LongIslandGirl's blog

Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy & First Responders Remembered At Charity Benefit - After Action Report

Special thanks to Rob and all the staff at Ruvo Port Jefferson for donating the venue and food for a wonderful evening honoring our local heroes and first responders. The food was delicious and the bartenders were quick! (important when so many Irish are in attendance) An enjoyable evening for a good cause!

Thank you to Newsday reporter Brittany Wait for her write up in Newsday - 5/24/2012 - find Brittany on twitter @brittanywait| @LI_Now

First responders Owen and Jimmy O’Callaghan know firsthand what search and rescue dogs were subjected to after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. They remember fastening protective shoes to the dogs' paws so they wouldn’t get burned.  The twin brothers, who worked for the 13th police precinct in Manhattan at the time and later became New York City firemen, were also longtime friends of Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who was awarded a Medal of Honor after he was killed in 2005 in Afghanistan.

On Wednesday night the Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249 held a joint fundraiser with the USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee. The event brought 100 people to Ruvo Restaurant & Bar in Port Jefferson and raised $2,100. The funds will be split between the committee and Post 6249, which is adding a statue of a German shepherd search and rescue dog to its 9/11 memorial. The memorial was unveiled at Diamond in the Pines park in Coram during last year’s 10th anniversary of 9/11. The dog statue project is estimated to cost $15,000.

“It will be a good addition to the park,” said Rich Acritelli, a member of Post 6249. “There’s not many of those around. It'll make an already very strong memorial that much stronger to remember.” Post 6249 plans to have an unveiling ceremony for the statue on Sept. 8 at 11 a.m.

The O’Callaghan brothers had been best friends with Murphy since they were all lifeguards at Lake Ronkonkoma Beach as teenagers. A year after the Twin Towers were attacked, Owen O’Callaghan became a New York City firefighter in Spanish Harlem’s Engine 53 Ladder 43, also known as “El Barrio’s Bravest.” 

“When Michael was killed he was wearing a patch from our firehouse,” said Owen O’Callaghan, 33, of Mount Sinai. “He gave out patches to his unit to remind them of 9/11 and what they were there fighting for.”

Murphy’s father Daniel, mother Maureen and brother John were among the guests Wednesday. "These fundraisers not only support the families of the crew, but also will recognize what 9/11 first responders and dogs did,” said Daniel Murphy, of Wading River. “This is going to help.”  Post 6259 plans to install lights on the brick walkway at the memorial that will have engraved names and messages purchased by families who have lost loved ones during the attacks or in war. A number of benches will surround the statue.

Former New York Yankee Frank Tepedino, who signed autographs for guests Wednesday, was working for the FDNY’s Fire Patrol division at the time of the attacks on the World Trade Center. “It’s not that it’s all going to be forgotten, but it’s like World War I, World War II, something new occurs and memories are lost,” said Tepedino, 64, of St. James. “This is a place people can go and say a prayer for those lost and reflect on past tragedies.”  

Maureen Murphy said her son was humble and never wanted to be the center of attention, but he would have liked this event. “It’s nice to see people come out for this,” said Murphy, of Patchogue. “Actually, this would be his thing, to go to a bar with his friends at this small setting.”

The following photos are credited to Brittany Wait of Newsday:

Michael Murphy's best friends, Owen & Jimmy O'Callaghan with Michael's younger brother John.

Michael Murphy's father Dan, brother John and mother Maureen.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Rocky Point VFW 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore

RP VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore manning the door at Ruvo's

a few of the many donated raffle items up for grabs

freedom is not free

Tommy Sullivan of Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge graciously donated his musical talents to the evening's event.

Michael Murphy McIntire with his mother Sarah (and father Jesse) made the trip from Connecticut

 All photos following by Sarah & Jesse McIntire:

Maureen Murphy holding her son's namesake, 9 month old cutie Michael Murphy McIntire

John Murphy, Jimmy O'Callaghan, Michael Murphy McIntire, Sarah McIntire, and Owen O'Callaghan

Dan Murphy holding Michael Murphy McIntire

John Murphy and baby Michael

Gerald Slater (artist of Lt Michael Murphy's portrait in oil on canvas hanging in the Patchogue Post Office) with Michael & Sarah McIntire

Photo by me:

John Murphy, Maureen Murphy and some of Long Island's finest

Many thanks to just some of the donors that supported our event with items for the raffle:

Artist Gerald Slater - prints of Lt Michael Murphy's portait

Artist Fred Stone - Signed print of "Partners"

 

 

 

 

