From left, Thomas Ronayne, Ray Meyer, Robert Misseri Paws of War Co-Founder, Councilman Sal Ferro, Town of Huntington Historian Robert Hughes and Robert Renna at the check presentation on March 21. Photo from Paws of War
Paws of War held a formal check presentation at the Burr Family Cemetery, Home Depot Shopping Center, 5025 Jericho Turnpike, Commack on Friday, March 21 at 11:30 p.m.
Huntington Town Councilman Sal Ferro and The Ferro Foundation made a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 to Paws of War, a 501(c) nonprofit organization, in support of the Burr Family Cemetery restoration project. This initiative will help preserve an important piece of our community’s history while honoring those laid to rest at this historic site.
Burr Family Cemetery – Two of the family members were veterans in the War of 1812.
This important project honors the memory of two War of 1812 veterans laid to rest there while preserving a significant piece of local history.
The restoration effort, spearheaded by Paws of War, will include the installation of a new fence, landscaping enhancements, the resetting and replacement of headstones, a new flagpole, a picnic area, and an informational plaque to educate visitors about the cemetery’s historical significance.
“The Burr Family Cemetery is a part of Huntington’s history, and I am honored to support Paws of War in their incredible work to restore and preserve this site,” said Councilman Sal Ferro. “This project ensures that the sacrifices of those who served our country are never forgotten while also creating a space for the community to reflect on our past.”
Paws of War, widely recognized for their work in rescuing and training service dogs for veterans and first responders, has expanded their mission to include projects that honor and support those who have served. Their dedication to the Burr Family Cemetery restoration underscores their commitment to preserving the legacy of American veterans.
“This restoration is about respect, remembrance, and ensuring that history is not lost to time,” said [Paws of War Representative, Tom Ronayne. “We are incredibly grateful to Councilman Ferro and The Ferro Foundation for their generous support in making this possible.”
The restoration project is expected to be completed in the coming months, providing a renewed space where the community can honor and learn about the local heroes who played a role in shaping our nation’s history. A ribbon cutting ceremony is slated to take place this summer.
For more information on Paws of War and their initiatives, visit pawsofwar.org
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Scene from the expansion ceremony. Courtesy Paws of War
Paws of War has expanded its Nesconset headquarters with the opening of its Veteran Support Command Center, advancing its mission to support veterans and their service dogs. The new facility provides a safe haven for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, mental health crises, addiction and homelessness, offering the assistance and resources they need. Contractors who donated their time, labor, and materials for the construction attended the ribbon-cutting event.
The project was led by Bulovas Restorations with support from subcontractors Bri Co Electrical, Premier Flooring Solutions, East End Designs LLC, SOS Store On Site, Park Ave Building and Roofing Supplies LLC, Colucci Carting, and ADI Contracting LLC.
“When veterans and their companion animals are in crisis, every second counts. Many of our heroes suffer from addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness. In times of crisis, they won’t part with their pets and continue to struggle,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.
“Our support center is a major step forward in helping veterans overcome challenges while keeping their pets safe and by their sides.”
Veterans and first responders with service or companion animals, some homeless or facing medical emergencies, need special attention to ensure they gain access to services. Often, having a service or companion dog limits access to housing and health care options. In many cases, these heroes refuse support because they won’t leave their pets behind.
For homeless veterans with emotional support or service animals, Paws of War provides short-term, temporary, or long-term homes. If an animal isn’t permitted in a shelter or the owner is experiencing difficult circumstances, Paws of War fosters the animal at their kennel, where trained experts care for the dogs until they are reunited with their owners.
The organization also adopts dogs if a veteran can no longer provide care or if the veteran passes away. Through partnerships with local agencies, veterans and first responders have access to programs that address their personal needs, including housing, substance abuse and addiction, mental and physical health services, as well as veterinary care and sheltering options for their service animals.
The new Command Center offers a welcoming environment for veterans to share experiences with others facing PTSD and mental health issues.
The 2,000-square-foot facility includes six offices, workstations, a therapy area and meeting rooms. The increased space and staff enable a quicker, more coordinated response to help more veterans and their animals.
Mike Kilano, a United States Marine veteran, veteran advocate and crisis coordinator for Paws of War, will participate in the 22 PAC PTSD Awareness Challenge Aug. 30. This event aims to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicides, and to bring together over 20 veteran-related nonprofits.
Kilano, a North Babylon resident, will kayak 22 miles with others across Long Island Sound, starting in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ending in Port Jefferson.
Kayaks will leave Bridgeport at 10:30 a.m. and are due to arrive in Port Jeff at 5:30 p.m. There will be a reception party, open to the public, at the Village Center with free food, drinks and a band from 4 to 8 p.m.
