East Northport, NY - May 9, 2017 - Veterans from across Suffolk County gathered with local officials on Monday, May 1, 2017 at the Larkfield in East Northport for the 4th Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. The event, donated by George and Harry Mountanos the owners of The Larkfield, and coordinated by Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. is a small token of thanks to our veterans for all that they have done to keep our country free and safe. This year, Legislator Steve Stern the Chairman of the Suffolk County Veterans Committee for the past 12 years was honored for his tireless advocacy efforts along with all of our local service men and women past and present.
“Today we join together to personally express our deep and sincere appreciation to our veterans. You are all a beautiful example of what our country stands for and an inspiration; we’re eternally grateful for your service,” said Legislator Spencer as he opened up the ceremony. “Our honoree, Legislator Steve Stern is a true friend to the veterans of Suffolk County. He has humbly stood as a voice for our service people, fighting for what is right and for their dignity and respect. I am proud to recognize him today and convey our best wishes and appreciation as he moves forward. I’m confident that his advocacy efforts and passion for our veterans will continue into the future.”
Since taking office in 2006, Legislator Stern has represented our community with distinction and commitment. Serving as the Chairman of the Suffolk County Legislature Veterans Committee, he has sponsored and co-sponsored several landmark resolutions that directly affect our veterans. Two of his key accomplishments include introducing and passing the “Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act” an important legislative initiative to end homelessness for the veterans and their families, the “Protect Our Fallen Heroes Act” which protects military funerals from shameful and disrespectful protests upon grieving families and ensures respect for those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our great nation.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be honored at the Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast,” Legislator Stern said. “Throughout my tenure as Suffolk County Legislator I have been privileged to serve as the Chairman of the Veterans Committee, working with and for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation and their families. I am proud of my legislative accomplishments, including the “Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act” and the “Protect our Fallen Heroes Act,” but I am most proud of our active duty military, our reservists and guard members and our veterans. Thank you for your service.”
“How wonderful of Legislator Spencer and the Larkfield for recognizing the men and women who have served and are serving,” said Bruce Brenner, Past Commander of VFW 1469 and Commander of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association of Huntington. “We look to forward to the breakfast every year and greatly appreciate it.”
Attendees of the breakfast were asked to sign a Suffolk County Flag that will be raised in honor of our veterans and will fly above the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge on Veterans Day.
Suffolk County is home to the largest veteran population in New York State and has one of the highest veteran populations in the country. Accordingly, the county has prioritized the need for support and opportunities for our service men and women. Contact the Suffolk County Veterans Agency at (631) 853-VETS or log on to http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/veterans/home.aspx for more information and assistance.