Navy SEALs & Authors Marcus Luttrell, Brandon Webb, Chris Kyle, Howard Wasdin (&Stephen Templin) for signed copies of their books

 

 

Author Nona Kilgore Bauer - signed copy of Dog Heroes  of September 11

 

 

 

 

Mr Daniel Murphy for donating a signed first edition of SEAL of Honor and a USS Michael Murphy print by artist Peter Hsu

Bandito Brothers for the Act of Valor signed posters, DVDs and Blu-Rays

Ranger Up Military tshirts

Jesse & Sarah McIntire for the IPAD3

David Peabody, DEFENSE STANDARD for copies of the USS Michael Murphy Christening Publication

The Lt Michael Murphy Scholarship Foundation - for the Michael Murphy challenge coins and Operation Red Wings patches

Petco Rocky Point and Brian's Aquarium and Pets for gift certificates and dog items

Many gift certificates from local merchants - The Cooperage Inn, Wading River Pizza, Wading River Deli, The Greek Diner in Wading River, Great Rock Golf Course, Calverton Links, and many, many more. Please shop local!

Thank you to US Congressman Tim Bishop, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh and Town of Brookhaven Veterans Services Officer, John Rago and Raymond Negron for coming down to Ruvo's in support.

Thank you to the USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee members Dan Wynn, Tom Matteo, Owen Watford, Gary Veritucci and Chairman Jim White for their attendance, especially on the first day of Fleet Week in NYC~ More info on the commissioning is available at http://www.ussmichaelmurphy.org/

More info on the September 11th Memorial at Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram and the tremendous effort by Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 to accomplish this tribute available at http://vfw6249.org/ 

 And finally, thank you to my family & friends for always supporting my fundraisers! - Jo

 Please take time to honor the fallen this Memorial Day - "Decoration Day" is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

 

 

 

 

From A Civilian Wife to a Military Wife ~ Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Dear Military Wife,

I am an American woman that has no idea what is going on in the military other than what I hear on the news.

I have never had to let go of someone so that they could go fight for people that they didn't know, people that sometimes do not appreciate or understand what they are fighting for.

I have never had a sleepless night of worry because of a report that another bomb has exploded and I still haven't heard from my husband.

I have never had to wait for months on end to hold the one that I loved so.

I have never had to tell my children that daddy wasn't coming home tonight because he was so far away fighting for something that they aren't yet old enough to understand.

I have never had to hold my head high and suppress the tears as I hear that it will be at least another six months of separation before my loved one gets to come home.

I have never had to deal with a holiday away from the one that I thought I would share every day of my life with.

And I have never had to feel the panic rising in my heart at the sound of a ringing phone or knock at the door for fear that it is the news that everyone is terrified of getting.

For the reasons listed above, I can not tell you that I understand how you feel.

I can not tell you that you must be strong.

I can not say that you shouldn't be angry, because you "knew what you were getting into when you married a military man".
I can not say these things because I have never had to walk in your shoes.

What I can say for certain is that because of your unselfish acts of bravery and your husbands willingness to stand up for those who see him as "just another soldier" - -

I will never have to walk in your shoes.

I do understand that as a military wife you are expected to uphold a certain amount of control, but I never understood how you could do it, until now.

I have figured out that you are not like other women.

You are of a special breed.

You have a strength within you that holds life together in the darkest of hours, a strength of which I will never possess.

The faith you have is what makes you stand out in a crowd; it makes you glow with emotion and swell with pride at the mention of The United States of America.

You are a special lady, a wonderful partner and a glorious American.

I have more respect for your husband than I could ever tell you, but until recently I never thought much about those that the soldier leaves at home during deployment.

Until this moment I could never put into words exactly what
America meant to me.

Until this moment, I had no real reason to.... Until I heard of you.

Your husband and his military family hold this nation close, safe from those who wish to hurt us...but you and those like you are the backbone of the American family.

You keep the wheels in motion and the hearts alive while most would just break completely down.

Military families make this nation what it is today.

You give us all hope and you emit a warming light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

Because of you and your family...I am able to be me.

I am able to have my family.

I am able to walk free in this great land.

Because of you and your family, I can look ahead to the future with the knowledge that life is going to be okay.

Because of you and your family, I can awake to a new day, everyday.

I realize that you are a stronger person than I will ever be because of these things and I just wanted to take the time today to say thank you to you and your family for allowing me that freedom.

I will never be able to repay this debt to you, as it is unmatchable.

However, I hope that you know that no matter where you are...

what you are doing...

what has happened today...

or what will happen tomorrow...

Your husband will NEVER be "just another soldier" to me....

And you, dear sweet lady, will never be forgotten.