For Kilano, the challenge is a way to support his fellow servicemen and women. It symbolizes the 22 veterans who tragically take their lives each day.
Kilano understands the profound impact of combat-derived PTSD. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003 and was deployed to the Middle East shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.
His service left him with deep scars. After just three months of deployment, Kilano began to notice how the sights, sounds and experiences of war were affecting his mental health.
Upon returning home, his struggles intensified. “I couldn’t sleep, tried to go to school, couldn’t focus … my anger took control, I got into some pretty reckless behaviors,” he said. “My isolation was so bad for two or three years, and I had a family. So you can imagine my kids and my wife having secondary PTSD because their father — her husband — had all these issues we didn’t even know about.”
Helped by Paws of War
Veteran Mike Kilano demonstrates kayak skills at Steers Beach, in Northport, in advance of the 22 PAC challenge. Courtesy of Paws of War
After nearly 20 years, Kilano was diagnosed with combat-related PTSD and began receiving services through the VA. He has slowly found ways to manage his PTSD, greatly aided by his service dog, Nova, who was paired with him through Paws of War. Nova is not only a fully trained service dog but also a beloved family member.
Paws of War, located in Nesconset, trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to U.S. military veterans who suffer from the emotional effects of war.
Inspired by Paws of War, Nova and the positive changes in his life, Kilano now works full time with the organization, helping other veterans navigate their struggles. “For a lot of veterans, their animals are their lifeline. If I can make them aware of the help of a service dog, I feel like I’m making a difference,” he said.
“As tough as things get, I know there’s a community of veterans like me,” he added. “If I can be that voice or that encouragement to my brothers or sisters, then it makes my mission away from the mission in combat worthwhile. I can sleep better because I’m helping someone out.”
Kilano is excited about participating in the 22 PAC challenge. “I love kayaking,” he said. The activity provides him with an outlet and forces him to slow down and focus: “As I start training, I’m out in the open water, I’m able to breathe, no one’s around. You’re able to focus on your breathing, your muscles. You have to get that energy out. You can’t have much negative energy when you’re in the middle of the ocean.”
Mike Kilano. Courtesy Paws of War
In preparation for the challenge, Kilano conducted kayak training at Steers Beach, Northport, Aug. 16 and spoke about his experiences with PTSD and the support he has received. “As a veteran advocate, I think it’s important to showcase groups like 22 PAC and what they’re about so that others get encouraged,” he said.
Kilano plans to continue his advocacy beyond the 22 PAC challenge. Readers interested in donating to the fundraiser and learning more about Paws of War can visit the websites 22pac.org and pawsofwar.org.
Girl Scout Troop 1343 in front of the American flag mural at Paws of War in Nesconset.
By Tara Mae
“I really like the feeling of helping people and making their lives better, like when we did the food drive for Paws of War.”
This assessment by Cecilia Schultz, part of Junior Girl Scout Troop 1343, encompasses the members’ ongoing experience of sustaining social works. Comprised of nineand ten year olds from Stony Brook and Setauket in the Three Village School District, Troop 1343 recently partnered with Nesconset-based animal rescue Paws of War that works with soldiers, veterans, and first responders.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 1343 work on the stars for the mural.
Troop 1343, consisting of many reported animal lovers who have family dogs or other pets, reached out to Paws of War in an effort to merit its Bronze Award. The highest honor Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4 and 5) can achieve, it is earned by a troop that has finished a project to make a difference in the community and completed 20 hours of service.
To this end, the girls initiated a seven month long multifaceted community service enterprise on behalf of Paws of War.
“We focused primarily last year on community service, with everything circling that theme…The girls wanted to go for a Bronze Award; it is considered the first stepping stone to building up to bigger awards,” Lisa Unander,co-leader of Troop 1343 with Kaethe Cuomo and Christine Colavito, said.
Under the guidance of artist Denise Backman, a family friend of Unander’s who acted as artistic advisor to Troop 1343 and has collaborated with it in the past, the girls chose to paint a mural at Paws of War headquarters; an act of service for those who have served the country.
“I like helping people, so I just think it would make people happy to have the mural,” Junior Girl Scout Emily St. Germaine said.
The mural proved a many-tiered educational endeavor for Troop 1343. As freelance artists of a kind, members learned about the art and business sides of such labor. They not only had to work together but had to get feedback about what the client —Paws of War — needed.
The finished mural at Paws of War in Nesconset.
“Backman mentored the girls in the creative aspects and business aspects of the project: how you take criticism; how if you take on this role, there is creativity but a lot of direction too; how you pitch ideas to a client — even though its the girls’ idea, Paws of War gets final say, since it is its space,” Unander said.
