonner can be seen fourth from the left, standing next to Commander Joe Cognitore, other VFW members, and the community. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On May 31, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined local veterans, families, and community members for the VFW Post 6249 Joseph P. Dwyer 5K Run, a community event honoring the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. veterans.

Hosted by VFW Post 6249, the event drew a strong turnout from across the region, with participants running or walking the 5K route in tribute to the men and women who have served our country. The race has become a tradition in the Rocky Point area, uniting people of all ages to support a vital cause.

The run supports the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which was named in honor of Private First Class Joseph P. Dwyer, a Suffolk County native and Army combat medic in Iraq. During a mission in Baghdad, PFC Dwyer was famously photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy to safety, which was soon featured in newspapers nationwide. After returning home, he was honorably discharged but struggled with post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse. Sadly, he passed away in July 2008 at the age of 31.

Since its launch in late 2012, the Dwyer Program has become a model of success in providing peer-to-peer support for veterans experiencing similar challenges. Its continued growth and impact serve as a powerful reminder of PFC Dwyer’s legacy and the importance of supporting those who have served.

“This run is a beautiful example of how our community comes together to honor and remember our veterans,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “It’s a privilege to support the VFW and to stand with those who have given so much for our country.”

After the race, attendees gathered at the post for refreshments, music, and a special ceremony recognizing veterans and event organizers. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting veteran services and outreach programs through VFW Post 6249.

Councilwoman Bonner extended her gratitude to the VFW for their continued leadership and dedication to veteran advocacy.

Port Jefferson remembers the fallen on Memorial Day

by TBR Staff - May 31, 2025

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By Greg Catalano

Port Jefferson celebrates Memorial Day on May 26 with a ceremony at Port Jefferson Memorial Park at 10 a.m.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Village of Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) and Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) spoke of the many sacrifices given by those who served their country.

Boy scouts laid wreaths at the memorial. Taps played to close out the ceremony, which was held by the American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432.

–Photos by Greg Catalano

Enhancing mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment for New York veterans through a national registry

by TBR Staff - May 27, 2025

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By Jonathan Sharp

The long history of the U.S. military’s heavy reliance on asbestos — a naturally occurring mineral — has unfortunately left a lasting effect on the health of veterans, especially those in New York. Although the use of this material in the military setting has already been discontinued, former service members still deal with the severe and often delayed impacts of exposure, including mesothelioma — a rare yet aggressive form of cancer. The problem, however, is not just the diagnosis of this lethal disease but the failure to respond to it promptly because of the frequent misdiagnosis. A national mesothelioma registry could address this issue as this targeted data-driven approach would track and screen at-risk veterans to make sure those affected receive accurate diagnoses and immediate care.

Detrimental impact of mesothelioma on veterans

Mesothelioma is a cancer attacking the protective covering of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos — a natural mineral once extensively utilized in construction, shipbuilding and military equipment because of its heat and chemical resistance. Even though most use of this mineral was banned since July 1989, it remains a persistent threat to veterans working in contaminated environments.

New York is one of the many states severely affected by this issue. A map by the Asbestos Nation shows that between 1999 and 2017, the state logged 15,205 asbestos-related deaths, of which 2,830 were mesothelioma cases. Suffolk County, in particular, reported 1,386 fatalities. And while mesothelioma poses hazards to anyone exposed, veterans remain among the most vulnerable populations.

True to this, the Purple Heart Foundation revealed that 30% of the nearly 3,000 Americans diagnosed with this disease yearly are former service members. Such a danger is mainly attributed to the extensive use of asbestos on military bases like Suffolk County Air Force Base and Francis S. Gabreski Airport. Such a crisis calls for continued attention and support for those directly impacted.

Cost of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment

Among the most critical concerns in addressing mesothelioma in veterans is the high rate of misdiagnosis. Recent statistics posted by Mesothelioma Guide indicate that 80.8% of stage 1 cases were inaccurate, while 69.5% of stage 2 diagnoses were wrong. Similarly, 35.4% of stage 3 patients and 12.8% of those at stage 4 also received erroneous findings. These missteps often lead to delayed treatments, which can significantly reduce the chances of patients’ survival.

One primary reason for these misdiagnoses is the slow development of mesothelioma. Often, its symptoms — such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fever and unintentional weight loss — do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage, which makes treatment and recovery both challenging. In addition, the delay in recording new mesothelioma cases, which may take up to two years per the Federal Register, contributes to the problem. Such a reality calls for a systemic approach aiming for early detection and better patient outcomes.

