The years may pass, but Patricia O’Brien continues her service to the community especially those who have served this country.
The Manhasset resident served as president of the American Legion Auxiliary in 2014, and is now the organization’s treasurer. She also provides hands on help to the veterans.
O’Brien has driven veterans across all parts of Long Island for many years, helping to make sure they receive the care they need, in addition to her Hero Hunger Help Program of the Northport V.A., said Meyer Hoesner, director for the Office of the Aging.
“She really is a very dedicated person, the veterans and Nassau County are lucky to have such an advocate,” Hoesner said.
For her service to veterans and others, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano named O’Brien “Senior Citizen Woman of the Year” on May 19 and the Nassau County Office of Aging honored her at an event.
“Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of others within the community are inspiring and I thank her for her service to Nassau County,” Mangano said.
The event, which attracted 350 people, focused on O’Brien’s services for disabled, homeless, and struggling vets, their families, with an emphasis on those currently involved in wartime activities.
O’Brien, whose husband is a Vietnam War veteran, said she believes children should be exposed to the sacrifice made by soldiers, and by soldiers’ families.
“Our youth is getting an appreciation for the sacrifice being made for the price of freedom,” O’Brien said. “It’s very important [they] understand that freedom is not free.”
She said Manhasset residents have shown great support for the military, by collecting and sending more than $60,000 in perishables over the last six years, with children helping to assemble the parcels.
“I’m very proud of how the people of Manhasset support our military, for things that our military wouldn’t normally receive,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien, a former math teacher, has helped students with their homework, and worked with Girl Scout troops.
She has also served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis Hospital and St. Mary’s of Manhasset, bringing Holy Communion to bed-bound individuals.
“It’s a way for them to keep in touch with their faith, and still be part of the Catholic community, even though they can’t go to church on a regular basis,” she said.
But, she said, she is particularly moved by the country’s veterans.
“I hope to be able to continue this realm for as long as I am physically able, and I think our military need the support that we are giving them,” O’Brien said.