You are all in my prayer's everyday and I pray that God will bring you back together with your loved one safely.

May God Bless You

reposted from http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-A-Military-Wife/580013

A few of the many milspouse blogs:

http://household6diva.com/2010/06/military-spouse-blogging-community.html

http://jennyspouse.com/

http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.com/

http://www.mylifeasanavywife.com/

 

 

Honoring Those Who Never Gave Up ~ On the Battlefield or at Ground Zero ~Port Jefferson NY 5/23

Please Join Us in Honoring the

 Courage ~ Perseverance ~ Sacrifice
Of Those who Never Gave Up,

Whether on the Battlefield or at Ground Zero

Vowing to Leave No One Behind

Proceeds benefit the addition of a 9/11/01 Rescue Dog Bronze Statue

at the Town of Brookhaven Diamond in the Pines Park 9/11 Memorial
AND the USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee

(Ceremony October 6 2012 ~ NYC Harbor )

Navy SEAL Lt Michael Murphy received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions and ultimate sacrifice during Operation Red Wings. He wore the FDNY L53 E43 patch from El Barrio's Bravest on his uniform - his best friend Owen was a member of El Barrios Bravest on 9-11-01; Owen's uncle FDNY Ladder Co 4 Lt Daniel O'Callaghan of Smithtown NY perished on 9-11-01. El Barrios Bravest has attended every event for Lt Murphy, has a tribute wall in their firehouse and mementos from L53 E43 will sail proudly aboard the USS Michael Murphy. The crest of the ship includes a Maltese Cross.

Just as our first responders tirelessly searched through the rubble at Ground Zero, so did many teams of handlers with Search & Rescue dogs. Many of these dogs wore their paws raw and died early because of respiratory problems. Words like LOYALTY and PERSEVERANCE describe not only our firefighters and rescue canines, but our military service members.

contact for more info:
Rich Acritelli ~VFW Fisher-Hewins Post 6249~631.839.2996
Jo Lombardi ~USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee~631.807.1813 jolo219@gmail.com

tickets $15 at the door ~ Buffet and location graciously donated by

Rob at Ruvo Restaurant & Bar (next to Pace's)
Happy Hour drink specials ~ Chinese Auction ~

 Entertainment by Tommy Sullivan (Of Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge)

Raffle items include USS Michael Murphy items, recent Navy SEAL author autographed bestsellers, 9/11 Rescue Dog basket, MLB player signed baseballs, gift certificates, and many more!

Ruvo - 105 Wynn Lane, Port Jefferson NY 11777

http://www.ussmichaelmurphy.org/

http://vfw6249.org/ for 9/11 memorial information

link to google doc - print the flyer https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jKfQ1FUy_TENTNg6ahm74UTDstgYvmWjtguDhw6Uiy0/edit?pli=1

USS Michael Murphy DDG112

Run Around the Lake in Memory of Navy SEAL Lt Michael P. Murphy ~6/23/12

The Rotary Club of the Ronkonkomas

       Run Around the Lake

 June 23 2012

 

In Memory of

Medal of Honor recipient

Navy SEAL LT Michael P. Murphy

 

Please join the Murphy family for a Patriotic Day to honor our military

With Local veterans’ support organizations, Color Guard/Drill team, the US Navy, USS Michael Murphy DDG112 crew members, FDNY & more!!!

 Michael Murphy of Patchogue NY lifeguarded at the Town of Brookhaven beach located on Lake Ronkonkoma during his summers home from Penn State~The beach was renamed in his honor May 7 2006. May 7 2008 a ceremony took place dedicating the memorial Serenity Plaza in memory of Lt Michael Murphy and the heroes killed on June 28 2005 Operation Red Wings. The Secretary of the Navy also announced the naming of the USS Michael Murphy - The DDG112 will be commissioned on 10/6/2012 in NYC Harbor.

 

4 Mile Run Around Lake Ronkonkoma~ 1 Mile Fun Run

All Pre-Registered Entries to receive Race Shirt 

Race Day Check In starts 7am ~Islip Town Beach

Rosevale Ave Lake Ronkonkoma ~L.I.E. Exit 59 North, 1/2 mile 

Fun Run start 8:30 am

4 Mile Run Around the Lake Starts 9am

Awards Ceremony and Raffle immediately after

All Events Rain or Shine

Pasta dinner & race packet pick up 6/22 at Windows on the Lake 5-8pm

For more details and to register online: www.runaroundthelake.com

 

Charities supported:

Navy SEAL LT. Michael P. Murphy Foundation         9-1-1 Veterans      

Suffolk County United Veterans Project Inc                 Rotary Foundation                              

Charlotte's Table Food Pantry                    Meals on Wheels

Sachem Teen Center                          Clubhouse of Suffolk

 The Ronkonkoma RC Charitable Fund is a 501(c)(3) Organization and proceeds donated to this event are tax deductible.

