Malverne, W.H. veterans honored by officials

Assemblyman Brian Curran recently honored 15 veterans, including Charles Forzano of West Hempstead and Louis J. Vecchione of Malverne, for their service and patriotism to their country and community at the third annual Veterans’ Hall of Honor event at the St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Council #2228 Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook.

“We owe everything that we enjoy today to those who answered the call to serve their country and each of our veterans deserves our gratitude and respect,” Assemblyman Curran said at the ceremony. “This recognition is but a small token of appreciation for everything that they have achieved for this great nation and its citizens.”

Forzano enlisted in the United States Air Force two years after graduating high school and was stationed in Virginia. He spent seven years in the Air Force before leaving to work at Grumman Data Systems in Bethpage, NY until 1995.

While working with the company, Charles became an instrumental part of projects at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the Marshall Space Flight Center for NASA in Huntsville, Alabama.

In 2002, Charles began working at AHRC Nassau, an organization that assists individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and continues to work there today.

Louis Vecchione enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1944 and served as a gunner’s mate on the Destroyer USS Erben, a Fletcher class destroyer that was in the Pacific theater of operations. Louis rose to the rank of seaman and was honorably discharged in 1948.

He returned to armed service in 1951, where he was placed in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman in Germany. He rose to the rank of first-class sergeant before being discharged again in 1954.

Louis later became a marshall in the Nassau County District Court, where he remained until his retirement.

Louis has been a member of the American Legion, Malverne Post #44 for 59 years.

Town of Hempstead Senior Councilman Anthony Santino and Nassau County Legislator Laura Curran were also in attendance to honor these valiant veterans.