By Karenlyn Barone
"We have re-commited ourselves to the community," said Joe McCarthy, 75, the commander of the post and a United States Army veteran of the Korean War. "You've got to give back."
As the post celebrates its 70th anniversary, its members are charging full speed ahead into previously unchartered territory. They are now centered on community service projects which include serving on the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Committee at East Rockaway High School, presenting $1600 in local school scholarships, sponsoring a blood drive planned for the spring, collecting old cell phones that are melted down and enable calling cards to be issued to soldiers overseas, and a clothing drive for homeless veterans, to name a few.
"That's the reason I'm here," said 84-year-old John Madson, of Rockville Centre, a Navy veteran of World War II. "We're doing new things all the time. We are a post of do-ers."
Any morning, Monday through Friday, you can find this dedicated group of gentlemen sitting around with a cup of coffee in their hands, discussing what projects they have on the burner. There are bus trips planned to Atlantic City, pancake breakfasts and guest speakers lined up to address issues that are important to both veterans and the community.
"And any money raised, goes back to the community through our community service projects," said McCarthy.
Although the post boasts 108 members, Koren War Army veteran, Bob Jacoby, 73, said that many members retire and move away. "We need some helping hands with all the projects we have planned," he said.
To that end, the post is holding a membership drive and hopes to recruit some new blood.
"We need to get the word out to our returning soldiers," said Jacoby. "We are first and foremost
here to support our soldiers."
"We want to let veterans know that the people are behind them. First and foremost, this is an organization for veterans," said Thomas Bosnan, 63, a Viet nam veteran. "There is great commeraderie here."
Donald Conway, 75, of Lynbrook joined the post just a year ago and is working diligently on the 70th Anniversary Journal. Emanuel Poretta, 77, a United States Marine Corps. veteran actually belongs to a VFW post in his hometown of Inwood, but can be found at the East Rockaway site, because he said, "I like what they do here. The people here are putting back into the community."
Al Adler, 81, of Floral Park was recruited by McCarthy, who he says "got us off our duffs and got us busy again".
This core group of hard workers also includes two Army veterans of the Korean War, resident chef Rich Racioppi, 72, Marco Benedetto, 73, and Viet nam Army veteran, Pat Iuliucci, 57, coordinator for the blood drive.
Perhaps Iuliucci summed it up best. "Goodness is here. We want to give back to the community for our freedom - for our way of life," he said.
The Robert F. Garrison Post is named for the 17-year-old soldier killed in the first world war. According to Racioppi, his mother donated the building in 1935. The post accepts donations year-long to support its efforts and the men said that anyone interested can drop in for coffee any weekday morning. For more information, call
(516) 887-8170.
