BOE Pres honored by Army

William Floyd Board of Education President Robert Vecchio was recently honored by the United States Army Patchogue Recruiting Station for his work serving as chairperson of the Our Community Salutes (OCS) Brookhaven Town Chapter, which hosts a recognition dinner each year for graduating high school seniors – and their families – who have chosen military service. The idea behind OCS is to show the enlistees that their communities are behind them and grateful for the service they are about to undertake, which is demonstrated in their motto, “The First to Say Thank You.”

Sergeant First Class Joseph A. Coscia, Station Commander of the Army Recruiting Station, Patchogue, along with his colleagues Captain Christopher Messaros and Staff Sergeant Timothy Murray, presented Mr. Vecchio with a plaque and certificate of appreciation at the December Board of Education meeting.

The certificate of appreciation, which was read aloud, states, “In recognition of the important role you play in shaping the future of America’s youth. The United States Army commends you for your selfless service and salutes your dedication, commitment and tireless efforts in helping to develop independent and self-sufficient young adults who will succeed in life, contribute responsibly in a global community and collectively preserve America’s strength.”

“I am truly humbled and honored to have been recognized by the U.S. Army for my work with OCS,” said Mr. Vecchio. “By recognizing me, they recognize the important work that OCS and members of the committee are doing to honor the brave young high school seniors who choose to serve in our nation’s military after graduation.” 

Since its inception and inaugural celebration in 2015, more than 200 students and their families from William Floyd and several surrounding school districts have been recognized by OCS Brookhaven. This year’s military enlistee recognition dinner – the sixth annual event – is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 6 pm, at Sunset Harbour in East Patchogue. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be available for the next event. Please follow OCS Brookhaven on Face