Korean War Vet is honored

Long Beach resident and Korean War veteran Selwyn “Buddy” Epstein was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. He was recognized him for his honorable and selfless service to the nation and his fellow veterans.  Senator Todd Kaminsky honored the Veteran in a ceremony at the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside on June 5.

Epstein was enlisted in the Army from 1951 to 1954, as a member of the 375th Chemical Smoke Generator Company attached to 3rd Infantry Division. In 1951, he served 11 months on the battlefield in Korea.  He was discharged as a Private First Class in 1954.  He continues to serve his fellow veterans as a member of the advisory board at the Long Island State Veterans Home, where he coordinated with the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative Group to make handmade lap blankets which he picks up and delivers to veterans.  He also serves as Senior Vice Commander of the Oceanside Jewish War Veterans and director of the local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association. In his spare time, Mr. Epstein volunteers at the Long Beach Soup Kitchen and South Nassau Communities Hospital.

Every year, Mr. Epstein coordinates and participates in a Korean Vets program called “Tell America,” where veterans spend a day describing their wartime experiences to students in schools to preserve the stories of veterans. 

“Buddy Epstein has stood tall for the ideals of citizenship, sacrifice and service as a soldier and veteran, and through his strong sense of duty and responsibility to his fellow veterans throughout Long Island and especially to the Oceanside Jewish War Veterans,” said Kaminsky. “Buddy’s devotion to our country and his fellow veterans goes above and beyond the call of duty and represents everything that the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors. It’s my privilege to recognize Buddy and memorialize his story in our state’s history.”

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,” said Buddy Epstein.  “I am so proud to have served our nation and live in the greatest country in the world. I sincerely thank Senator Kaminsky for this recognition, and am so grateful that I am able to continue my service to the community and our nation’s veterans.”