Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2913 along with some of our friends went to the Long Island Ducks Game on July 8th 2018, where besides seeing a good game; Commander Dave Rogers and Past Commander George Barrett were honored as Hero’s of the Game.
Memorial Day is one of those days that the VFW does a lot in a short time, because we have so many to honor in just one day. Members of the Post and the Auxiliary gather together on this day to pay our respects to those that gave so much.
VFW Post 2913 started it’s day off by going to the water to honor those lost at sea to not return. We started this honor due to the fact that one of the people our Post is named after BLEECKER LATTIN, was on a ship in Pearl Harbor that sank during the attacks, and his remains never recovered.
We than go to one of the 5 cemeteries around the village and pay a lasting respect to a fallen Soldier. This year we went to St. Francis Cemetery and paid our respects to JOHN KELLY, a World War I veteran.
We than return to our post to pay our respects to all those members that have been lost this year. Members like ED SACCO.
Finally we line up for the Parade followed by a service at the Veterans Park in front of the American Legion Post 269. The Parade is organized by the United Veterans of Patchogue consisting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Jayne-Lattin Post 2913, American Legion Patchogue Post 269 and American Veterans Post 111. This year the organizing organization was VFW Post 2913, led by Outgoing Commander GEORGE BARRETT, MC for the parade and event was Incoming Commander DAVE ROGERS.
After the parade the ceremonies continue at the Veterans Park, where JOHN GALLAER from EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PATCHOGUE gave the opening prayer. Followed by SOUTH OCEAN MIDDLE SCHOOL doing America the Beautiful. Incoming Commander DAVE ROGERS than gave the opening remarks about what MEMORIAL DAY’s start, where it was, and where it is now in the situation with the current wars, and those bringing the war home with them. Than the Commanders of the VFW (GEORGE BARRETT) American Legion (JON RALPH) and AMVETS (JOHN PIORKOWSKI) spoke about their views of Memorial Day. The Key note speaker was Mayor PAUL V. PONTIERI, JR. who spoke about not only what Memorial Day means to him, but also to the rededication of the memorial statues and cannons for those that gave all for their country. The Mayor also welcomed honored guest to the event including Village Trustees JOESPH KEYS, SUSAN BRINKMAN, and LORI DEVLIN. Suffolk County Legislator ROB CALARCO said a few word about the importance of Memorial Day to him and the Village.
After the speeches the United Veterans of Patchogue layer the Wreaths at the Monument, which included VFW Post 2913, American Legion Post 269, AMVets Post 111, VFW Post 2913 AUX, American Legion Post 269 AUX, American Legion Post 269 Sons, AMVets Post 111 Sons, and the Sons of the Union.
This was followed by the Firing Detail and Taps from AMVets Post 111, and GEORGE EGAN of VFW Post 2913 raising the Flag.
After the usual ceremony this year we also re-dedicated the WWI Cannons, done by the American Legion Post 269 and Mayor PAUL V. PONTIERI, JR.. Followed by the Dedication of the 9-11 Tree which was done by Incoming Commander and 9-11 First Responder DAVE ROGERS. Included in the dedication of the 9-11 Pear Tree was the MALER FAMILY who lost ALFRED RUSSELL MALER during the attacks.
We than presented trophies to SOUTH OCEAN MIDDLE SCHOOL and SAXTON MIDDLE SCHOOL for their renditions of Patriotic Selections during the Parade and at the Ceremony,
The ceremony was closed with a Patriotic Selection from SAXTON MIDDLE SCHOOL, and the closing prayer from JOHN GALLAER from EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF PATCHOGUE.
The VFW than joined the American Legion for refreshments at the American Legion Post.
VFW Post 2913 and the Post 2913 Auxiliary held their 73rd Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet. This is a unique time of year where we not only get to install the officers but thank special members of the community for their support to the VFW, Veterans of Patchogue and the Patchogue Community.
This event was well attended with about 90 people in attendance including members of VFW Post 2913, the Post 2913 Auxiliary, friends and community members of Patchogue and the Commanders, Honorees and Distinguished Guest which included:
Past State VFW Commander Dennis Sullivan and his wife Theresa of Post 4927 AUX.
Past Suffolk County Council Commander George Egan
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Calarco
The Mayor Of Patchogue Village Paul Pontieri
Village Trustees Lori Devlin and Susan Henke Brinkman
Executive Director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber David Kennedy
Erin Deletto and Kyle Watts of St. Joseph College SVA
LTJG Gary Vertichio and the LT Michael P. Murphy Sea Cadets
LT Michael P. Murhy’s Mother Maureen Murphy
Commander of the American Legion Jon Ralph
The evening started off with light Horderves and Music by Jason Kaplan. at 7:30 Out-Going Commander George Barrett Opened the Post with the Sea Cadets performing the Color Guard. Chaplain Mike Amodio gave the opening prayer and presented the POW/MIA Table. The Post meeting was than suspended for the Awards Ceremony and Dinner.
