This past Sunday Life Scout Craig Vande Stouwe as his Eagle Project sponsored a luncheon at Village Hall honoring veterans through the Wounded Warriors Project.
Six veterans were in attendance. The event was quite moving as Veteran Jason Braase spoke of his life, his tour of duty in Iraq and his injury received while there.
Space does not permit a rendition of his heartbreaking story.
However, the events leading up to his injury, the actual event itself and the aftermath of his injury sent a powerful message to those in attendance.
Jason was eloquent, yet down to earth explaining his trials and tribulations related to his service. As [Williston Park] Trustee Carr noted, it was a shame that a much larger audience was not present to witness this event.
In speaking with all six attending veterans, Danny Rodriguez, Duval Diaz, Ali Malik, Edil Carror and Jason Braase , it became quite evident that the Wounded Warriors Project is having a tremendous positive impact on injured veterans as they return to civilian life.
Thanks go out to these and all our vets for their service to our country. And thanks to Craig for bringing these individuals to a banquet in order to honor and recognize them for their service.
Both Trustee Carr and I appreciate being given the opportunity to be part of this Eagle Project.
I try and keep these articles positive while discussing the events taking place throughout our great Village of Williston Park.
However, tragedy struck last week to one of our young adults. Frank Trivigno, age 17, was killed in an accident Upstate. Our thoughts are with his family – his father Nick, a retired New York City police officer, his mother Lisa, and sisters Nicole and Alyssa.
Losing family members is difficult for all. Losing a young child is unnatural.
As parents we all expect to precede our children in passing on. While listening to Frank’s sister speak during the funeral mass I was moved by her eloquent talk as her love for her sibling was quite obvious.
The church was heavily populated by family, friends (both young and old), and numerous NYPD Officers who all came to provide comfort and support to the family.
On behalf of the [Williston Park] Board of Trustees, their families, and me and my family we offer our condolences and prayers to Frank’s parents, siblings and the whole Trivigno family.
As we enter into the fall season, the Beautification Committee remains actively involved in the beautification efforts throughout the village, As some of our members have “retired” the committee is reaching out to residents who would like to join in these worthwhile efforts.
The group meets usually every other week at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings and works for about an hour. The work is not difficult but the results are great.
Anyone interested in getting involved and making a difference please contact Colleen at Village Hall ( 746-2193).
As I was watching a new quiz show tonight, Million Dollar Quiz, the announcer Ryan Seacrest introduced the current four top continuing contestants.
To my surprise Dan Dutton of Williston Park was one of those identified.
Good luck Dan!