 

Upcoming Long Island/NYC Military & Veterans Related Events

May 20th~Farmingville NY ~Brookhaven Town Hall~4th Annual PFC Joseph Dwyer Hero Rally & Motorcycle Run. Live Music by Street Survivors - BBQ by Applebbees ~Registration begins at 9:00am, Ceremony at 11:00am~Motorcycle Run begins at 11:30am, Rally begins at 1pm. In memory of Iraq War Veteran Joe Dwyer of Mount Sinai NY who lost his battle with PTSD.  $25 per rider, $10 per passenger or walk in. Event info here and here.

May 20th~South Huntington NY~St Anthony's High School~The 1st Lt James Byler Charity Run~USMC 1st Lt James Byler lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan~this event is to support his modified home being built by Building Homes For Heroes~Race begins at 3:30pm, runners should arrive by 2:15pm Event website http://www.sot5k.org/  275 Wolf Hill Rd, South Huntington NY 11747

**May 23rd~Port Jefferson NY~Ruvo's 105 Wynn Ln, Port Jefferson NY ~ 5:30-8:30pm~ $15pp includes Italian cuisine. Please Join Us in Honoring the Courage ~ Perseverance ~ Sacrifice Of Those who Never Gave Up, Whether on the Battlefield or at Ground Zero ~Vowing to Leave No One Behind ~Proceeds benefit the addition of a 9/11/01 Rescue Dog Bronze Statue at the Town of Brookhaven Diamond in the Pines Park 9/11 Memorial AND the USS Michael Murphy Commissioning Committee (Ceremony October 6 2012 ~ NYC Harbor ) I am cohosting - email me for more info jolo219@gmail.com

May 23rd-30th ~Manhattan & surrounding areas~United States Navy Fleet Week ~Event listings http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/  Bicentennial of the War of 1812

May 25th ~ Washington DC ~ Rolling Thunder ~ Please watch out for motorcycle riders and give them plenty of room ~ they can stop a lot faster than a car or truck!

 May 25th~Midtown Manhattan~ O'Lunney's Time Square Pub~Book signing by Navy SEAL author Brandon Webb ~The Red Circle: My Life In the Navy SEAL Sniper Corps And How I Trained America's Deadliest Marksmen (Foreward by Marcus Luttrell) 3-7pm ~ Bring copies of the book to be signed

May 25-26th~Manhattan~Intrepid Museum~ Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street ~Parise Racing is a dynamic two car Pro Modified Drag Racing team. Andrew and Dina Parise will be at the Intrepid with USMC Gunny Arias~many other events planned at the Museum for Fleet Week!

May 26th ~ JFK Airport ~Welcome Home Cpl Scott Fuchsius, USMC from his 2nd deployment. The Cpl will be flying into JFK Airport (Delta Terminal), anyone wishing to join the US Veterans MC in this escort please be at the Burger King outside of JFK Airport, located at 15405 Rockaway Blvd on the corner of the Conduit north and be ready to roll by 0715 hours. His parents will be with us. The Cpl will then be escorted to his Sayville Home; there will be another staging for riders to join us in front of Oakdale Harley, please by ready to roll by 0900. Frankie B Bania, President, US Veterans MC – LI Chapter "The Boots on the Ground"

 

May 26th~East Northport NY ~Pulaski Road Elementary School~5th Annual "I Did the Grid" In Memory of U.S. Marine CPL Christopher G. Scherer from East Northport NY~Killed in action July 21, 2007 Al Anbar Iraq. View the website: http://www.cplchris.com  In order to keep Chris’ memory alive, his family started the Cpl Christopher G. Scherer Semper Fi Fund (SSF) which will sponsor the Cpl Christopher G. Scherer “Scholarship” and the Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, “Leave No Marine Behind Project”.  www.usvmcli.org

May 26th-27th ~ Orient Point NY to Ground Zero ~Memorial Day 100 ~In 2010, three Marines from 3/25 who served in Iraq together, started the Memorial 100 run to honor the 48 brothers lost during their deployment in 2005. Rather than following through with the original plan for one person to run 100 miles, the founders turned the event into a relay. Service members from every branch, veterans and their families will run 5-10 mile legs in teams of two carrying a U.S. flag and a Hope For The Warriors® flag. This event was organized to “interrupt” Memorial Day Weekend holiday plans and remind everyone of the day’s purpose – to honor and remember the wounded and the fallen. Visit www.memorial100.kintera.org/2012 for more information or contact Ella at elcaney@hopeforthewarriors.org

May 22nd-27th~Farmingdale NY~ Republic Airport~Navy Blue Angels will be parked at Republic ~ practice runs during the week~take off & landing for the Air Show at Jones Beach

May 26th-27th~Farmingdale NY~American Airpower Museum~Hosting the "Legends of Airpower" weekend ~ watch aircraft for Jones Beach Air Show taking off & landing with announcements ~ tour the museum~ special guests ~see the aircraft up close.