Due to the amount of work that has been done in the community, from members of the community and around the post this year a lot of awards where presented at the Dinner. All Honorees received an award from VFW Post 2913, as well as from Congressman Lee Zeldin, State Senator Tom Croci, County Legislator Robert Calarco, and Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri.
Officer of the Year, PO Alberto Acebedo was recognized for being part of arresting 3 out of 5 pattern crimes this last year. Patchogue Ambulance Company recognized Christopher Boccabella for his continued hard work in the community answering over 1000 calls. Ex-Capt Joseph Fising was not able to be present to receive his award for many years of service to the Patchogue Community. This year we included the Media Award for the Long Island Advance who has shown a lot of support to the VFW and the Veterans of Patchogue insuring that we have coverage for our events and programs we do in the community.
Three special awards where presented that night. First to Nicole Niemiec a member of the Patchogue Medford High School Red and Black Newspaper for her coverage of the Veterans of VFW Post 2913, unfortunately Nicole was not able to be present. The Village of Patchogue DPW was awarded for their continued support to veterans and their programs in the village, DPW was also not able to attend. David Kennedy accepted the award on behalf of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to their efforts and support VFW Post 2913 was able to make new connections in the Village, expand some of their programs, get new sponsors and share information with the members of the chamber.
Member Awards were given to Peter Palamidis and Scott McKendrick. Peter Palamidis was walking in Swan Lake and noticed that the Vietnam Memorial Stone was not being taken care of and that they tree had died. Instead of just complaining Pete jumped into action and reached out to people to help fix the problem. Thanks to his hard work there is a new tree planted, the stone is now visible from the street. A dedication ceremony will be held on June 2nd at 10 AM at Swan Lake.
Scott McKendrick a member of the Post and also of the Sons of the Union worked very hard this last year with members of the Sons, the Village of Patchogue, the Patchogue Chamber and others in the community to see that the Civil War Statue in the Veterans Park get repaired. Thanks to his hard work, the statue is well on its way to being repaired and the supports redone. The statue is expected to be back in place for Veterans Day in Nov.
Besides the members of the Post who help out around the hall. Members of the Community and Friends of Out-Going Commander and Hall Rental Chairman George Barrett made a lot of projects possible this year. Some helped with repairs around the post, some with cooking for fundraisers and a few doing both. In order to show our appreciation VFW Post 2913 presented them with special awards for their support. The Honorees included, Ken Stoeckert, Tony Riggio, Joe Dragone, Bob Otto, Jim McGunnigle, Frank Wragge.
Besides for the work that we do the VFW also recognizes members who have been in service to the VFW for more than 5 years. This year the Post presented a 20 Year Pin to Chaplain and Past Commander Michael Amodio, and a 65 Year Pin and Patch to Past Commander Winn Davis for their continued support and membership to the VFW.
The LT Michael Murphy Sea Cadets was presented with a certificate for their participation and support during our Installation Dinner by providing the Color Guard.
Than the Auxiliary presented their membership awards including presentations to Auxiliary members McKendrick and Rogers for their support and service.
The Post then presented it’s Man of the Year Award to In-Coming Commander Dave Rogers, who was instrumental in getting a lot of donations, grants and collections for the Post, the Homeless Program, Buddy Poppies and the Installation Dinner. Rogers also received a quilt from the Post 2913 Auxiliary for his support to the veterans of Patchogue.
After the Awards dinner was served which included Chicken Cordon Bleu (cooked by Jim McGunnigle), Corn, Broccoli rabe (Cooked by George Barrett), Pasta Primavera (Village Idiot), Rolls and Salad, with the assistance of members of the Post George Barrett and, Dave Rogers and Bob Rogers of the Auxiliary. The set up for the evening was made possible by the work of members of VFW Post 2913 George Barrett, Dave Rogers, George Egan, Jeff Molitor, Members of the Auxiliary Nancy Barrett, Maria Shine, and Bob Rogers and friends of the Post Tom Rogers, and Jim McGunnigle.
None of the evening activities could have been possible without the journal sponsors and donors to the evening. The Village of Patchogue, The Greater Patchogue Foundation, The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph’s College, Friends of State Senator Tom Croci, Friends of County Legislator Rob Calarco, The Patchogue Arts Council, Harmony Cafe, Friends of Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, The Patchogue Fire Department, The Long Island Advance, Reese’s 1900, Friends of the Patchogue Medford Hall of Fame Booster Club, Roast Coffee and Tea, Swan Realty, Trudy Lauben of Coldwell Banker, the Patchogue Medford Library, The Patchogue Lioness Lions Club, Montauk Beer, Blue Point Brewery, Subtle Tea, Old-Timer Moonshine, Kilwins, The Patchogue Garden Club, Amazing Olive, The Village Idiot, The Cheese Patch, The Colony Shop, Graphic Impressions, Hummel Hummel Bakery.
After Dinner the Post was called back to order for the Installation of Officers. The Auxiliary lead by President Nancy Barrett had their installation done by long time member and and Past President Ida Davis. After the Installation President Nancy Barrett spoke about her gratefulness for all the Auxiliary has done and her looking forward to the future working with VFW Post 2913 on events and fundraisers.