Systemic approach to combat misdiagnosis

A national mesothelioma registry could be the key to reversing the trends of misdiagnosis — being a centralized database that allows health care providers to monitor susceptible individuals and invite them for screenings for early diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense already have the structure to materialize this initiative as they already maintain registries for diseases linked to burn pits and Agent Orange. What they need now is to collaborate with vital stakeholders to get additional expertise and insights that could help the federal government integrate a national mesothelioma registry into the existing health care system. Such an endeavor would likewise be beneficial to researchers intending to track disease progression to lower the misdiagnosis rate and develop more effective treatments.

The impact of mesothelioma on veterans is a long-standing concern that has yet to be fully addressed. A national mesothelioma registry could nevertheless tackle this health crisis proactively — seeing to it that those who served our country are correctly diagnosed and benefit from timely care.

Jonathan Sharp serves as the CFO of the Environmental Litigation Group P.C., a firm in Birmingham, AL, assisting victims with environmental toxic exposure cases.

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County plant flags at Calverton Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day

by Press Release - May 24, 2025

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Approximately 50 girls from The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) honored Long Island military veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice by planting American Flags at their graves at Calverton National Cemetery on May 24.

The annual event sees Girl Scouts install more than 500 flags in just one section of the more than 1,000-acre military cemetery, which is the final resting place for more than 275,000 Veterans from every American conflict. The flag installation is part of the GSSC county-wide Service Unit activities and included girls ages 5 to 16 from Mastic Beach, Shirley, and Moriches.

“We place the flag, we say the names out loud, and we salute the grave,” said Olivia Phillips, 17, of Mastic. “We do it to show that we understand that sacrifice and we wouldn’t be here without them.”

The girls also earned a special “Calverton National Cemetery” patch to wear on their sashes and vests to salute their service.

“It shows how we are honoring the people who are buried here,” said Gabreilla Greco, 11, of Shirley. “If we didn’t do this, I feel like no one would, and it’s important to honor them.”

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County onFacebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Local ultra-runner honors veterans through seven-day marathon challenge

by Dylan Friedman - May 8, 2025

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By Dylan Friedman

Continuing a remarkable tradition, ultra-runner Eva Casale this past week (April 27 – May 3) traversed Long Island for the ninth time in as many years, completing her seven-marathon-in-seven-days challenge – an enduring tribute to the legacy of America’s veterans.

“I started running local veteran races, and during those races, I met Gold Star families,” Casale explained. “I wanted to see if there’s a way we could continue to remember them.” Gold Star families are those who have lost loved ones during active military service.

What began as a personal mission has evolved into nine annual Every Veteran Appreciated (EVA) Weeks and counting, challenging physical limits and serving as a moving educational platform.

Each day, the marathon is strategically dedicated to different fallen heroes, with over 20 Points of Honor. Casale and other participants pause at certain businesses and military memorials to learn about specific veterans and their sacrifices.

“Each time I read those plaques, it really reminds me that I am here because of them,” Casale said. “I am able to run these streets and have freedom because of them. That gives me strength when I’m tired.”

Another critical component of the week involves engaging younger generations. Casale aims to create meaningful connections to veterans’ experiences by inviting high school students to participate. Patchogue-Medford High School and Copiague students ran in this year’s event, while learning about military memorials and placing roses at significant locations throughout the journey.

“We took [the students] to a memorial as part of the 5k run that we do at the end of the day,” Casale explained. “After I put down my first rose, I would share with some of the other students, [and] they would do the same thing. They were actually understanding why it was there and why it was important.”

Casale’s personal connection to the military is rooted in her father’s experience of serving in the Korean War. “He never spoke about it much, if at all,” Casale recalled. “But I think there is a certain generation that does not speak about it, but they still need to be thanked for their service, so that is what I am trying to teach,” Casale continued.

For Casale, whose athletic background already encompassed feats of extreme endurance, the demanding seven-day marathon format emerged as a fitting and impactful way to amplify her message.

With a background in ultra-running —having completed 50- and 100-mile events — the seven-day marathon format was a natural choice. “I did this seven-day format once before [doing this event annually],” Casale said. “I chose this format because it brings more and more awareness over an extended period.”

Maintaining physical readiness for such a grueling challenge requires careful recovery strategies. Each night, Casale used compression boots for several hours, a ritual she credits with making “the world of difference” in her ability to continue running day after day.

When asked about the event’s future, Casale maintains that she will continue doing it as long as possible.

“I mean, every year I have been asked the same question, right?” Casale said. “I would say as long as I can, my team is really excited, because next year is the 10th year. So we will do the same format, we are excited, and then we will see from there. At this point, my answer is always, as long as I am able to do it, and as a way to thank our veterans, we will continue with our mission.”

As the event approaches its milestone next year, it is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance. Through seven marathons, countless stories are shared, and a commitment to honoring those who have served, Casale continues to transform athletic achievement into a profound act of remembrance.