May 26th & 27th~Wantagh NY~ Jones Beach~10am-3pm ~Air Show with Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Forces Snowbirds & More! See the website

May 28th~Memorial Day~Ceremonies at National Cemeteries across the country. Please fly your flag! Calverton National Cemetery~1pm ceremony

May 28th~Memorial Day~ Worldwide! Memorial Day MURPH~ Participate in a Memorial Day workout to remember our fallen military members! The Body Armor workout was a favorite of Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue NY, and was renamed the “MURPH” It can be done within a week of Memorial Day and can be broken up to accommodate any fitness level, or set up into teams. Registration, tshirt purchase & info here Charities benefiting: Lt Michael P. Murphy Scholarship Foundation, Navy SEAL Foundation, Lone Survivor Foundation and That Others May Live Foundation.

May 28th ~ Huntington NY~Town if Huntington Wreath Ceremony-9:30am start~NEW Plaque will be unveiled in Veterans Plaza dedicated to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition after the main ceremonies, there will be a special wreath ceremony at the Vietnam Monument on the Village Green in remembrance of all those Huntington residents who gave their lives in the Vietnam War as well as the Women in Support of Our Men in Vietnam, who dedicated the monument in 1972- 50 Years this June.

May 28th ~ Famingville NY ~Bald Hill Vietnam Memorial~ Reading of the names ~ 6pm ~ All welcome

June 2nd~Ronkonkoma NY~Long Island MacArthur Airport~9am-12pm~LIMA 5K Run for Veterans~Run on an active runway with military service members! Early packet pick up will be available on Friday 6/1 from 4PM to 8PM. Pasta Dinner at the Holiday Inn adjacent to the airport from 5PM to 8PM. Register and info here Part of the Sayville Summer Race Series. Benefiting Long Island veterans through 9-1-1 Veterans.

June 20-24th~ Calverton NY ~ DIGNITY MEMORIAL® VIETNAM WALL will be at Calverton National Cemetery ~The Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall is a traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The faux-granite replica stands 240 feet long and eight feet high and is inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are missing in Vietnam. Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall is dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War and honors all U.S. servicemen and women. 

**June 23rd~Ronkonkoma NY~Town of Islip Beach~Rosevale Ave~ Run Around the Lake in Memory of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy~ Please join the Murphy family, United States Navy, crew from the USS Michael Murphy, FDNY firefighters and may others for a patriotic day celebrating our military past & present. 4 mile run around Lake Ronkonkoma where Michael was a lifeguard during his summers off from Penn State. Awards ceremony and raffle following the race. Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt. 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is $10  Family friendly. Proceeds benefit the LT Michael Murphy Foundation, 9-1-1 Veterans, Suffolk County United Veterans and more. If you are interested in donating raffle items, refreshments or would like to be a sponsor please contact Dr Scotti (Race Director) Louispscotti@Yahoo.com 631.979.0060 - Email me for more details and publicity inquiries. http://www.runaroundthelake.com/ Link to download the mail-in registration form and sponsorship information is available on the website.

June 28th~Lower Manhattan~Building Homes For Heroes 2nd Annual Casino/Cigar Night~Battery Gardens Restaurant-Inside Battery Park (Across from 17 State Street) 4-8pm ~ Building Homes for Heroes is a non-profit, public charity whose purpose is to build or renovate homes for severely wounded veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Event info here

Freedom Is Not Free! to submit an upcoming event - email me jolo219@gmail.com

 

VFW Post 6249 ~9/11 Working Dog Statue Fundraiser~Applebees Miller Place NY SAT 3/31 8-10am

Miller Place Applebees ~355 Rt 25A Miller Place NY

Saturday March 31 2012 from 8-10am

 

Breakfast Fundraiser $10/person ~ proceeds go to the 9/11 Working Dog Statue to be added to the 9/11 Memorial that was unveiled at Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram September of 2011. Joe Cognitore, Commander of the Rocky Point VFW, and Rich Acritelli, organized the memorial with the help of multiple organizations, officials and community members. The memorial has two pieces of steel from the World Trade Center along with three boulders, multiple plaques, a statue of an Eagle and a brickway walkway. The memorial is designed to honor victims of the attacks, first responders and rescue workers and "War on Terror" veterans from the Town of Brookhaven. See the video and read about it here.

