RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 22, 2010, Bellmore Life
Bellmore Veterans honored
Veterans honored in ceremony at Merrick Library.
A “New York State Military Service Recognition Awards Ceremony” honoring 16 local veterans was hosted by state Assemblyman David McDonough at the Merrick Library today.
The 16 veterans served in various wars, including World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and the war in Iraq.
“It is my privilege and honor to be here to present you with your medals commemorating your valor and service to preserve our freedom as Americans,” declared Assemblyman McDonough.
“I never was in combat until I joined the New York State assembly,” he added jokingly.
One honoree was Alfred F. Garbarino of North Merrick, who served 13 months in Iraq. He described Iraq as “very hot” and “dangerous,” but the biggest challenge was being away from his family.
When asked how it felt to be back in Merrick, he responded “great” with a big smile.
Mr. Garbarino was joined at the ceremony by his wife and two young daughters. He was presented with the Service Cross Medal.
William C. Starke, of Bellmore, was another honoree. The Korean War veteran was born in Manhattan and moved to Bellmore in 1962.
When asked what the hardest part of serving in the war was, Mr. Starke responded without hesitation. “The plane crash,” he said. “We were being shipped to an emergency air field and four plane engines quit, and the plane went into the Japanese Sea. Twenty-three people died. 23 got out. I was one of the lucky 23.”
At the ceremony, Mr. Starke, accompanied by his wife Isabelle, received the Medal for Merit.
“It’s very gratifying to be recognized,” he concluded.
Harold Heitner of Wantagh was another Korean War veteran honored with the Medal of Merit. He was born in New York City and moved to Wantagh in the ’60s.
Mr. Heitner was in the armed services for 18 months during the war and served for three-and-a-half years altogether.
“[Being awarded the Medal of Merit] was very nice. They appreciate what we did,” Mr. Heitner said. His wife of 55 years, daughter, son-in-law and son accompanied him at the ceremony.
While Mr. McDonough handed out most of the awards, legislative aide Eillen Fineo presented the Medal for Merit to her uncle John James Clarke, of Seaford.
The Medal for Merit is awarded to a person “whose entire service was honorable and who were recipients of a valor, achievement, commendation, or meritorious service decoration, of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Conspicious Service Cross, or whose service was in direct support of combat operations while serving in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard,” according to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at http://dmna.state.ny.us/awards/mfm.html
Other recipients of the Medal for Merit are George Sorkin, of Bellmore; Franke J. Priebe, of Merrick; Peter J. Galante, of Seaford; Richard Henry Buseck, of Levittown; Roy Bronnekant, of Levittown; and Kenneth Anderson, of Baldwin.
Recipients of the Conspicuous Service Star Medal are Henry E. Sendlein, of Wantagh; and Peter P. Plaia, of Levittown.
Recipients of both the Medal for Merit and the Conspicuous Service Star Medal are Peter M. Kuchar, of Bellmore; Richard DeLucia, of Levittown; John J. Waluk, of Levittown; and Lionel T. Bauman, of Baldwin.
Receiving his high school diploma was veteran George Brooks, of Bellmore. Roy Bronnekant also received his diploma.
The ceremony closed with the veterans, and their friends and families standing and singing along to a recording of “God Bless America,”
“Thank you for your bravery and service to this great country, the United States of America,” concluded Assemblyman McDonough.