Sal Pellegrino

In April, Sal Pellegrino had to be assisted into Verde’s of Westbury, where VFW Post No. 2736 was celebrating its 57th anniversary. Pellegrino, 80, had suffered a stroke on March 28, and his health — and his future as post commander — were uncertain.

At another gathering at Verdi’s, the VFW holiday party eight months later, Pellegrino was back to nearly full strength — and happily accepted a fifth year as post commander. “I’m coming along well,” he told the Herald that day, Dec. 9. “The VFW is my second home.”

Pellegrino has been an integral part of that home away from home since 1953, when, during the Korean War, he was discharged from the U.S. Army. But even after all those years of helping his fellow servicemen and women, Pellegrino was never more proud than last July, when a dream of his came true: Ground would be broken for a health clinic for veterans at the Nassau University Medical Center.

For Pellegrino’s leadership, persistence, resilience and continued service, the Herald is proud to name him its 2009 Person of the Year.

Up to now, Pellegrino and his post colleagues who utilize the health care services provided by the Veterans Administration have had two options: make a nearly hour-long drive to the medical center in Northport or avail themselves of the limited services and tight quarters offered at the Plainview V.A. office.

Pellegrino was there when the discussion of a new V.A. clinic began 20 years ago. And he plans to be there for the NUMC veterans clinic’s planned opening this spring.

Joining him for most of the two-decades-long effort was Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves, who represents East Meadow and Salisbury. Their work involved years of discussions and negotiations among the hospital, the county and the V.A.