Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso, a member of the NYS Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, recognized veterans and presented them with NYS Assembly citations prior to a concert held in their honor at Memorial Park in New Hyde Park by Voices for Veterans.
Voices for Veterans was founded by Dr. Robert Goebel of New Hyde Park, who wanted to show his respect for veterans. The group has acknowledged veterans and active military personnel nationwide through music events held to show appreciation for their service. Funds raised through donations, journals ads and ticket/merchandise sales are used towards scholarships and the concerts.
“We owe a huge gratitude to these veterans,” D’Urso said. “I am glad I was able to honor these men for their meritorious service.”
Honored veterans include:
Michael Dolan, Army, 1965-1967, Vietnam, E4
Jerry Pecora, Navy, 1979-1983, USS America, Machinist, Mate, Fireman
Martin Cernese, Army, 1964-1966, Germany, SPEC 4, Corporal
Gunter Harter, Army, 1967-1969, Vietnam, Sergeant
William HotHan, Army, 1952-1954, Germany, Sergeant
Mario Obertis, Ari Force, 1951-1955, Germany, Staff Sergeant
Robert Simmons, Army, 1969-1971, Germany, Sergeant
James Lutz, U.S. Marines, 1980-1987, Japan, Korea, Sergeant