Creating the mural also furthered the development of inter-troop communication. Part of the members’ learning process was simply exploring how to communicate through collaboration.
“I was learning how to cope with different people, and learn everyone else’s ideas. It is different to cope with people — not difficult, but something you have to stay patient about because other people have different ideas,” Junior Girl Scout Emma Taranto said.
Through these growing pains, troop members reached a consensus about their subject. With audience in mind, the Junior Girl Scouts agreed to create a mural of the American flag to adorn the wall in front of which the animals and their found families pose for photos during meet and greets. The mural, 7’ x 5’, required exact measurements and a number of drafts, according to Unander.
The plaque next to the mural at Paws of War in Nesconset
“Doing this, I learned that the flag was actually really complicated to make correctly. Veterans are going to see it, so it was nice for it to be the best we could get it,” Junior Girl Scout Hannah Unander said.
A nonprofit entity, Paws of War works closely with veterans, soldiers, and first responders. The organization saves shelter dogs and trains them to be companions for military veterans. It also reunites troops with the animals they befriended overseas but were unable to take home.
These informally adopted pets are not considered military service animals, and it is against Department of Defense policy for troops to have companion pets, officially adopt them, or transport them on military planes.
“I learned that soldiers find dogs and cats in other countries and make friends with them, and want to bring them back over. That’s the purpose of Paws of War: dogs are happy and people are happy,” Schultz said.
Paws of War raises money for rescue and reunification. The nonprofit facilitates the transportation and adoption of these animals as well as the cost of training service dogs.
In support of its mission and as part of Troop 1343’s community outreach project beyond the mural, the Junior Girl Scouts wrote letters to veterans; donated blankets and dog toys; volunteered at an informational table during a local Community Day; and, hosted a pet supply drive.
And while this venture may be completed, the Junior Girl Scouts remain committed to Paws of War. With their families, many of the girls are baking homemade dog treats to donate to the organization.
“It has been so rewarding seeing the girls so excited to learn about an organization that none of them knew,” Lisa Unander said.
“All of these factors contributed to their excitement: really seeing the impact of how the project changed the space, meeting members of the organization, fundraising and donating, etc. The girls wound up being more enthusiastic, and now want to help more,” she added.
To learn more about Paws of War, including how you may contribute to its services, visit pawsofwar.org.
Suffolk Credit Union recently delivered more than 250 member-donated items to Paws of War headquarters in Nesconset. The donation to the facility, including dog and cat food, blankets, bowls, cleaning supplies and treats, will go towards the care of Paws of War’s rescue and service animals.
Pictured from left, Robert Misseri, co-founder, Paws of War; Greg Ackerman, Director of Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Matt Schettino, SVP Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Laura Racioppi, VP Corporate & Community Partnerships, Suffolk Credit Union; Miranda Cagliano, Marketing & Events Assistant, Suffolk Credit Union; Gail Holt, Director of Veteran Advocacy, Paws of War; and Ray Meyer, volunteer & veteran advocate, Paws of War.
Each year the Adirondack Glassblowing Studio (ADK) produces thousands of gorgeous hand-blown glass pumpkins to create beautiful outdoor fall decor. ADK Glass partners with numerous non-profits nationwide on weekends throughout the fall season.
During the weekend of September 29 to October 1, ADK Glass and the Town of Smithtown will host a Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve at 200 New Hwy, Commack from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in support of Nesconset-based Paws of War.
Attendees at Hoyt Farm will enjoy a walking path lined with straw bales covered with hundreds of colorful glass pumpkins and experience the fall foliage on Hoyt Farm’s Nature Preserve. Twenty percent of proceeds from the weekend event will support Paws of War in furthering their mission of “Helping Both Ends of the Leash.”
Paws of War is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to train and place service animals and companion dogs to support and provide independence to U.S. military veterans that suffer from the emotional and physical effects of war.
The organization also provides animal rescue for U.S. troops who have befriended an animal while serving overseas. The organization also serves as a community center where veterans and first responders come together daily to build bonds and support each other.
For more information about the fundraiser, please visit, http://www.glasspumpkinpatchfundraiser.com/. For more information about Paws of War, visit https://pawsofwar.org/.
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the 2023 Paws of War Car Show. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Paws of War and the Fabulous 50s and 60s Nostalgia Car Club hosted a car show on Sunday, May 21, at Nesconset Plaza.
The organizations raised $25,000 to support local veterans and first responders in the Long Island community. The car show included vintage, classic and custom cars, live music, hot food, 50/50 raffles and more.
The proceeds from the event will help Paws of War provide injured veterans and first responders with a companion dog that will be trained to become a service dog through the organization’s service dog training classes.
