Tunnel to Towers Fundraiser Honors Gold Star Family and Local Veterans

Cassidy Hill Farms in Manorville transformed into a vibrant hub of community and remembrance this past weekend as it hosted a Tunnel to Towers fundraiser. The event honored the legacy of fallen Air National Guard member Dashan Briggs and recognized the tireless efforts of Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), a current Marine reservist and advocate for Veterans’ rights.

Dashan Briggs, a member of the Air National Guard, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2018. The crash, which occurred during a mission, claimed the lives of seven service members. Briggs, a devoted husband and father, left behind his wife, Rebecca Briggs, and their two young children, Jayden and Ava. The family, now recognized as a Gold Star family, has since been embraced by their community and supported by organizations dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of military families.

Rebecca Briggs spoke at the event, sharing her journey since the loss of her husband and expressing her gratitude for the support from Tunnel to Towers. She spoke about losing Dashan, how difficult it was and the love and the overwhelming support they have received from Tunnel to Towers and their community. She advocated for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and thanked Cassidy Hills Farms owner, Dr. Bernadette Pupilla for hosting such an important event and recognizing her husband and fellow veterans.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in memory of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, played a pivotal role in supporting the Briggs family. On September 11, 2001, Siller heroically ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center, where he ultimately sacrificed his life while saving others. In honor of his bravery, the foundation was created to support first responders, military service members, and their families.

One of the cornerstone programs of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is its Gold Star Family Home Program, which pays off mortgages for families of fallen service members. Rebecca Briggs and her children were among the recipients of this program, providing them with financial stability during an incredibly challenging time. This gives families grieving the knowledge that their home is secure and lifts a huge burden off their shoulders. It’s truly a testament to the organization’s generosity and dedication of those who honor our heroes.

The fundraiser also honored Legislator Chad Lennon, a Marine reservist who serves as Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee in the Suffolk County Legislature. Lennon’s commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families has been unwavering, and his efforts will lead to advancements in local policies and programs.

In his speech, Lennon emphasized the importance of community support for veterans and their families.

“Our force is less than 1% of our population in this country. There are 6% of this country who have served as Veterans and that number will probably be cut in half in the next decade.” He affirmed his commitment to ensuring that military Veteran’s benefits are not overlooked, and he will continue to fight and advocate on behalf of military families.

The event saw a robust turnout throughout the day, with notable attendees including Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), both of whom are dedicated supporters of Veterans. Chief of Staff, Mark McLaughlin, a representative of Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio’s (R-Baiting Hollow) office presented both Rebecca Briggs and Legislator Lennon with proclamations as well. Their presence underscored the community’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who serve.
John Kennedy highlighted the significance of community involvement in supporting military families.

“Thank you to the host and thank you to the good work the Tunnel for Towers Foundation does for the veterans and first responders. Rebecca Briggs was inspiring in her recognition on behalf of her deceased husband and all veterans. The recognition by Assemblywoman Giglio’s office of Marine Corp Legislator Lennon and Rebecca Briggs was especially significant. We will continue to promote the good work of the organization”.

Leslie Kennedy echoed these sentiments, adding, “It was a marvelous job by Dr. Bernadette Pupilla for hosting and creating a warm, genuine, productive fundraiser for Tunnel for Towers to support the people that stood for us.”

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a range of activities designed to foster community spirit and raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. From live music, vendors and food trucks to games, children’s activities and a moving ceremony, the event provided something for everyone. A poignant moment came when McLaughlin performed a stirring rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” bringing a sense of pride to the whole crowd.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the proclamations dedicated to Dashan Briggs and Legislator Lennon. The awards ceremony served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the enduring support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The success of the fundraiser at Cassidy Hill Farms is a testament to the power of the community and the enduring impact of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. By honoring heroes like Dashan Briggs and supporting families like his, the foundation continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring that the legacies of fallen service members are never forgotten.

As the event drew to a close, Briggs, Lennon, Comptroller Kennedy, Legislator Kennedy, McLaughlin, and the entire crowd shared with each other messages of hope and gratitude. Remembering Dashan and his incredible service and celebrating the support and love that continue to lift us all up. The host, Dr. Bernadette Pupilla thanked everyone who came out to the farm to support all our patriotic families and such a worthy cause. She highlighted that kindness to others makes all the difference in this world and ecstatically stated “my heart is so full”.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation remains committed to its mission, and events like the one at Cassidy Hill Farms ensure that the sacrifices of heroes and their families are honored and remembered. The community’s support is vital in continuing this important work, providing hope and stability to those who have given so much in service to their country.

Cassidy Hill Farms is located at 30 North Street in Manorville.