The American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 Family of Port Jefferson Station along with Boy Scout Troop 377 of East Setauket recently sponsored and fed Veterans a Christmas Dinner Italian Style at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. The meal was well received and very much appreciated.
Cona Elder Law, an estate planning firm based in Melville, recently held its 15th annual “These Colors Don’t Run” art contest at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, featuring work created by elementary, middle, and high school students from nearby schools emphasizing the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans.
The patriotic event brought together veterans, families, and the local community to celebrate creativity and honor the sacrifices of those who served.
“We are so happy to work with the State Veterans Home team, who take such wonderful care of their residents,” said Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Senior Partner at Cona Elder Law. “As an elder law attorney, it is a place where I feel I can refer my clients for placement and be one-hundred percent confident that they will receive the care they need.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees, staff and residents had the opportunity to view the artwork, meet the winners of the art contest, and listen to a live band. The residents enjoyed the visit and entertainment.
The winning students are Maggie Deegan, an 11th grader at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn; Marjorie Callahan, a 5th grader at RJO Intermediate School in Kings Park; and Harry Li, a 3rd grader at W.S. Mount Elementary School in Stony Brook.
“Cona Elder Law has a long-standing commitment to serving the needs of veterans, the disabled, and the elderly in our community,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law. “Through initiatives like today’s art contest, our firm strives to enhance the quality of life for those who have served while fostering multigenerational connection and community.”
“We are the land of the free because of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform. They made the United States of America the greatest country in the world to live in, and for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid,” said Jonathan Spier, Deputy Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home.
“I applaud Cona Elder Law for their ongoing efforts to ensure our children understand, appreciate, and honor the sacrifices that veterans have made. Through initiatives like the ‘These Colors Don’t Run’ Art Contest, they are helping the next generation not only remember, but truly appreciate the profound impact of our nation’s heroes.”
By Jennifer Donatelli
As part of a week-long celebration in honor of Veterans Day, Major Chad Lennon (R, Mt. Sinai), Suffolk County Legislator in the 6th Legislative District, Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, along with Stony Brook University, honored veterans and residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH) at their facility at a Nov. 8 breakfast on the university campus.
Suffolk County lawmakers, including Executive Ed Romaine (R), thanked the veterans for their service, promising to continue advocating for their rights. Lennon, reflecting on veterans sacrifices, expressed his gratitude for their dedicated service to the country. He told the crowd that Suffolk County has the largest veteran population in New York State.
In his keynote address to hundreds of veterans, Lennon said, “I would not be here today if it wasn’t for you. Your identity completely changes when you go off to war. Someday my title as legislator will end, but the one title that will follow me for the rest of my life is that of a Marine.”
The LISVH also recognized John LaSpina with its Distinguished Service Award. LaSpina is the president of Maple Family Centers, a 59-year-old family business that owns and operates bowling centers across Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. He personally hosts events throughout the year that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the veterans home.
Over the past decade, LaSpina’s commitment to Long Island’s veteran community has significantly improved the lives of veterans and their families. He was recognized for his volunteer work and funding that allowed the home to purchase a virtual reality system to treat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Fred Sganga, executive director of the LISVH, said the technology has since expanded to serve 100 other veterans homes across the country.
Reacting to his award, LaSpina said, “I stand on the shoulders of these great people before me, and am proud to be among them. It is our job to educate the younger generation about veterans and what they do and continue to do for our country. We fly the flag for you and our freedom.”
LaSpina also received a flag from Rep. Nick LaLota’s (R, NY1) office that had flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Addressing veterans last week, LaSpina said, “This place does wonderful things for our heroes. God bless you all. You are our true heroes.”
Sgt. Kuroly, a weapons specialist in the U.S. Air Force, said LaSpina is “one of our greatest guardian angels.”
“We are profoundly grateful for John LaSpina’s exceptional generosity,” added Sganga. “His unwavering support has transformed our recreational programs and uplifted the spirits of our veterans. This endowment fund will enable us to continue to honor our commitment to those who have served our nation.”
“You know that Veterans Day is not just another date on the calendar. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans, regardless of what generation they are or uniform they wore,” said Robert Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and chairman of the Veterans Advisory Board.