“We want people to recognize that gentleman sitting in the diner wearing the Korean War hat and say, Thank you, thank you for your service,” Casale said. “We want people to thank the woman across the street who served in the Army or the Navy. We want them to say, thank you for your service. That is where part of our mission is. We know we have that opportunity to remind people to do that.”

Suffolk County’s Vietnam veterans honored on 50th anniversary of the end of war

by TBR Staff - April 3, 2025

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By Caroline O’Callaghan

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and other Suffolk County representatives spoke on the lawn in front of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 29 to a crowd of around 400 people to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Most in attendance were some of Suffolk’s estimated 21,000 Vietnam War veterans – the largest gathering of Vietnam veterans in Suffolk’s history. The event hosted veterans and their families to food vendors and live performers.

There’s a temporary museum that’s open to the public until April 4 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War ending. The exhibition houses preserved relics such as vehicles. “We are here on this beautiful day to say, ‘Welcome home,’” Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1) began the commemoration.

LaLota was flanked by members of VFW Post 6249 (Rocky Point) who contributed to the “colors ceremony” of the event, in which military members raise and lower the national flag as a display of patriotism before the start of a ceremony.

On March 29, 1973 the U.S. military assistance command over Vietnam was officially disestablished. In 2012, former President Barack Obama (D) proclaimed the date as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Five years later, President Donald Trump (R) declared the holiday as a date of annual observance.

Many veterans felt a sense of gratitude for the gathering, not only because of the unprecedented warm weather. “Out of respect for all veterans, I’m thankful that we live in country that honors veterans,” said Jack Gozdziewski, proudly sporting a smile and his army-green cap.

Romaine hosted the gathering to offer the veterans “a little bit of closure” on behalf of Suffolk County and the country. Romaine continued, “It [the Vietnam War] was probably one of the most memorable events of their [the veterans] lives…”

For many of the veterans, the gathering was well overdue. Upon initially returning home from the war, many veterans were not acknowledged for their bravery in combat due to the geopolitical climate that had perpetuated a harsh rhetoric toward the U.S. troops. Kevin Cleary, a marine who served from 1967-1968, experienced backlash at his college for being a veteran. Cleary recalled there being “real enmity for veterans” at universities in the post-Vietnam era. “We [veterans] got blamed for starting the war,” said Cleary.

“They never felt like they were welcomed when they arrived home from the war, and this ceremony is to reinforce that. To thank them for their service, and welcome them home once again,” said Romaine.

There were those in attendance who were vocal about feelings of being forgotten. John Weldon Sr., a Purple Heart awarded combat veteran, verified that the gathering was long-delayed. “It’s about time they [U.S. government officials] did something for us. It took them 50 years.” said Weldon Sr.

Commitments to the veterans were made by the representatives who spoke at the ceremony. Representatives didn’t neglect to acknowledge the 1,576 U.S. Vietnam veterans who remain Missing In Action (MIA) to this day. They promised to uphold their legacy. This was after a prevalent statement made by Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), who promised to oversee hat “all veterans that served in combat will be welcomed home correctly” from now on in Suffolk County.

Those who gathered this past Saturday spoke of a unified front in spite of facing postwar adversity for decades. Veterans emphasized the importance of comradery and representation. Ed German is a radio personality, author and former U.S. marine who served in the war from 1967-1970. German explains, “it’s just good to be around a bunch of guys who all have one thing in common and it’s that we served in Vietnam.”

“Every chance I get to put on the ‘full-metal jacket’ –that’s what I call my uniform since it has all my medals on it – I do it because I’m here to represent what we did,” German continued. “And I don’t want it to be erased from history.”

Comsewogue students join effort to reunite Japanese families with World War II ‘Good Luck Flags’

by Press Release - March 22, 2025

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Students at Comsewogue High School in the Comsewogue School District have joined a cross-cultural humanitarian effort to bring closure to Japanese families whose loved ones were killed during World War II.

Before going to battle, Japanese soldiers were given yosegaki hinomaru—good luck flags—to keep with them on the battlefield. There are currently an estimated 50,000 yosegaki hinomaru throughout America, brought back as souvenirs by World War II veterans who didn’t understand that the flags are considered by Japanese families to be the non-biological human remains of their family members.

Students with Good Luck Flags. Photo from Comsewogue School District

Roughly a dozen Comsewogue students have been working with their teachers and community partners to collect these flags and reunite them with grieving families who never had a proper burial for loved ones who didn’t return home from the war.

“It’s so important for our students to learn about history through the lens of different cultures, and to understand that there is more that unifies us than divides us,” said Comsewogue High School Principal Michael Mosca. “Our students volunteered to take part in this project and their dedication and passion is palpable.”

