“Our Veterans Administration partners in conjunction with organizations that prove goods and services are key to the successful reintegration of those who have served, whether it be fifty years ago or just recently returning to Suffolk County. We call it a ‘one-stop-shop’ that connects veterans with support that can assist in providing a more stable life.” - Marcel Leis
Fresh from hosting its 18th Wounded Warrior Golf Outing at the Rock Course in Wading River, VFW Post 6249 continues to advocate for the needs of local and national veterans. On September 22nd, on a beautiful day, over one hundred twenty golfers enjoyed themselves by hitting magnificent drives, putts, and smiling for an outstanding cause. Presenting this event for almost two decades, there were many sponsor t-signs, banners, raffles, and laughter from repeat golfers who have proudly played in this patriotic event year after year.
This VFW group is one of the most productive in the state, showing no signs of slowing down in its dedication to helping veterans. On Saturday, October 18th, they will host a “Welcome Home Stand Down” for members of the Armed Forces. All veterans and their family members are welcome to this program, which will provide much-needed information. There will be representatives from the Veterans Administration, local, state, and federal levels of government, and experienced leaders from different VFWs to give insight into some complex issues facing our service members.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be food, balloon animals, and pumpkin painting for the children, along with many notable people to identify programs, benefits, and rights. Rocky Point VFW Commander Frank Lombardi stressed, “The stand down is an opportunity for veterans to come to Post 6249 to meet our members and leadership team while accessing different associations that will provide much-needed guidance to our veterans and their families.” A former member of the United States Marine Corps and a First Gulf War Veteran, 6249 Vice Commander Janet Santeramo is eager to host this event. Santeramo describes, “Operation Welcome Home is about coming together as a community to honor those who served and to ensure veterans and their families get the support they deserve.”
Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Director Leis is a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the 106th New York Air National Guard. Leis is a total veterans advocate and feels, “The purpose of the Suffolk County Stand Down is to partner with the Suffolk County Executive’s Office, Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, and the Northport VA’s Coalition for Suicide Prevention to provide supportive services. Our mission is to honor veterans and their families by providing supplies and services to veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and VA or Social Security counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as healthcare, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, and mental health counseling.”
On this date, the Founder of Project 9-Line, Patrick Donahue, will address the crisis of veteran suicide that continues to rise in America. As seen through their website’s mission, they are devoted to caring for combat veterans living with battlefield trauma. This organization is dedicated to helping veterans who suffer daily from wartime encounters. Project 9-Line works to build reinforcement for veterans facing psychological issues, economic concerns, depression, and substance abuse.
The name and mission were inspired by the “9 Line MEDVAC” process used to rescue the wounded from the field. When this call is made, military medical assistance receives nine critical facts from the situation to provide the appropriate response to aid the wounded. This veteran organization uses a name widely known across the Armed Forces to represent not only those physically injured but also veterans still battling personal struggles. Today, the name reflects the severity of the suicide rate and assists veterans who continue to suffer from painful memories and encounters overseas.
Bruce Blanco, the president of the American Legion Riders Chapter 1244, will also be present at this gathering. In 2010, after his son, a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps, passed away, Blanco became highly involved in veterans’ affairs. This special group of citizens, veterans, and motorcyclists supports the funerals of local Armed Forces members, welcomes home Americans from deployments, provides holiday meals, and rides in parades. Although there are only three motorcycle posts in Suffolk County, they carry out more than 150 operations a year to support numerous veterans’ causes. During a Suffolk County Legislature meeting on March 31st, 2025, Blanco stated:
“...So now we have organizations that are willing, we have the help out there to a small degree, but the veterans don't want to admit they need the help. So something so simple, this is the flag I ride on the back of my motorcycle. It's there all the time. The worst thing that anyone can ever say is to be forgotten, where you go through life, you go through special training and treatments and then you're forgotten…”
Peter Jepson is a Vietnam Veteran and a resident of Center Moriches who was recently named a Grand Marshal of his town's Veterans Day parade. Working beside President Richard Kitson in the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11, Jepson, a retired police officer and naval veteran, is also a senior ride captain of the Patriot Guard Riders. He has been a strong proponent of the Veterans Court in Central Islip and the VA Veteran Justice Outreach Program. For years, he has donated the sound system used to read the names of the war-related deceased Vietnam Veterans from Suffolk County. Through “Wreaths Across America,” Jepson has honored the memories of fallen veterans by placing wreaths on graves across Long Island. During Covid-19, when America was practically shut down, he still saluted military burials.
Next to Jepson will likely be his comrade Mel Cohen, a leading figure in the Suffolk County Vietnam and Jewish War Veterans. Cohen’s brother was killed in combat during the Vietnam War, and he has been a steadfast advocate for both groups. In the Jewish War Veterans, he has been a central figure on Long Island and within New York State. Cohen has opposed the rise of antisemitism as an action officer, investigating hatred against Jewish citizens. Kitson and Cohen were both from Levittown and came from families who fought in World War II. The president of this local chapter of Vietnam Vets calls his good friend Mel, “A veteran’s veteran.” These local leaders who continually fight for veterans’ rights will share a wealth of experience at VFW Post 6249.
For the last twenty years, it has been my routine to be around major veterans’ groups on Long Island, but this is the first time I learned about the mission of the SailAhead organization. An incredibly common value taught in the military is to work together to ensure that difficult tasks are completed. SailAhead is a special team that fosters the ability of veterans to help each other on the high seas. It was created by Kilian and Sean Dunclay, who use their love of water to support veterans.
By working under colder and adverse conditions, it pushes veterans to care for one another and reminds them of their experiences in uniform. This group welcomes veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It is a unique way of bringing veterans together who are struggling with the psychological and physical aftermath of warfare while giving them the responsibility of handling vessels on the water. A range of veterans with experience at sea to newcomers are welcome, and it seems they have discovered a powerful way of helping combat veterans through maritime teamwork.
Another group expected at this stand down is Paws of War. This organization relies on the friendship and kindness of dogs to provide warmth and healing to veterans suffering from PTSD. Bonds are created between former members of the Armed Forces and dogs and cats rescued from dire situations. Their website shows many wonderful animals that could become trusted companions. There is no fee for First Responders or Gold Star Families. All animals are trained and have seen a veterinarian.
If you have the opportunity to attend this major veterans program, it will be worth your time to learn about vital efforts, support, and camaraderie toward veterans. Santeramo said it best, “This is a family-friendly gathering that will feature a variety of activities and services for veterans and their loved ones. Representatives from multiple agencies will be on hand to assist veterans in obtaining benefits and support resources.”