Rabbi Joseph Topek, the Jewish chaplain at Stony Brook Medicine, agreed, telling the crowd, “Let’s celebrate. This is not a time of mourning. Celebrate your service, the sacrifices that you made. Our country is great, and it’s because of the service of our veterans.”
New York State Assemblyman Edward Flood (R, Port Jefferson) said he was privileged to be at the ceremony. “I come from a family of veterans,” he explained. “My father served in the Vietnam War, so I have seen the sacrifices he made.” Flood continued, “It is an honor to be in the presence of all of these heroes.”
Salvatore Scarlato knows firsthand what it’s like fighting in a war. At 93, he is one of the last remaining Korean War veterans on Long Island. He said he and 17 friends joined the Marines, knowing they were about to be drafted and sent to Korea. Scarlato recalled, “At the beginning it was tough. I was 18 years old and didn’t know anything about current events. The only thing I knew was that I was going off to war.” He continued, “When you go to war, and especially in Korea, it really changes your perspective on things. But it had to be done. In seven days, you became a man, and your life was never the same.”
Harry Janson, 76, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is a member of the Veterans Advisory Board and dedicates all his free time to raise money for veterans. He said, “They deserve it all. These guys are heroes every day.”
Romaine told the audience that democracy will prevail, saying, “We will always survive as a nation that stands for our flag, for our freedom, and for our country.”
Smith asked all the attendees to take a deep breath and then exhale. He added, “That is the taste of freedom. It is veterans who are willing to put their lives on hold for the good of the nation so you and your family can have that taste of freedom. Let us never forget them.”
Philip Sullivan, a U.S. Navy post-Korean War veteran and resident of the home, urged the crowd to honor America’s 68 million veterans and renew their commitment to them. He said, “Pledge to keep the spirit of U.S. veterans alive as the chimes of freedom ring out. Let us not forget the service of these men, who we are humbled to care for each day.”
The LISVH at Stony Brook University is a 350-bed, skilled nursing facility and the largest of its kind out of 163 facilities in the United States. For more information, call 631-444-VETS.
Calling all job seekers! Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport hosts a Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Come meet representatives from area companies including Cold Spring Harbor Labs, SCOPE, Family Service League, BAE Systems, United Parcel Service, New York Life, Suffolk County Civil Service, Max Security USA, Schivo Medical, Sterling North America, Citizens Options Unlimited, Aides at Home, Long Island State Veterans Home, United Way of LI and American Regent to discuss job opportunities.
Bring your resume and dress for success! Arranged by Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center. No registration required. For more information, call 631-261-6930.
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for its 9th annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Meet with representatives from various organizations including Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Crime Victims Center, Guide Dog Foundation, Literacy Suffolk, Inc., Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, Long Island State Veterans Home, Mather Hospital’s Volunteer Department, New York Blood Center, Open Door Exchange, Parker Jewish Institute — Willing Hearts Helpful Hands, Response of Suffolk County, Inc., SAVE-A-PET, Sierra Club, Long Island Group, Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4927 to find out about local opportunities for a variety of ages.
No registration required. 631-928-1212.
The Long Island State Veterans Home commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion with a special service and the presentation of Proclamations of Meritorious Achievement to two Normandy Invasion veterans on June 6.
New York State and Suffolk County awarded Proclamations of Meritorious Achievement to 100-year-old U.S. Army veteran Frank Agoglia and 102-year-old U.S. Army Air Corps veteran David Wolman, both residents of the Long Island State Veterans Home.
Agoglia, who landed his glider in Ste. Mere Eglise, France, behind German defenses, and Wolman, who worked 72 hours straight as an air traffic controller during the Normandy invasion, were recognized for their heroic service during D-Day and Operation Overlord.
A candle-lighting ceremony honored the 150,000 Allied troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy, all service members who served during World War II, the 41 million men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of freedom, the more than 600,000 members of the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and the current 2 million members of the
“For over 33 years, the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University has had the honor and privilege to have cared for this special generation of veterans,” Executive Director Fred Sganga said. “We will never forget the service and selfless sacrifice of so many soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Today, we thank all of our World War II veterans for their fortitude and perseverance eighty years ago – for answering the call, in order to make the world a safer place. World War II veterans set high standards for bravery and courage and passed the baton to later generations of servicemen and servicewomen, who met the challenge by continuing to defend America and her allies around the world to this day.”