Comsewogue High School teacher David Hughes and Comsewogue parent and community partner William Donohue are avid historians who collected about 35 these meaningful flags and brought the initiative to the high school. Along with teachers Alex Wessel and Kyle Schauss, they will be assigning a flag to each student who will then study the flag and learn about the soldier to whom it belonged.

Students recently held a Zoom meeting with Rex and Keiko Ziak, the founders of the nonprofit the Obon Society, whose mission is to reunite families with the good luck flags of their loved ones. The Obon Society is the largest grassroots effort dedicated to the cause and has returned over 600 flags to families in Japan.

Rex and Keiko answered questions from students and shared powerful stories both about receiving and returning flags. They explained the process of tracking down these families and how the reunion is more of a funeral than a celebration. The couple started the Obon Society after Keiko and her family were reunited with her grandfather’s good luck flag. She described being a child when he went missing in action while serving in Burma.

Students will be learning the stories behind each good luck flag as they continue to work with the Obon Society to track down the families, a process that could take roughly two years.

Veterans congregate at Northport VA to protest cuts

by Sabrina Artusa - March 21, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

Veterans and members of the American Federation of Government Employees assembled Friday, March 14, in front of the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center to protest cuts to the federal workforce, particularly in relation to veteran services.

According to a March 5 video statement from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, the department aims to decrease staff by 15%. Currently, the department employs 470,000 people, according to Collins, which he aims to get down to the 2019 level of 399,957. “The federal government does not exist to employ people. It exists to serve people,” Collins said.

“In response to President Trump’s (R) Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative, VA is conducting a department-wide review of its organization, operations and structure,” he said. This includes eliminating “not mission critical” contracts.

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits and health care through VA medical centers in addition to access to housing loans and grants, educational programs and support the transition back to civilian life.

The VA centers cater to the unique needs of veterans, both mentally and physically. AFGE Local 1843 President Bob Dennis attended the rally, “The doctors are familiar with their cases, They love coming to the place because they know they will get the care they deserve.”

AFGE represents some of the employees of the VA center. He said for years the medical experts have endured long hours and short staffing. In fact, he said in the past, the goal was to grow and advertise the services of the VA.

“Our big goal was to grow,” he said. “We used to send out a medical unit that could be driven … so we would go to other places and the veterans would know we are coming to support them with patient care.”

In his statement, Dennis asserted that cuts would not diminish veteran care but eradicate unnecessities.

Dennis has spoken with some officials, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) whom he says recognized the threat embedded in cuts.

“We are trying to get the best thing we can possibly get for our nation’s heroes,” Dennis said. “We protect the people that deserve to be protected. We want to honor our veterans. And that is one thing we won’t change.”

King Quality donates roof to VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point

by Press Release - March 16, 2025

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VFW — Pictured from left, Jeff Brett, Frank Asselta, Joe Cognitore and Jim Henke. Photo by Rich Acritelli

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6249 in Rocky Point will soon have a new roof thanks to a donation from King Quality Roofing and Siding. On March 19, the Long Island-based contractor will install a much-needed replacement roof for the VFW hall located at 109 King Rd., a vital hub for local veterans and the broader community.

The current roof is 20 years old and needs to be replaced. As a nonprofit organization, the VFW can now redirect the money saved on repairs toward supporting veterans and their families.

The Rocky Point VFW provides essential services to local veterans, offering financial aid and fundraising for veteran organizations. The post hosts key annual events, including the Joseph Dwyer PTSD Memorial 5K Run and the Warrior Golf Outing, which raises $45,000 annually to support veterans across Long Island.

When King Quality CEO Jeff Brett received a letter from Commander Joseph A. Cognitore requesting assistance with the roof, he immediately knew he wanted to help. Brett’s personal ties to the military and appreciation for service members made this project particularly meaningful.

“At King Quality, we are honored to support VFW Post 6249 and the veterans who have given so much for our country,” said Brett. “My grandfather was a World War I veteran who helped start a VFW in Port Jefferson Station, and my father served in the Navy during World War II. Their sacrifices inspire me every day, and I’m proud that King Quality can give back in this way.”

King Quality’s support for VFW Post 6249 doesn’t end with the roof. The company plans to donate siding and other materials in the future to assist with the post’s ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

“This generous donation from King Quality is a huge benefit to our organization and the veterans we serve,” said Cognitore. “By saving on roof repairs, we can redirect those funds to better support our veterans and their families. We’re incredibly grateful to Jeff and his team for their support.”

This roof donation is part of King Quality Cares, the company’s charitable arm that supports local charities and community organizations across Long Island. In addition to King Quality’s contribution, GAF and SRS Distribution are generously providing the roofing materials needed for the project.

For more information, visit https://www.kingquality.com.

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