Honoring Veterans And Those Who Support Our Heroes
Vete
rans Day reminds us of the profound sacrifices that our service men and women have made to protect our freedom. In honor of our Long Island heroes a celebration was held on November 8, 2018 during a Long Island Nets game at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for ‘Mission United Night’. United Way of Long Island acknowledged its longstanding partners in support of Long Island veterans; gave accolades to a recent NYC Marathon runner who was inspired to raise over $10,000 for Team Mission United; and honored two veterans who have made a significant impact within their organizations.
The evening included an on-court presentation honoring Bethpage Federal Credit Union, National Grid, People’s United Bank, AT&T, GEICO and IBEW Local 1049, as well as the Long Island Nets for their generosity as Mission United Champions. Employees and associates of the recognized companies filled the stadium and gave a standing ovation when two of their own – U.S. Coast Guard veteran Bartholomew Polizzotti of National Grid and U.S. Army Military Police veteran Richard Burgess of Bethpage Federal Credit Union - were honored as ‘Veterans of the Game.’ In addition, Michele Myers who ran the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, on United Way of Long Island’s Team Mission United, was recognized for completing the race and her efforts of raising over $10,000 for Mission United.
“We are grateful to all of our partners and individual donors whose funding allows hundreds of veterans to receive services and programs, ultimately helping them better provide for themselves and their families,” stated Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. Mission United veterans agency partners include United Veteran
s Beacon House, Association for Mental Health & Wellness, Family Service League, Mental Health Association of Nassau County, and Make It Count Foundation.
United Way of Long Island’s Mission United supports military veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life. Veterans programs focus on employment services, education, financial services, health and housing support. The need for these services is particularly significant on Long Island as there are more than 100,000 veterans living in our communities.
To learn more about Mission United, visit www.unitedwayli.org/missionunited.
Photo Caption Top: Mission United corporate and labor funding partners were recognized during ‘Mission United Night’ at a recent Long Island Nets game. (Left to right) Nina Fenton, United Way of Long Island Chief Development Officer; Alton Byrd, Long Island Nets Vice President, Business Operation Long Island Nets; Ronald Bauer, IBEW Local 1049, Business Manager; Rob Suarez, Bethpage Federal Credit Union AVP of Community Engagement; Darrol Dawkins, GEICO Campaign Captain; Theresa A. Regnante, United Way of Long Island President & CEO; Steven Santino, People’s United Bank SVP Senior Growth Management; Robert DeMarinis, VP Gas Operations, National Grid; Brandon Ray, Regional Director, AT&T External Affairs/Long Island; Kirk Bailey, AT&T Director of Sales/Long Island; and Michele Myers, 2018 Marathoner - Team Mission United, raised $10,000 for veterans.
Photo Caption Bottom: U.S. Army Military Police veteran Richard Burgess (left) of Bethpage Federal Credit Union and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Bartholomew Polizzotti (right) of National Grid are honored as ‘Veterans of the Game’ during ‘Mission United Night’ at a recent Long Island Nets game.