Canine Companions to Honor Veterans at Salute Independence on Nov. 4th

It's time to think of those who fought for our freedom. To celebrate this year's Veterans Day holiday, Canine Companions, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs to help adults, children and veterans with disabilities, is coming together to host their 15th annual "Salute Independence" event in Bay Shore.

Salute Independence brings together community members to honor veterans not only for their military contributions, but also their efforts of rehabilitation with service dogs and community work. Celebrations will begin on November 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Captain Bills Restaurant, located at 122 Ocean Avenue. This year's honorees include:

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The Vietnam War – Staff Sgt. Arturo Edwards USA (Ret.)

80-year-old Arturo Edwards of Farmingdale is a Vietnam veteran recognized by the community for his years of service and dedication to aiding homeless veteran organizations.

Arturo grew up in Panama and immigrated to the United States in 1964. Upon arriving in the United States, Arturo became eligible for the draft as was selected for service within a year. Arturo worked in the Brownsville, NY Police in public affairs for many years and like many Vietnam Veterans did not speak of his time in Vietnam for many years. Today Arturo embraces being a Vietnam Veteran and works with many Veteran organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America, American Veterans (AMVETS), VFW and the American Legion.

Sgt. Ron Shindel – Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New York

Sgt. Shindel is a retired New York police officer who served as commanding officer of Operation Ground Zero after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. He is currently a police chief with the Port Authority of New York and the New Jersey Police Department, and is the executive officer for all New York area airports and seaports. During his two years with the PAPD, he developed the George Washington Bridge's suicide intervention protocol, which has more than doubled the annual lives saved, and also led initiatives that resulted in increases in traffic and DWI arrests at the bridge.

Tickets for the for "Salute Independence" at Captain Bill's in Bay Shore, on November 4, can be purchased at canine.org/event/salute-independence-2025.