This past Saturday, Scout Troop 438 hosted their annual Veterans, Police, and First Responders Appreciation Day where they honored those who put their lives on the line to help their community, state, and country.
Steve Kopejzna the Scoutmaster of Troop 438, along with Legislator Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville) presented four different Veterans with awards and certificates for their dedication to our great country.
“It was breathtaking to be out there in the midst of this great country, thanking our Veterans for everything they’ve provided us,” said Islip Councilman Jim O’Connor (R-Great River).
First to be recognized and rewarded was Mike Marino. Marino is a World War II Veteran who has recently hit a milestone of 105 years old.
“Congratulations to you, I bring you greetings on behalf of our Islip Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter, and the rest of my elected officials on the Islip Town Board,” said O’Connor. “I want to present this certificate of recognition to you for your service to our country and for your service to our community.”
“It’s not enough just to talk about Veterans issues, it’s about what we can do to make your lives better. That means the services you are entitled to, your VA benefits, to get you on the phone with the right people, to get you in front of the Veteran services officer to make sure you’re getting the right benefits,” says Legislator Piccirillo, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Suffolk County Veterans Committee. “Thank you for your service to our country. Without people like you, we would not be able to stand here today, or have elections, or serve in a free and fair government like we do here in the United States. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”
“Thank you, thank you very much. I am honored.” Mike Marino had a smile on his face the entire celebration, laughing over the sheer number of awards and certificates he was given in front of his friends and family.
Robert James Hamm, also known as RJ, was the second honoree of the day. Hamm served in Korea from 1953 to 1956, and as a police officer for twenty years following.
“We want to thank RJ for his service to our great nation and community, and to our Post. He is a regular here at our Post, and it is always a pleasure to talk with RJ,” said Kopejzna. He presented RJ with a plaque and citation for his service, and RJ’s wife with flowers.
“The reason I joined was because my mother was an immigrant, and I had to pay this country back. They let her in!” Hamm proudly and humbly accepted his awards and certificates from Scoutmaster Kopejzna, Councilman O’Connor, and Legislator Piccirillo.
“RJ, congratulations. Thank you for your service. The Town of Islip is pleased to honor you today with this certificate of recognition that says, ‘thank you for your valiant service to our great nation and our community,’” said Councilman O’Connor.
“On behalf of the 1.5 million residents of Suffolk County, we thank you for your service to our country and our community, thank you very much,” says Piccirillo.
In addition to Marino and Hamm, the event also presented Richard DeGroat and John Gargano with certificates of appreciation for their bravery and dedication to our country.
The event continued with food, drinks, and entertainment, complete with Irish Step Dancers and an Elvis Impersonator.
Over ten different restaurants donated food and drinks to the event at The American Legion Hall in Bohemia. The Hall hosts a variety of events for its scouts, Veterans, and community. They have recently reopened the back yard and patio after it was renovated through an Eagle Scout project. The American Legion Hall is a beautiful and useful space available to rent for town, neighborhood, or even friendly events.
“This building is a special place, and I am always glad to be here,” says Legislator Piccirillo.
Troop 438 is proud of their Veterans, police officers, and first responders, and they are proud to be scouts learning the same characteristics our service men and women embody every day. Through the scouting program, kids such as those that make up Troop 438 learn the value of loyalty, trust, and bravery. The program provides them with self-confidence as they grow with the program, becoming strong, kind, and reverent adults. Events like these are just a small part of what scouting can provide and teach our community’s children. The program is always looking for new members, of all ages, and The Messenger encourages those to look into their local council and sign up if interested.