"They worked tirelessly at the World Trade Center site searching for survivors and human remains after the attacks of September 11, 2001, and now the Town of Brookhaven and the Rocky Pomt VFW Post 6249  will honor canines at their 9/11 memorial in Coram.

“They could find any human remains that possibly were alive or passed and they would help find those individuals quicker than we could,” said post commander Joe Cognitori.

A statue of a German Shepherd will be erected at the memorial site, says Cognitori, in tribute of man’s best friend. “I get the chills every time I think of the patriotism that went on those couple of days, those weeks and months and now,” Cognitori told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

He said the dogs worked without saying no and their paws got worn and raw, adding that there is a reason why they’re called man’s best friend. “This was an opportunity to make sure that they get recognized,” he said."

 

 

Donations can be made to:
Brookhaven 9/11 Memorial-Working Dog Statue
VFW Post 6249
PO Box 1106
Rocky Point, NY  11778

(From l to r) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Assemblyman Dan Losquadro, Congressman Tim Bishop, Legislator Sarah Anker, VFW Commander Joe Cognitore, 9/11 Memorial Committee Co-Chair Richard Acritelli, Supervisor Mark Lesko and Legislator Kate Browning



More info available at http://www.vfw6249.org/events.html



Co-Committee Chair, Richard V. Acritelli, NYANG and Army Reservist Veteran and Social Studies Teacher

Committee Member, Sam Cila, Iraqi Combat Veteran, Wounded Warrior and Multisport Soldier

Co-Committee Chair, Joseph A. Cognitore, Commander of the Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars

 

 

Remembering Navy SEAL Chief PO Adam Lee Brown ~ KIA 3/17/2010 ~ Fair Winds...

Thanking Chief Petty Officer Adam Lee Brown and his family for their sacrifice is so abysmally inadequate. I can only promise to Never Forget. Fair Winds.........

John 15:13 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'

 
August 14, 1998 - March 17, 2010

UPDATE: 3/17/2012: Pre-order the book about Adam's Amazing Life - Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team Six Operator Adam Brown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MUST WATCH ~ Patriot Profiles on NRA Life of Duty ~ Adam Lee Brown Click on the link to watch all 3 videos.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt taken from a story written by Amy Schlesing for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on March 25 2010:  

Chief Petty Officer Adam Lee Brown spent much of his 12-year Navy career fighting battles that will never be known in places never mentioned.

Brown, a Special Warfare Operator, was in one of those battles on St. Patrick’s Day, and died defending fellow U.S. Navy SEALs against a heavily armed Taliban force somewhere in Afghanistan.

“He fell protecting his teammates,” said Chief Special Warfare Operator John Faas, the SEAL team leader that day. “Adam died a hero.”

On Wednesday, fellow sailors and SEALs traveled to Hot Springs to honor Brown and support his family at his funeral.

Only a few know of the work Brown did. The rows of ribbons on the uniform he was buried in tell part of the story — one filled with combat and courage. Medals for valor are only awarded for heroic actions under fire.

Heath Vance, one of Brown’s childhood friends, told the crowd that Brown’s courage was only one side of a complex man who balanced his life with Christian faith.

“Most importantly, his love and commitment to his family should serve as an example to all men,” he said, fighting tears that wouldn’t stop. “Adam poured his soul into getting the most out of life.”

Brown was known for his kindness and compassion as much as he was for his toughness and fearlessness.

“He will always be my best friend,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Buschmann, who lives with the Browns in Virginia and also grew up with Brown in Hot Springs. “Adam was the toughest man I ever met. … He was the most selfless person I ever met.”

Buschmann said he hopes people remember Brown “more for the compassionate person he was than for the crazy person he was or the hard person he was.”

A slideshow played on bigscreen televisions, showing Brown sleeping with his infant daughter on his chest. As the pictures of the family rolled by, his daughter started to wail. The SEALs and sailors filling several rows in the chapel began to break down, one by one.

 
Mother Janice Brown of Hot Springs, left, widow Kelley Brown, daughter Savannah Brown, front, and father Larry Brown, back right, of Hot Springs say goodbye to U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator Adam Lee Brown, 36, at Cunningham Cemetary in Royal Wednesday, March 24, 2010, during a graveside service. Adam Brown was killed during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From www.blog.usnavyseals.com:

The Navy SEALs bid farewell to yet another comrade. The Navy announced on Friday the death of Chief Petty Officer Adam Lee Brown. The 36-year-old native of Hot Springs, Arkansas succumbed to injuries he sustained in a battle against heavily-armed militants on Thursday.

