Salute to Veterans 2021 edition is published by Anton Media Group

AN HONOR TO SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED

Each year on Veterans Day, our communities pay special tribute to those who served in the armed forces. Their fierce camaraderie is contagious and their experiences inspiring. The Bristal salutes the many men and women among our ranks who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom. Our thanks should be felt and heard, especially at this time of year.

President Signs Harlem Hellfighters Bill Regiment earns Congressional Gold Medal

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Last month Congressman Tom Suozzi attended a White House signing ceremony in the Oval Office as President Joseph Biden signed legislation to award the Harlem Hellfighters a long-overdue Congressional Gold Medal.

“It is never too late to do the right thing. When I first met with the Willett family and listened to their stories, I knew we had to get this done and today, with the president’s signature, the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act is now law,” Suozzi said. “Awarding the Harlem Hellfighters the Congressional Gold Medal ensures that generations of Americans will now fully comprehend the selfless service, sacrifices and heroism displayed by these men in spite of the pervasive racism and segregation of the times. I am grateful to the many people who helped see this long-overdue recognition come to fruition, including Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Adriano Espaillat.”

Espaillat, of Harlem, is one of the lead co-sponsors of the legislation.

The Harlem Hellfighters’ Congressional Gold Medal represents only the 179th ever awarded to institutions, people or events, since the American Revolution.

Background on the Harlem Hellfighters:

The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American infantry regiment in WWI that spent 191 days in combat, more than any other American regiment. In 1918, the U.S. Army decided to assign the Hellfighters to the French Army for the duration of American participation in World War I because many white American soldiers refused to perform combat duty with African Americans. The U.S. Army refused to issue the regiment weapons. They were instead issued French weapons, helmets, belts and pouches, although they continued to wear their U.S. uniforms.

Nicknamed “Hommes de Bronze”

(Men of Bronze) by the French and “Hollenkampfer” (Hellfighters) by the Germans due to their tenacity, the Hellfighters were the first unit of the French, British, or American armies to reach the Rhine River at the end of the war. The unit earned 11 French citations and a unit Croix de Guerre and 170 soldiers were awarded the French Croix de Guerre.

necessary documentation through the National Personnel Records Center.

In November of 2019, at a ceremony at Glen Cove’s North Shore Historical Museum, Suozzi surprised the Willett family by presenting a posthumous Purple Heart to Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett “for wounds received as a result of hostile actions” in France on Oct. 4, 1918.

Background on the Congressional Gold Medal:

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress, to honor those, individually or as a group, “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field, long after the achievement.” The practice of issuing gold medals to honor recipients from the military began during the American Revolution.

The Congressional Gold Medal will be designed and struck by the United States Mint and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and at events associated with the Harlem Hellfighters. Bronze versions of the medals are struck for sale by the U.S. Mint, and may be available in both larger and smaller sizes.

Harlem Hellfighters to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen.

Background on work with the Willett Family:

In 2019, Suozzi was approached by the Glen Cove Willett family (represented today by Debra Willett) for help in obtaining a Purple Heart for Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett. After initially being declined for lack of documentation, Suozzi and his office persevered and were able to secure the

There have been only two other Congressional Gold Medals awarded to distinguished African American military groups: the Tuskegee Airmen in 2007 and the Montfort Point Marines in 2011, both from World War II.

been

Veterans Day Discounts

Veterans Day is one of the most patriotic days of the year, inspiring businesses and retailers to say thank you by offering the military and veterans free food, drinks and other discounts for their service and sacrifice. These restaurants offer free meals and desserts to service members on and around Veterans Day.

Applebee’s Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.

Little Caesars Pizza

Grab your free pizza or $5 HOT-N-READY Lunch Combo on Veterans Day.

Red Lobster

Get your free appetizer or dessert on Nov. 10 or 11.

Famous Dave’s Get a free two-meat combo served with one side item and corn bread muffin.

IHOP

Free red, white and blue pancakes with blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream.

Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts will salute veterans with a free donut on Veterans Day.

TGI Fridays Get a free lunch menu item up to $12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will also receive a $5 coupon for their next meal at Fridays. Offer for dine-in only.

Texas Roadhouse

Choose from 10 lunch offers,

including a complimentary beverage.

Outback Steakhouse

“Military Mates” and their families can get a free bloomin onion and drink.

Olive Garden

& salsa.

Chili’s

Most Chili’s offer a free meal to military and veterans, but call your local

chain for details.

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill is giving out free Bang Bang Shrimp appetizers to military and veterans on Veterans Day.

Choose

Choose from six popular entrees from Olive Garden’s menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Their “Wings for Heroes” means you’ll receive one small order of wings with a side of fries.

On the Border Choose two or three of your favorites to make a free create-yourown-combo meal with rice and beans, plus chips

Free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a select menu for Veterans and Active Duty. Dine-in only.

Always call ahead, as some locations may choose not to participate in Veterans Day offers.

Army Leads The Way

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

On Sunday, Sept. 19, more than 400 participants came together to “Remember and Celebrate Jimmy” as well as all the precious lives lost over the past 20 years. This event is typically held annually in Manhattan on Hero’s Highway (West Side Highway), but this year it was brought back to Manhasset, the hometown of Sgt. James J. “Jimmy” Regan.

Who’s Jimmy?

