Changing Lives at Changing Times

Deer Park, NY (November 6, 2015) -- Changing Times Pubs is offering a month-long salute to veterans this November at their three locations in Bay Shore, East Northport and Farmingdale in support of United Way of Long Island’s Mission United veteran assistance program. Throughout the month of November, Long Island veterans will be at each location to raise awareness and support of Mission United and its crucial programs that help local military families.

Throughout the month of November, each Changing Times location will feature a “Wall of Honor,” encouraging patrons to make a donation in honor of a veteran or active military member. A set of limited-edition dog tags will be given to all who contribute to the Wall of Honor as a thank you and further remembrance of those who they have honored. Long Islanders can also wear their support on their sleeves, as a line of T-Shirts has been designed to commemorate our local heroes; these T-Shirts will be on sale at all three locations throughout the month.

Changing Times Pubs owner, Jeff Egan, a self-proclaimed “Airforce brat” got involved with Mission United as he believes that, “Long Island vets are heroes within our communities and a lot of them need support when they come home. United Way of Long Island is doing a great job helping them with financial, educational and vocational programs.”

Mission United is a vital program offered to veterans and their families, as well as active military and reservists focusing on employment services, education, financial wellbeing, housing and family support. There are over 135,000 veterans on Long Island, of whom over 9,000 have entered the service since September 11, 2001. One in five veterans lives in poverty on Long Island and while unemployment rates for the general population hovers around 5%, the rate for veterans is a staggering 20%. In consideration of these numbers, the coordination of critical services is of paramount importance.

Hempstead resident and student in United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild program, Rafael Diaz said, “Mission United means helping the community. United Way of Long Island helped me when I was lost. Now I believe again.”

To find out how you can support Mission United and to learn more about United Way of Long Island’s veterans programs, please visit www.unitedwayli.com/missionunited.

From left: US Army Veteran Rafael Diaz; US Army Combat Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, Fabrizio Bustos; Changing Times Pub Owner, Jeff Egan; US Army Veteran Barry Jones.

Changing Times Locations
Bay Shore: 28 Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
East Northport: 526B Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731
Farmingdale: 1247 Melville Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735

About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.UnitedWayLI.org, Facebook United Way of Long Island or Twitter @unitedwayli.

About Mission United
MISSION UNITED is a new critical program supporting US military service members, veterans and their families on Long Island by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment, education, vocational training, health, emergency financial aid, and housing. For more information on MISSION UNITED, please visit www.UnitedWayofLI.org/MissionUnited.

About Changing Times
Changing Times of Farmingdale has been a Long Island standard for more than 26 years. Famous for its wings and burgers, Changing Times boasts incredible specials. From barbecue pulled pork to succulent lamb lollipops, you never know what may pop up next on the constantly evolving specials menu. With 16 taps and an expanded craft beer and wine menu, light bites and late-night offerings, there is something for everyone, and a happy hour crowd that is always a good time! For more information on Changing Times, please visit www.ChangingTimesPubs.com.
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