The statement released by the Naval Special Warfare Group 2 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story read: “Adam Brown was a brave American patriot and fantastic Navy SEAL. We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss of a fellow brother in arms and teammate.” Brown was the recipient of a Bronze Star with combat “V” for Valor and a Purple Heart.

Reports share that Brown finished high school at Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas and attended Arkansas Tech University. He joined the Navy in 1998 and has made the rounds of various East Coast SEAL teams since April 2001. He has been sent to combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln, Senator for Arkansas, released a statement regarding the loss of a son of the state of Arkansas. The Senator said that her “heart goes out” to Brown’s family, whom she described as having “made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation”. Senator Lincoln says further: “Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families.”

Brown is survived by his wife and two children and by his parents. A funeral service will be held at the Hot Springs Baptist Church on Wednesday, and there is to be a private service at Hampton Roads.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Navy SEAL Chief (SOC) Adam Brown was killed in action in Komar Province, Afghanistan on March 17, 2010. In true “Adam Brown Style” he died a true hero, placing himself in the line of fire to protect other members of his unit. Adam’s Special Ops Assault Team was assaulting an enemy compound, an operation Adam had performed many times.
 

The U.S. Forces were engaging the enemy in a fire fight, when a portion of the U.S. soldiers were pinned down by very heavy fire from the enemy compound. In an effort to protect his men, Adam charged the enemy and was firing on the enemy from a better vantage point, drawing fire away from his pinned down comrades. His selfless action relieved the fire on his men, but it unfortunately resulted in Adam being struck by enemy fire. One other member of his team was wounded, but Adam’s heroic action saved the other men. The enemy compound was captured and all enemy combatants were killed in the action'

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He joined the SEALS because of patriotic duty. He saw the challenges of being a Navy SEAL, and wanted to be part of a tight group," said Public Affairs Lt. Arlo Abrahamson of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. 

Brown enlisted in the Navy in August, 1998. Since April, 2001, he has been assigned to various East Coast based SEAL teams where he made several combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, distinguishing himself during numerous combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Navy said Brown was a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards and citations during his 12-year Navy career, including the Bronze Star with combat "V" distinguishing device; Purple Heart; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals' Three Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Marksmanship medals for both rifle and pistol, and a multitude of personal, unit, and campaign decorations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Messages of condolences to the family may be posted on the Facebook Group page dedicated to Adam Lee Brown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The SEAL Code

• Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate
• Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield
• Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit
• Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates
• Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation
• Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies
• Earn your Trident everyday

United States Navy SEAL

In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed.

Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.

Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.

 

 

Wounded Wear charity event ~ Dominion Derby Girls vs. Cape Fear Rollergirls 2/25/2012

Get  pumped about the Dominion Derby Girls vs. Cape Fear Rollergirls season opener bout on February 25th. Wounded Wear is the benefiting charity. Mark your calendars!

 

Wounded Wear was created by a severely wounded Navy SEAL to provide clothing to America’s wounded warriors, to promote awareness throughout the country of the sacrifices that wounded service members and their families have made in the name of Freedom; and to foster a sense of pride, camaraderie, determination, and strength of purpose, amongst them. Visit them at http://www.woundedwear.org Wounded Wear is also a beneficiary for the Boot Campaign!

7th Annual James McNaughton Tribute~Jan 21 2012 Wantagh NY

Saturday January 21st, 2012

Live Music, Raffles, Giveaways,

Drink Specials, Free Food & Much More!

Mulcahy’s Pub & Music Hall

3232 Railroad Avenue

Wantagh, NY 11793

1:00pm - 8:00pm

$20 DONATION

 

www.jimmymcnaughton.com

 

Sgt. John M. Penich~JAN 6, 1983-OCT 16, 2008~Never Forget...Viper Co.~Korengal Valley, Afghanistan

 

John-Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime, with intense gratitude.

(Reposted from 2008)

“Some people’s lives can truly make a difference however long or short their lives on earth. They give the gifts of kindness and of caring. They sow the seeds of friendship and self-worth. Some people’s lives are beautiful examples of putting others first, and when they are gone, the lives of those they touched are so much richer, and the love they shared lives on and on.”

 

Please open the youtube link in a seperate window and listen to the song as you read about Sgt John Penich~Forever Young, Always Missed, Never Forgotten.....

