Veterans Appreciation Day Barbecue/Luncheon 2019
On Saturday, August 10, 2019, Merrick Post No. 1282, American Legion, members will again host a luncheon/barbecue for a group of disabled Veterans from the Stony Brook and Northport Veterans Nursing Home. This event will take place from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. We are trying to get donations from local merchants and banks in our area to support this event. Letters will be sent out to invite local area politicians and Nassau County America Legion officials to join in welcoming these Veterans from the Stony Brook and Northport Veterans Nursing Home. Post members, please take an active role in making this event a memorable one. Post members who want to participate in this event please gather at the Post at 11:00 a.m. Thank you.
Frank D. Pedagno, Veterans Appreciation Day Luncheon Chairman
Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Events in 2019
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., "Island Trees Middle School Veterans Memorial Visit"
Eisenhower Park, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Field 6
Eisenhower Park, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Field 6 - A Tribute to County Veterans
Contact: Nick Graziano at 516 at 516-225-5112
Contact Cindy Gillen at 516-572-0396
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., "Nassau County Veterans Service Agency: "Veterans Summer Stand Down"
Location: Freeport Armory, 63 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport, NY 11520
Contact: Ralph Esposito at 516-572-6565
Sponsor of the Walls: "Heroes Among Us Organization"
Field 2 - Eisenhower Park
Contact: Ralph Esposito at 516-572-6565
Read more: Nassau County Veterans Service Agency Events in 2019
Northport Veterans Administration Important Phone Numbers
Pharmacy Call Center: 1-631-863-4826 = Monday thru Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Auto Refill Line: 1-800-799-3023 (24 hours)
Veterans Administration Nurse HELPLINE: 1-800-877-6976 (24 hours)
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
DAV Transport (for morning appointments only): 1-631-754-7980 (2 weeks’ notice required)
To find out how to look up your appointments, refill prescriptions, contact your provider, and more! PLEASE VISIT: www.myhealth.va.gov
Read more: Northport Veterans Administration Important Phone Numbers
Merrick’s Memorial Day 2019 Grand Marshal, James W. O'Neill
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James W. O'Neill
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Jim was drafted into the United States Army on February 15, 1966 at the age of 19. He received specialized training as a Combat Engineer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was shipped overseas to Vietnam in July of 1966. He landed in Saigon, South Vietnam and was assigned to the 588th Engineer Battalion. His main duties involved setting up base camps, clearing personnel, claymore, and anti-Tank mines, and explosives. He was involved in building hospitals, mess halls, and living facilities for the troops.
Jim was involved in several military operations to rescue troops who were in jeopardy of being overrun by the enemy. This was done by building and repairing roads, bridges, and airstrips so the troops could advance their positions.
Jim’s platoon received two, unit citations for rescuing the infantry units of the 101st Airborne who were trapped deep in enemy territory.
Jim received the Army Commendation Medal for bravery, when his lieutenant was wounded by gunfire. Although Jim was told to stand fast until enemy fire was pinpointed and destroyed, he picked up his wounded lieutenant and carried him to a waiting ambulance. His lieutenant was saved by Jim’s quick thinking and bravery while under fire. His lieutenant who hailed from Suffolk County, New York returned back to duty after two months, after he recuperated in a military hospital in Japan. The other soldier, who was also wounded and put in the same ambulance, died of his wounds upon arrival at the hospital. Jim said the inside of the ambulance had so much blood; it looked like the inside of a butcher shop.
Read more: Merrick’s Memorial Day 2019 Grand Marshal, James W. O 'Neill
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