By Rita J. Egan
One local veteran has come a long way since she left Afghanistan, and she credits the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the local American Legion Post and her nursing career for her success.
U.S. Army veteran Trisha Northover spent her younger years traveling between her dad’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, and her mom’s in Greenlawn after her parents’ divorce. She said in her early 20s, a friend’s father, a firefighter, died on Sept. 11, and the effect that his passing had on her friend helped Northover find her passion.
“I saw the impact that it had in her life,” the veteran said. “She became a totally different person after she lost her dad, and I wanted to do something.”
At 24, she joined the army. Interested in a medical career, Northover said she learned everything she needed to know about medicine in the military. Initially, she studied basic EMT skills and then nursing. After 18 months of training, she became a licensed practical nurse.
She spent nine years and nine months in the army, primarily stationed at West Point, where she had her son Tristan, now 16. Working at the academy’s hospital and clinic, she cared for the cadets.
Northover was deployed to Afghanistan for 10 months as a combat medic during Operation Enduring Freedom, and she said she witnessed back-to-back traumas during her deployment. For her service, she has received a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal and Army Commendation Medal. For her unit’s service in Afghanistan, they received a Meritorious Unit Commendation award.
American Legion
When she returned to Greenlawn, Northover said she learned firsthand how helpful American Legion Post 1244 members are. Struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, Northover said it took some time to find a full-time job.
“I didn’t have a lot of support financially,” the veteran said. “I was still figuring it out.”
Northover added post members brought her and her son Thanksgiving dinner the first year she returned from Afghanistan. She soon became a post member, and recently, the 42-year-old was named post commander.
Being involved in a post and talking to fellow veterans who have had similar experiences is vital, Northover said. She described it as “a camaraderie like no other.”
“We’re all being pulled in a million directions, but spending time in the company of the members of my posts, working for them, doing different things, it gives me a sense of purpose, and it honors my service if that makes sense,” she said. “It gives me an outlet for my service because a lot of times when you come back, you feel like you’re not a part of a team anymore, and being in the American Legion absolutely gives me the feeling of being a member of a team and working toward a mission.”
With her membership in the American Legion post and her job as a licensed practical nurse at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, Northover has the opportunity to meet older vets. She said she always does her best to take photos and converse with them. She always thanks them for their service, especially World War II vets.
“These men are living history,” she said. “We study the war in the history books, and so much in the world literally changed because of that war, and to be with the men who were fighting — they’re leaving us. They’re not going to be here forever.”
While she still experiences tremendous anxiety, which made working at other jobs difficult at times, she said the veterans home has been a supportive place to work as they understand her PTSD.
Getting help
In addition to being able to talk with fellow vets at the American Legion and at her job, Northover credits Veterans Affairs for helping her manage her disorder with different types of therapy, from talk therapy to acupuncture. The disorder, she said, is a result of her time in Afghanistan.
“It was something that I’ve had to really work on to be able to not only talk about, but to not feel a certain way when I even talk about it,” Northover said.
She added the post-traumatic growth she has gone through has made her more resilient. “I know that I survived that so there’s not much that I can’t overcome,” the vet said.
Northover said the VA has realized traditional treatments aren’t for everybody, and patients can receive treatment outside of the VA hospital, including equine therapy and working with service animals.
“I don’t think a lot of people realize that they can change the quality of their life,” she said. “We can’t necessarily not have PTSD or not have insomnia or the trauma, but you can get to a point in your life where you can live a life that’s still full and purposeful if you really just accept the help that is offered.”
Validation
At the end of July, Northover was among fellow women veterans recognized at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Hauppauge. She said she was honored and humbled.
“These women have done so many wonderful things not only in their personal and military lives but for their community, so it was really great to be honored,” she said.
Northover discovered she was chosen when a member of Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi’s (R-Centerport) staff emailed her. Northover was nominated by Mary Flatley, a fellow American Legion Post 1244 member and a former recipient of the same county honor.
Flatley described Northover as a fantastic person with many great ideas for the post. “She’s a very grounded person and selfless,” she said. “I’m happy she’s our commander.”
She added, “I think Trisha is going to prove herself as an outstanding leader.”
