Suffolk County Legislature recognizes those who served with honors bestowed from each of the 18 Legislative Districts
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from across Suffolk County were honored for their service and sacrifice in helping to protect our freedom and liberty. Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced a veteran as “Veteran of the Year” from their district at Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building.
Suffolk County is home to the largest population of veterans in New York State and has one of the largest veterans’ populations of any county in the United States.
“Today’s recognition of our veterans is the least we can do for their vital role in protecting our freedom and liberty,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “My colleagues and I are proud to celebrate the inspiring commitment of these men and women who have significantly contributed to their communities and our Nation. By publicly commemorating their achievements, Suffolk County reaffirms its gratitude and respect for those who have served in the Armed Forces, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices remain a lasting part of our County’s and our Nation’s legacy.
“From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Christopher M. Geackel of Lindenhurst, who retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 2006 after 23 years of service. Among his awards, Chris received three Commendation Medals, five Air Force Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals; and was named the Community College of the Air Force Noncommissioned Officer and Athletic Warrior of the Year.”
“As a member of Wade-Burns VFW Post 7279 for 17 years, Chris has served as both Post Commander and Suffolk County Commander. He serves as coordinator of the Village of Lindenhurst Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, and regularly visits the Long Island State Veterans Home and VA Hospital, to provide clothing, birthday cake, gifts, and vouchers to fellow veterans. He is a truly a shining example of selfless service,” said McCaffrey.
November is a somber and celebratory month for veterans, including as it does Veterans Day on November 11th – where ceremonies mark “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in honor of the men and women who have served our nation – as well as the US Marine Corps birthday on November 10th.
LD Legislator Veteran and Rank Branch Residence:
1 Catherine Stark — Michael Mundy US Marine Corps Shelter Island, Lance Corporal
2 Ann Welker — Bob Grisnik US Air Force Southampton, Colonel
3 Jim Mazzarella — Enrico ‘Rick’ Rossi US Navy Shirley, Seaman
4 Nick Caracappa — Frank Sanzone US Air Force Selden, Master Sergeant
5 Steve Englebright — David Tracy US Marine Corps Stony Brook Corporal
6 Chad Lennon — Joe Cognitore US Army Rocky Point, Platoon Sergeant & Platoon Leader
7 Dominick Thorne — Walter Maresco US Air Force Medford, Airman First Class
8 Anthony Piccirillo — William Borthwick US Army Oakdale, Specialist 4
9 Sam Gonzalez — Dr. Jaime Marcos US Marine Corps Bay Shore, Sergeant
10 Trish Bergin — Christopher J. Hirsch US Army Hauppauge, Specialist Fifth Class
11 Steve Flotteron — William F. Murray US Army Bay Shore, Specialist Fourth Class
12 Leslie Kennedy — Grace Mehl US Navy Smithtown, Commander
13 Rob Trotta — Marty Thompson US Navy Saint James, Senior Chief Petty Officer
14 Kevin McCaffrey — Christopher M. Geackel US Air Force Lindenhurst, Master Sergeant
15 Jason Richberg — Charles ‘Chuck’ Vinciulla US Navy Amityville, Corpsman
16 Rebecca Sanin — Santiago Mejia US National Guard Huntington Station, Staff Sergeant
17 Tom Donnelly — Charlie Armstrong US Air Force South Huntington, Sergeant
18 Stephanie Bontempi — Eugene Leavy US Army East Northport, Sergeant
More information on each honoree can be found on the Suffolk County Legislature’s website at the following link:
https://www.scnylegislature.us/1764/2024-Veteran-of-the-Year