Regan was an exemplary scholar-athlete at Chaminade High School where he was recognized for his academic, sports and community achievements. As a result of his academic record and his All-American award on the lacrosse field, Regan was recruited by Duke University on a lacrosse scholarship.

While a student-athlete there, he led the Duke team to two ACC championships. He graduated with a degree in economics and was poised on the brink of a happy and fulfilling life before he made a life changing decision.

Deeply affected by the terror attacks of 9/11 Regan rejected lucrative Wall Street job opportunities and law school scholarships to volunteer for a military service.

In February of 2004, Regan decided to enlist and join the Army and was assigned to company C, 3rd Battalion in the 75th Ranger Regiment. While serving four tours of duty for the 3rd Battalion, he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which targeted his vehicle in northern Iraq in February of 2007.

Regan’s four tours were split between Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which are considered the deadliest place to serve. Instead of backing down, Regan paid the ultimate sacrifice standing up for the freedoms of his country. Shortly before his death, he was promoted to the rank

of Sergeant where he led his brothers with pride and honor. The loss of Regan was an immense tragedy to everyone who knew and loved him. He left behind his loving fiancee, his parents and his three sisters.

Through Lead The Way Fund, his family and friends strive to honor his spirit, his patriotism and the way he lived his life by combining our efforts to give back to his brothers, the U.S. Army Rangers.

About The Race

At the race in September, runners ended their race at Mary Jane Davies Park on Plandome Road in Manhasset. The run passed by the home where Regan grew up, the elementary school he attended and the field named in his honor.

Post-run activities were held at the park including entertainment by the Meade Brothers Band, kid-friendly activities (face painting and coloring books), food and more. The event raised more than $60,000 that will go directly back into supporting Army Rangers and their families.

Army Ranger Lead

The Way Fund would like to thank all the runners and families who participated in this event and exceeded all of the fundraising expectations. Thanks also to Brother Tom Cleary (president of Chaminade High School), the Atwell, Sarcona, Brodsky, and Vlahos families, the Town of North Hempstead, Mark Sauvigne and the Manhasset Park District, the Village of Munsey Park, the Hon. Barbara Donno (mayor of Plandome Manor), Nassau County Police and the 6th Precinct, Tommy Susco, the Meade Brothers, the Army lacrosse team and Coach Joe Alberici and the whole Duke, Chaminade and Manhasset communities.

What Is Lead The Way Fund?

Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, Inc. is an active duty, casualty

Sgt. James Regan

assistance, recovery, transition and veterans organization that provides financial support, beyond what the government and the VA can offer, to the U.S. Army Rangers and the families of those who have died, have been disabled or who are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. Lead The Way Fund currently has programs to aid the specific needs of Army Rangers. These programs range in efforts of physical care and rehabilitation to wounded or ill Rangers, activities and financial support for the Family Readiness Groups and family members of Rangers, support for spouses

and dependents left behind by the heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Homes are also built from the ground up to have full accessibility for severely wounded Rangers. The fund also offers educational help and guidance for those who want to enter the workforce after serving and most importantly, provides an outlet to focus and improve on the mental health of Army Rangers. With the creation of these programs, it is the fund’s mission to lead these Rangers back.

Visit www.leadthewayfund.org to learn more about the organization and how to get involved.

The Leathernecks MC Long Island chapter (pictured above) led by President Frank Danetra hosted its 20th anniversary motorcycle run. This run benefits veterans in the Northport Veterans hospital. Veterans at the VA were elated to to see all the motorcycles pass in review. The Leathernecks MC would like to thank Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Tom Hand, County Legislator Laura Schaeffer and Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 6 members for their continued support and participation. The New York State Police dutifully escorted the ride to the VA hospital. The Leathernecks MC also extends its most gracious thanks to the veteran and motorcycle communitites for their support for more than 20 years on this run. Semper Fidelis. See www. longislandweekly.com/leathernecks-varun2021 for more photos.

Jimmy’s Run through Manhasset in September of 2021

A secure retirement doesn’t just happen. It requires a plan. The PWM MasterPlan delivers financial peace of mind

The PWM OnePlan delivers nancial peace of mind

When it comes to retirement planning, most people don’t know where to start or who to trust. They lack the time, knowledge and tools needed to take control of their

financial lives.

As a Certified Financial Planner, we know it’s almost impossible to do this on your own. That’s why we created the PWM MasterPlan, the foundation enabling us to o er you the most appropriate fiduciary advice.

The PWM MasterPlan is a holistic, long-term framework that provides you clarity and direction in making the correct financial decisions. Serving as your personal “chief ,” we apply our knowledge and experience from working with many individuals and families. The process o ers you peace of mind knowing you can achieve your retirement goals.

financial o cer

The PWM MasterPlan provides you with:

• or

•

Comprehensive financial organization

Fully integrated retirement plan

• Tailored

•

Tailored investment strategy

• Detailed advanced planning

With more than 100 years of combined experience, Palumbo Wealth Management is the client-first private wealth management firm delivering the highest level of service to clients who are nearing or in retirement.

Contact us today to build your own PWM MasterPlan.

Philip G. Palumbo, CFP® Founder and CEO

Palumbo Wealth Management 1010 Northern Blvd., Suite 310 | Great Neck, NY 11021 | 516.629.7536 | palumbowm.com

successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Palumbo Wealth Management LLC o ers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory

to

and distinct, di er in material ways and are governed by di erent laws and separate arrangements.