In a statement, Leg. Bontempi said, “When I learned about Trisha’s accomplishments as a soldier and her dedication to helping her fellow veterans, I knew she had to be this year’s honoree. Trisha served our country with distinction, and to this day she is making a difference in many lives.”
Northover said it’s an honor when people thank her for her service, and the recognition from the county made her feel that her service was validated even further.
“I had to reconcile a lot of things, and if it was worth it, within my own self, to go through what I went through in terms of the war,” the veteran said. “Having moments like this have really reinforced to me that people are really grateful and thankful that I did what I did because I fought for freedom and America.”
Public officials gathered before a room of vets at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University for a Memorial Day service Friday, May 27.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) gave the keynote address for the event. He continued the theme raised during his State of the County address a week earlier, invoking the example of the Greatest Generation as a model for Americans today.
“I can’t help but think that it’s just at the moment when we see our World War II veterans unfortunately slowly, but inevitably, fade into history, that 80 years later we now see war raging in Europe,” he said. “It’s so important that we never forget what they did.”
For Bellone, American veterans should be honored not only for their service abroad but for the work they perform for communities after they return from the battlefield.
“It’s what veterans always do — they come home after fighting for our country and they build and they strengthen our community,” the county executive said, adding, “To all our veterans who have served, you all have picked up the baton of service. From the Revolutionary War right up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans have served and have sacrificed.”
Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) was also in attendance. Saying that he was inspired by Bellone’s address, the councilmember commented on the need for policymakers to temper their power to wage war and monitor their decisions that threaten peace.
Without memory of the great global conflicts of the 20th century, leaders today may be less cautious in their use of force.
“Maybe people now who are making decisions, who didn’t live through it, maybe they don’t have the same reluctance to engage in war and the same urgency to avoid it,” Kornreich said. “Especially right now, with all of the conflicts that are going on, that’s a very good lesson. I can’t think of a better way to honor the memory of those who have died in war than to try to fight for peace.”
— Photos courtesy of Long Island State Veterans Home
By Rich Acritelli
Kindness, devotion, hard work, and determination; these are the words to describe the loyalty that the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook has toward its patients. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made their mission immensely difficult, this facility is carrying out its responsibilities to support our local veterans at this nursing home. This staff has adapted to the hardships of this virus, and they are finding different ways of helping many elderly veterans who have served in practically every military branch.
The vets home has created a multi-faceted program that helps people from Riverhead to Massapequa. Leading the way is Jean Brand, the Program Director of the Adult Day Health Care Program, with their efforts based in Stony Brook and in the homes of these older populations who rely on the services. Even before the coronavirus changed operations, staff members have provided assistance in cooking, bathing and nutritional aid that allows for breakfast and lunch to be served along with taking home a meals for dinner. They also provided rehabilitation for physical and speech therapy programs. As the veterans ages range from the mid 60’s to over 100 years old, the staff’s devotion also allows the older counterparts to take a brief break in handling the rigors of treating their loved ones.
From the start of the day, the state nursing home provides transportation to bring citizens that served from World War II, Korean and Vietnam to Stony Brook. Due to this current pandemic, the programs are now more home based. Although these were necessary changes, according to Brand, the organization is finding new ways to help these older citizens. Through a home delivery program, several meals a week are organized and distributed to the elderly. Brand and her staff are currently preparing food that is non-perishable and easy to eat. Deliveries also include necessary items that have been difficult to purchase such as toilet paper, masks, wipes, paper towels and soap. They have also sent home word puzzles and and other games to help keep their minds sharp and to pass the time, as many of these veterans that are spending numerous hours in their houses.
With many longterm relationships built up at Stony Brook, the staff misses these familiar faces and their stories of service of defending our nation during many trying times. Many of these men and women are considered family members to the staff. The entire staff, through expertise and professionalism, has for many years attended to the many diverse needs of these men and women. They have implemented telehealth to boost morale and at the same time to safely utilize social distancing initiatives to keep a watchful eye on the health of their patients. Although sending home food is a primary function of this program, many of these telephone calls are keeping the lines of communication open, and range from a simple hello to necessary inquiries about serious ailments.