VFW Post 2913 than conducted their installation by George Egan. Outgoing commander George Barrett escorted the members to the Alter where they took their pledge of office, followed by a prayer from Chaplain Michael Amodio. Commander Rogers was presented with his gavel of Office and his Commander Hat, Rogers than spoke about his years of service in the military and how he plans to use what he learned through that to help the VFW. He also spoke about how the VFW was instrumental in getting his life back on track and his commitment to continue to give back to the VFW.
Commander Rogers than presented Out-Going Commander George Barrett with a Past Commanders Scroll and Past Commanders Pin, than presented all the incoming officers for the 2018-2019 year with a scroll of Office and Pin of their Office. The Meeting was than turned over to Commander George Barrett who closed the post.
Guest than enjoyed deserts and coffee provided by Hummel Hummel Bakery, Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Company and a special Commanders Cake made by Brittnie Perry of Roast.
Members of VFW Post 2913 and the Suffolk County Council VFW attended the District 1 NY VFW Convention.
Members of VFW Post 2913 and the Post Auxiliary joined with other posts across the county to thank Suffolk County Commander Sabrina Lacy at her testimonial dinner.
VFW Post 2913 would like to congratulate our Patriot Pen Winners Parker Walsh 1st Place, Cole Spier 2nd Place and Darla Ellen Sparacio 3rd place. Besides the awards from the post they also were given certificates from Legislator. President of the AUX Nancy Barrett did a great job on organizing this years Patriots Pen event for the Post.
Members of VFW Post 2913 and the Suffolk County Council attended the District 1 Department of New York Testimonial Dinner.
Jayne-Latin VFW Post 2913 would like to take this time to thank all those that made this a special year. Thanks to the hard work and dedications of our comrades, the support from the local community and the donations and sponsorship from both individuals and companies in the area we were able to do a lot of great things this year. Besides our annual marching in parades, placing flags and wreaths for comrades no longer with us, and talking at schools. This year we also spoke at the Cub Scouts, helped Judged the Patchogue Holiday Boat Parade, were able to continue bringing service dogs to the LISVH, donated to American Vet Dogs, Sponsor Harmony Cafe, do a Coffee with a Veteran, a holiday show at the LISVH, help a spouse who lost her soldier, contribute to the National Home for Children, donate shoes to homeless veterans at United Veterans Beacon House and Utica Community Center, help sponsor a program to honor veterans in Patchogue, sponsor the Arts on Terry Street Arts Fair, a veteran art show, the Walls of War Tour, helped select the Class of 2017 Pat-Med Hall of Fame, participate in Alive After Five, and Suffolk County Marathon, lay wreaths for Wreaths Across America at Calverton National Cemetery, helped with the dedication to new headstones at Union Cemetery in Patchogue, get a tree replaced for the Plaque in Swan Lake dedicated to Vietnam Veterans, continue our support to the Seniors Club, and local churches, attended some 20+ events in the community. All this while working with sponsors to upgrade our hall, get new appliances including a new range for our hall kitchen, a TV for the hall, and redo our lounge bathroom.
None of this is possible without the support of our community, our great sponsors and supporters like Country Foot Care, Home Depot Foundation, Patriot Mobility, Wekerle Insurance, The Greater Patchogue Foundation and Chamber of Commerce, The Village of Patchogue, Patchogue Department of Public Works, The Long Island Advance, Greater Patchogue, Pat-Med Red and Black, The Mayor and Trustees of Patchogue, Legislator Rob Calarco, Councilman Neil Foley, Town Supervior Ed Romain, Suffolk County Executive Steve Ballone, Suffolk County Veterans Services, Long Island Abate, State Senator Tom Croci, Congressman Lee Zeldin, Suffolk County Council VFW, The American Legion Post 269, AMVETS Post 111, Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program, S:US, Salvation Army, Team Red White and Blue, American Vet Dogs.
We also appreciate the businesses in Patchogue that show their support to veterans like the Village Idiot, Bobbique, Local, Arooga’s, Island Empanada, Roast Coffee and Tea, Fulton’s Gate, The Tap Room, Toast Coffeehouse, Torro Tappas and Tequila, Rhum’s, That Meetball Place, The BrickHouse Brewery, Amazing Olive, The Colony Shop, BLUMs, Kilwin’s, Swell Taco, Del Fuego, Rudi’s.
We look forward to doing all these things and more in the New Year, continuing our mission to help and support veterans, contributing to the community, and our personal mission or helping homeless veterans get back on their feet, supporting veteran artists, and honoring those that have given all for our freedom in this country.
May this New Year be filled with joy and bless from our family to yours.
Members of Post 4927 and it’s Auxiliary along with members of the Suffolk County Council VFW visited the Long Island State Veterans Home to give out gifts and checks to support the Home and it’s mission of taking care of Veterans.
Members of VFW Post 2913 and the Suffolk County Council attended the VFW District 1 Meeting
vfwpost2913.com 