  

In the far away fires

 Where the hills forever burn
At the feet of our heroes
We try hard to learn
But the lesson is lost there
In the smoke and the mud
That we are one flesh, one breath, one life, one blood

 

 I stood by the river
That ran red with shame
I stood in the killing fields
Where death had no name
I stood with my brothers
And away it flood
And we were one flesh, one breath, one life, one blood

 

Then I fell to the ground
Tasted ashes on my tongue
Thinking that only the dead
Are forever young

There was peace in the twilight
And for a moment among
It was a world without danger
A world without war
And I will take all your suffering
It will do any good
Cause we are one flesh, one breath, one life, one blood

always a smile... 

 

 

Ft Hood Memorial

 

 

Ft Hood Memorial

 

 

Mountain Warfare School

 

 

Sgt Penich

 

 

Local memorial

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sgt. John M Penich, U.S. Army, was killed on October 16, 2008 while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Sgt. Penich was assigned to Viper Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, as a light infantry rifleman. John had enlisted in the Army in March 2006 and was promoted to Sergeant in March 2008.

Sgt. Penich's awards include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star (Posthumous), Purple Heart Medal (Posthumous), the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (third award), Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the NATO-ISAF Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Parachutist Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Sgt. Penich was also awarded the Brigade Soldier of the Year award in 2007.

He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he enriched!! He was a devoted son, brother, uncle, friend, and soldier.

 

Richard Engel visits Sgt John Penich's mother on Dec 16 2008-

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

Report after Viper Co returns home, and the Memorial Poker Run to honor Sgt John M. Penich-

 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

After witnessing the 2001 terror attacks, John M. Penich told his family he wanted to serve his country. But his career took a detour managing a hotel, a banquet hall and then a nightclub before enlisting.

"He kind of ignored his calling and bounced around," said his older brother Jeff Penich. "But he had no regrets of joining the Army. It was a calling to him in 2001, and it didn't catch up with him until later."

Penich, 25, of Beach Park, Ill., died Oct. 16 in Karangol Village of wounds suffered from indirect fire. He was a 2001 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.

Penich enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, mountain biking, riding four-wheelers and Harleys, and playing paintball.

When sending care packages to him in Afghanistan, Jeff said his brother used to ask for things for his fellow soldiers.

"It was never 'I would like this.' Never, 'I want this.' It was always, 'What can I get for my guys?' He always put everyone before himself, including his country," Jeff said.

U.S. Army soldier pays his respects at a memorial service for Sgt. John Penich October 23, 2008

By Amanda Kim Stairrett Nov. 14, 2008
Killeen Daily HeraldFORT HOOD – Kathleen Garross spoke to her son, John, several times over one week in mid-October.

"Did you get any new medals?" she asked once.

"Yeah," her son answered. "There should be a big one coming."

"What did you do to earn it?" Garross asked.

"You don't want to know," was the response. "Let me just tell you, I took care of business."

Garross never got to hear from her son just what he did to earn a Silver Star, the third-highest honor given to service members for valor. Sgt. John Penich died Oct. 16 in Karangol Village, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from indirect fire, according to information from the Defense Department.

It wasn't until after his death that Garross learned of her son's heroics. They were heroics that earned him a Silver Star and a Bronze Star Medal with Valor. They were heroics that, on multiple occasions, led Penich to save the lives of his brothers in arms.

Garross and Penich's father, James, received their son's Silver Star on Thursday following a memorial ceremony in his and three others' honor.

 

Text From the Congressional Record

Mr. John Boozman [R-AR]: �Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave American soldier who sacrificed his life for freedom, Sergeant John Penich. Sergeant Penich, by all accounts, was an extraordinary solider whose hard work and determination earned him the title of Soldier of the Year in 2007 for his brigade. His bravery was evident in combat on several occasions. Brigadier General Perry Wiggins has said he knows of three separate instances when Sergeant Penich saved the lives of his comrades. According to newspaper reports, one of his final acts of bravery came on September 6, 2008, when his patrol was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. He showed his courage under fire, taking charge and reestablishing security and saving the lives of his platoon members. His heroics on that day earned him a Silver Star, the third highest honor given to members of the armed services for valor. Five and a half weeks after he earned the Silver Star, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Sergeant Penich put himself in harm's way to make the world a better place. His commitment to this country is second to none. He wanted to be an officer, and there's no doubt we would have benefited from this young man's tremendous leadership abilities. Sergeant John Penich is a true American hero. I ask that my colleagues keep his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. END

 

�

Penich funeral

 

�

Penich funeral

 

�

The Fallen Soldier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

one blood-terence jay