Veteran's Breakfast 2024 Edit page

Another Beautiful, Successful Veteran's Appreciation Day at The Oaks. 

It's usually the same every year.  Bernie solicits donations.  He makes sure there is a prize for every Veteran who shows up.  Pam sends letters to the companies that service our community and some donate to this affair. The day before Ronnie Mormino, (with help from Jack Messina) sets up Ron's tremendous collection of US Service memorabilia, which has been a part of our Veteran's Breakfast since our first breakfast took place.  This collection has grown every year. It was the first time for  Eileen Carver's grandfather's scrapbook of World War II.  It was huge and loaded with newspaper articles and photos.  (Thank you, Eileen.)  

On the day of, the Board shows up and gets everything ready while Norman cooks 6-7 dozen eggs in the clubhouse kitchen (Scrambled - no special orders).  Howie cooks 8 lbs. of bacon in his home kitchen. (Sorry Elaine.) Bernie pops the sausage and tater tots in the clubhouse oven. (Yes, the oven does work.)  The rest of the Board runs around and ensures everything else is in place.  

A delivery came from the Bagel Cafe.  It was a gift from Amy Recco (Friends For Life).  She has been donating to our Breakfast for the last few years. She was overly generous this year.   In addition to the 2 large trays of bagels, butter, and cream cheese and 2 large trays of danish, muffins, and cake, Amy surprised the men with hats adorned with an American Flag and her Friends For Life logo.  We took photos, one of which is uploaded below.  The gifts were raffled off, and as I mentioned above, everyone was a winner.  There were enough goodies for the Veterans to take home if they cared to do so.  Last but not least, a good time was had by all.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event. Sending a special thanks to Amy Recco, Lara & Gia (Amy's team). Our Veterans love their new hats.  Amy said to check out the Friends for Life website (friendsforlifeny.com) to see all the photos that Lara & Gia took.