Brand spoke about a unique program that was created to connect the patriotic stories of national service to the students of today. The Long Island Museum has worked with the vets home through a pen pal project which has younger men and women reach out to veterans to learn about their lives. Even as this has been tough period, this idea has developed relationships between different generations. Young people have seen and heard the examples of service by our senior population. This writing programs has also allowed younger students to identify the various issues that impacted the mobility and health concerns that have widely plagued older populations.
Not since the days of the 1918 Spanish Flu has our nation had to handle a health crisis of this magnitude. The numbers of the people that have been impacted are still staggering, but the efforts of places like the Long Island State Veterans Home continue to adapt and overcome many of these medical challenges that still pose a major concern to this country. This homecare program has completely shown the determination of longtime staff members like that of Brand and her fellow workers to help their patients before, during and after this sickness is finally subdued.
Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.
With 694 more people testing positive for the coronavirus, the number of confirmed cases in Suffolk County is now 40,483.
In the Suffolk County hotspot testing sites, the number of positive tests was 1,320 out of 3,412 total tests.
The percentage of positive tests at these hotspots is 38.7, compared with 33 percent for the county as a whole.
Antibody testing for law enforcement continues, with 1,581 law enforcement officers tested by Northwell Health and New York State so far.
The number of people who have died from complications related to coronavirus increased by 21 in the last day, bringing the total to 1,568 for Suffolk County. As of yesterday, the deaths from the virus exceed the number of people killed over 100 years ago aboard the Titanic. The staggering number represents what will likely be a turning point for the county, let alone the entire country which topped 77,000 deaths.
County Executive Steve Bellone’s (D) office distributed another 163,000 pieces of personal protective equipment yesterday, bringing the total number of such life-saving items to over four million since the crisis began in March.
Bellone didn’t have the closely watched hospitalization information today because the reporting system was down.
Separately, Bellone said the county was able to honor the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
“Today, we would normally be bringing together our veterans and particularly our World War II veterans to honor them and thank them for what they did for our nation,” said Bellone during his daily call with reporters.
A group including Suffolk County Chief of Police Stuart Cameron and Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency Director Thomas Ronayne raised an American flag above Armed Forces Plaza today. The group saluted the flag and then brought it to the state veteran’s home.
That home has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. As of May 5, the home reported 65 residents have passed away due to the coronavirus. Additionally, 68 residents have tested positive, where out of those four are receiving treatment at neighboring Stony Brook University Hospital. 30 of those veterans are in the post-COVID recovery phase.
Bellone said the county also celebrated the graduation of 70 members of the police academy. While the ceremony was different than it otherwise would have been prior to the pandemic, the event, which was broadcast on Facebook, was watched by more than 25,000 people.
“Their willingness to step forward at any given moment to risk their lives for strangers is an extraordinary thing,” Bellone said. “We thanked them and their family members.”
Separately, as for the national and local elections coming this November, Bellone said he hopes the bipartisan cooperation that has characterized the response in Suffolk County and New York will continue.
“I don’t know if we’re going to see that on a national level [but] at the local level, we are working together in ways we haven’t in many years, maybe not since 9/11,” Bellone said. “That’s what we should do.”
Bellone suggested the county didn’t have “time to spare to worry about partisan nonsense.”
He pointed out how he and Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr. (R), who ran against Bellone to become county executive, have been “working closely together to address issues here. I’m hopeful that will continue.”
Stony Brook Closes Satellite ER
Stony Brook University is closing the emergency room field satellite in the South P Lot amid a decline in the number of patients.
The hospital will keep equipment inside the tents in case of future need. The health care workers who had been staffing the field site will return to the hospital.
Stony Brook had seen approximately 2,600 patients at the coronavirus triage sites.
The drive-through testing site in the South P Lot will remain open. That site has tested 27,515 patients.
Residents who would like a test need to make appointments in advance, by calling 888-364-3065. The site is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stony Brook University Hospital’s Team Lavender, and a Staff Support Team, delivered care packages to the employees at the Long Island State Veterans Home. The team put together 170 containers filled with donated items from the community including gum, chapsticks, drinks and snacks. They also included trays of home-baked goods, crocheted ear savers, and masks made by a veteran.
Team Lavender volunteers include doctors, nurses, social workers, patient advocates, chaplains, a faculty and staff care team, employee assistance program and employee health program. The team provides emotional, spiritual and psychological support for faculty and staff after an adverse or unexpected event.
