BLOOMINGBURG -- The Sullivan County Council of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) held their annual Veteran's Day Dinner at The Eagle's Nest in Bloomingburg last Sunday. The dinner honored American servicemen and women who risked their lives to preserve our freedom including veterans, active service personnel, Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.

County Commander Peter D. Carmeci, Sr. introduced Department of New York District 2 Commander Jim Mc Gowan, his wife Patricia, NYS Sr. Vice President Thomas Howard and his wife Cathy and other VFW and Auxiliary dignitaries on the dais. Hardly pausing for breath, Carmeci introduced Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther and Amy Myslik, Constituent Coordinator for NYS Senator Jen Metzger, who was unable to attend due to the death of her veteran father. The County Commander then introduced District Attorney James Farrell, Sullivan County legislators and law enforcement in attendance, Director John Crotty of the Veteran's Service Agency, VFW Commanders of Sullivan County posts and officers of the Sullivan County Council including County Sr. Vice Commander Howard Goldsmith, who was the dinner's wise cracking Master of Ceremonies.

McGowan reminded his audience of the importance of the VFW's accomplishments in support of veterans. The organization, founded in 1919, drafted the G.I. Bill of Rights and led the battle to get the bill passed. The VFW is one of America's largest veteran's service organizations. The American Legion philosophy is based in four pillars: Veteran's affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and nurturing Children and Youth.

A poignant POW/MIA ceremony intoned by Verl A. Ringgenberg, Adjunct/PDC. followed the National Anthem led by Lori Orestano-James who invited her listeners to join in. She included a seldom used verse. “While the storm clouds gather far across the sea, let us swear allegiance to a land that's free.”

Traditionally Gold Star mothers are honored, this event boasted a Gold Star father. Andrew Kaiser of Narrowsburg lost his son on March 17, 2007. Anthony Kaiser, an Army MP during the Iraq War saved many lives being the first to spot and fire upon insurgents at a roadside checkpoint but lost his own. After his death, Kaiser was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with V for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Medal.

Three men who have served veterans for decades received accolades and certificates from the NYS Assembly, NYS Senate and the US Congress. The honorees were Chaplin Al Etkin, Arthur Flynn and Howie Goldsmith. Special mention was made of Randy Ortega who was instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Wall traveling exhibit to our area.

County Commander Peter D. Carmeci Sr., spends many hours selling journal ads to insure the financial success of the S.C. Council's Annual Veterans Day Dinner. He told the Democrat,“It takes me about six months to get all of this together. The detail man bragged, “Our biggest dinner ever! It keeps growing, a few years ago we had 89 people. Now we filled the Eagle's Nest with 168 people.”