Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day (Reprint timeanddate.com)

On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces’ unification under one department – the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show “state-of-the-art” equipment to Americans. It was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held at the inaugural Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces Week.

Senator Flanagan Joins Senator Zeldin To Announce Expanded Funding Of PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer-To-Peer Veterans Counseling Program

Senator Flanagan Joins Senator Zeldin To Announce Expanded Funding Of PFC Joseph Dwyer Peer-To-Peer Veterans Counseling Program

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently joined with Senator Lee M. Zeldin (3rd Senate District) and his other colleagues in the State Senate to announce that funding for the continuation and expansion of the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Counseling program has been included in the recently approved 2013-14 state budget.

Initiated by Senator Zeldin, the program provides “peer-to-peer” counseling for veterans suffering from the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Since its inception last year, the program has been assisting veterans in four test counties: Suffolk, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Jefferson.

The counseling available through the program is free of charge and provided to participating veterans by fellow veterans who understand coping with and overcoming the psychological trauma experienced during intense armed conflict.  The veterans offering the counseling are trained and guided by professional therapists and facilitators and are dedicated to helping their fellow veterans make the necessary adjustments back to day-to-day life.

At Senator Zeldin’s request, funding for this innovative direct counseling program was expanded from $800,000 in the 2012-13 State Budget to $2.3 million in the recently approved budget.  This funding will allow the program to continue in Suffolk County and the other test counties while also expanding to seven additional counties including Nassau County.

PFC Joseph Dwyer was a New Yorker and one of the brave men and women who answered our country’s call after the attacks of September 11, 2001. He served with courage and honor in Iraq, but returned home with PTSD.  On June 28, 2008, the illness took his life, leaving behind his wife, Matina, and their two-year-old daughter, Meagan.

 “This is a huge win for our veterans,” said Senator Zeldin, a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.  “Countless veterans have already benefitted from this excellent program and now even more will have access to this service.  I want to thank all of my Senate colleagues who joined me in the fight to ensure that this critical funding was included in this year’s state budget.  Their support was instrumental in this effort and will greatly assist our troops who have served our country honorably and are now struggling to make the adjustment back into day-to-day life.”

“Our brave veterans have sacrificed their families and lives to protect our freedoms,” stated Senator Flanagan.  “We owe them a debt of gratitude and support upon their return from serving this great country.  I want to thank Senator Zeldin for his constant efforts on behalf of all New York veterans, and join him in supporting the continuation and expansion of this critically important peer counseling program.  The program has already proven to be a great success for so many Suffolk County veterans by easing their transition from military to civilian life.  Now the program will be available to even more of our military heroes throughout New York State.”

Senate Republican Leader Dean G. Skelos (R, Rockville Centre) said, “As New York’s veterans worked courageously to protect our freedom, many have faced physical and mental traumas that will last with them long after they return home.  The expansion of the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Counseling Program will provide an outlet for Nassau’s veterans to share their experience and facilitate healing so that our bravest service members can receive the understanding and care they deserve.”

Federal Veterans Administration statistics show that up to 20 percent of Iraq and Afghan war veterans, 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm), and 30 percent of Vietnam veterans experience PTSD.

Any veteran who wishes to participate in the program should contact Suffolk County Veterans’ Services Department by calling 631-853-8345 or by emailing vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Commemorates Vietnam Veterans Day

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, March 29, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who’d served in Vietnam as an Army noncommissioned officer, today issued a statement commemorating Vietnam Veterans Day. The secretary’s statement reads as follows: “Today and this weekend, communities across the country commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day. “This year we also mark forty years since the end of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam. On March 29, 1973, the last of our combat forces departed the country and the final release of American prisoners of war drew to a close. “When Vietnam veterans reached their hometowns, many were not greeted with the appreciation and respect they very much deserved. In our time we must take every opportunity to thank all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. “More than 1,600 service members remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Their families still seek answers. Today, the Department of Defense reaffirms its commitment to take all steps to account for our missing personnel and bring closure to their families. And we salute and thank our Vietnam veterans and their families.”

Kings Park Teacher Kim McGinley Receives National Citizenship Education Award

National Citizenship Education Teacher Award

click on image to enlargeThe VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students.  High School teacher, Kim McGinley is such an educator.  She was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions to promote civic responsibility in the Kings Park community.  Kim perpetuates America’s noblest traditions and highest ideals.  She demonstrates a belief that fosters the development of values and beliefs for such special projects as assuring that families who because of our sluggish economy, that may have fallen upon some difficult financial times do not go to bed hungry.  As the Varsity Club Co-Advisor, she helped to galvanize our student body during the holiday season to perform community service, and promote civic responsibility.

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge your unselfishness, and thank you for serving as a positive role model to our students and staff.