By NANCY HILER
The award recognizes his dedication to fellow veterans and his commitment to the larger community.
A member and past commander of North Bellmore American Legion Post 1749, where he has been president of the Board of Trustees for the past 10 years, Kohler served as a Marine during the Vietnam War. He has since been instrumental in helping his fellow veterans and making sure that those who lost their lives are never forgotten.
Kohler is the current commander of the Vietnam War Veterans Association of Nassau County. He has been actively involved in the education committee and the homeless veterans program as well as fund-raising and food drives for homeless veterans. He has also devoted his time to the POW/MIA issue.
Expressing his gratitude on being selected for the Veterans Medal, Kohler was quick to acknowledge his fellow veterans. "My work is representative of what all our members do," he said. He added that he was particularly pleased that fellow members nominated him for the award. It meant a great deal to him that his peers recognized him, he said.
For the past several years, Kohler has volunteered his time to Nassau County Veterans Stand Down, an initiative that provides homeless veterans with food and clothing and counseling services from the Veterans Affairs Administration.
"I'm proud of him," North Bellmore post Commander Frank Colon said. "It was long overdue. Bob has always continued to work for the vets and for the community. That's the key thing. He always has a positive attitude."
The town's award is based on a veteran's humanitarian contributions to fellow veterans. It does not consider military record or activity. When asked what motivates him to volunteer his time on behalf of fellow veterans, Kohler said, "Many vets are not as fortunate as I am. Some were left with health and mental issues. I look at it as a continuation of my service to the country."
Kohler was an active participant on the Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund Committee, and worked closely with committee colleagues on planning the design and construction of the Vietnam Monument in Eisenhower Park. He also volunteers in soup kitchens, and at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore and other local churches, Colon said.
"I am honored to present the Town of Hempstead Veterans Medal to eight deserving individuals," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray during this year's Salute to Veterans ceremony at Town Park in Point Lookout. "These persons have exhibited tireless energy and unending devotion to helping veterans."
The other award recipients were Kevin Derry of Elmont, Edward Karcher of Franklin Square, Patrick Luliucci of Lynbrook, Ed Monroe of Freeport, Ronald Pfleger of Levittown, Thomas Riley of Freeport and Frank Tobani of Wantagh.
Comments about this story? NHiler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