Paws of War and the Fabulous 50’s and 60’s Nostalgia Car Club will host a car show on Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nesconset Plaza, 127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset to raise money to support local veterans and first responders in the Long Island community. The car show will include vintage, classic and custom cars, live music, hot food, 50/50 raffles and more.
All proceeds from the event will support one of Paws of War’s core missions of providing injured veterans and first responders with a companion dog that will be trained to become a service dog through the organization’s service dog training classes.
This program is designed to train these animals to cater to their owner’s specific needs, which in turn will provide the veteran or first responder with peace of mind as they learn to cope with PTSD and other traumatic physical injuries. These animals bring comfort and joy to local heroes, which is proven to enhance their quality of life and save lives.
Free admission for spectators, $25 fee for car show participants. Judging begins at noon. Rain date is June 4. For more information, call 631-402-2798, 631-624-4126 or visit www.pawsofwar.org.
Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. and Robert Misseri, president and founder of Paws of War, were on hand to greet owners and pets. Photo from Paws of War
Pet owners brought their dogs to be microchipped at the Paws of War location in Nesconset July 29. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Pet owners brought their dogs to be microchipped at the Paws of War location in Nesconset July 29. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Pet owners brought their dogs to be microchipped at the Paws of War location in Nesconset July 29. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Pet owners brought their dogs to be microchipped at the Paws of War location in Nesconset July 29. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Pet owners brought their dogs to be microchipped at the Paws of War location in Nesconset July 29. Photo by Rita J. Egan
July 29 was a hot day as 30 dogs and their owners stopped by Paws of War in the Nesconset Shopping Center for an important mission.
They were there for a free microchip and pet identification service event hosted by Paws of War, which trains and places support dogs with U.S. military veterans. The event was sponsored by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. and Robert Misseri, president and founder of Paws of War, pictured right, were on hand to greet owners and pets.
For three hours, attendees took their dogs inside the Paws of War Mobile Veterinary Clinic to receive the microchips, which are implanted into their skin behind the shoulder blades. The size of a large grain of rice, microchip implants are radio frequency identification tags that provide a permanent form of identification and track a pet’s movements.
When an animal is lost, a microchip scanner can identify to whom a pet belongs. The sheriff’s office’s Lost Pet Network database can also track and locate lost pets when they are microchipped.
A lost pet can wind up in an animal shelter if an owner is not found. Approximately 10 million pets in this country are lost each year, according to the nonprofit American Humane Society’s website (humanesociety.org). The nonprofit also states that out of the lost pets in shelters with no ID tags or microchips, only 15 % of dogs and 2 % of cats are reunited with their owners.
Participants at the July 29 event received an ID card and were also able to receive free dog food, leashes, collars and more.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will sponsor two more free microchipping events for residents Aug. 11 outside the Yaphank Correctional Facility, 200 Glover Drive, and Sept. 17 in Patchogue, location still to be determined.
Paws of War providing veteran's service animals with free veterinary care as part of their Hearts and Heros vet clinic. Photo by Anthony Lambroia
In support of their mission of giving back to veterans and first responders, non-profit Paws of War recently hosted their “Hearts and Heroes” event at their headquarters in Nesconset, where they provided 27 service animals with free veterinary care, which included wellness checks, flea and tick medications, vaccinations, bags of dog food and microchipping service.
Dr. Marissa Altieri, DVM, treated over 27 service animals at Paws of War’s Hearts and Heros free vet Clinic. Photo by Anthony Lambroia
The pandemic has brought financial challenges to veterans and first responders. Many disabled veterans live on low or fixed incomes and their service animal’s medical care is essential so they can provide the level of support and comfort upon which the veterans depend.
“As a former veteran, I know how critical and expensive it is to take care of these service animals. They are more than just pets; these animals provide emotional support and tasks for these heroes when it is needed most,” said Kelli Porti, Veteran & Community Outreach Liaison for Paws of War.
Dr. Marissa Altieri, DVM, volunteered her expert veterinary care to the pop-up clinic and its patients, donating her time to assist Paws of War as a way to give back to the community and support the non-profit’s mission.
“Veterinarians enable animals of all kinds to live their best life and to be as happy and healthy as possible. Service animals are responsible for their health and well-being and in many cases the lives of their owners. Volunteeringmy time and medical knowledge for Paws of War and their mobile clinic is my way to honor these veterans for all they have done for our country,” said Dr. Altieri.
Hearts and Heroes is part of a continual program, Vets for Vets, hosted by Paws of War that gives back to service men and women by providing free veterinary care for their service animals; their wellness is essential in providing their exceptional service to their owners who are U.S. military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war.
For more information about Paws of War and their Hearts and Heroes program, visit their website, https://pawsofwar.org.
