Curran Honors Local Vets from Malverne with Special Recognition Ceremony

Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st AD) recently recognized and honored 15 local veterans at his annual Veterans’ Hall of Honor event at the St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Council #2228 Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook. This year’s honorees from Malverne are Edward Mahoney and John Smart. Family members and friends were invited to celebrate. Thanking the veterans for their service and patriotism to their country and community, Curran presented each with an official New York State Assembly Proclamation.

“This is always a special event that gives our community the opportunity to celebrate and honor our brave men and women, like Edward and John, who sacrificed so much to ensure our freedoms and way of life,” said Curran. “With Veterans Day nearly upon us, it is important to take the time to recognize and thank our veterans every day. We owe everything we enjoy today to those who are called to serve, and each of our veterans deserves our gratitude and respect. This recognition is but a small token of appreciation for everything they have achieved for this great nation and its citizens.”

#1 Pictured from left: Assemblyman Curran, Honoree’s wife, Veronica, Honoree Edward Mahoney and Lynbrook Mayor William Hendrick

Edward Mahoney joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. Following boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, Edward became an engineer in the 9th Engineer Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California, and his unit was deployed to Chu Lai, South Vietnam in 1966. While deployed with the 1st Marine Division, Edward was assigned to find and remove explosives in minefields throughout the area, and was wounded and later awarded the Purple Heart as well as 10 other medals and ribbons for his service, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 1st Class Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After he was honorably discharged, Edward completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from NYIT and joined the New York City Police Department in 1968, serving as a police officer for 31 years, where he represented his fellow police officers as a Trustee of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Edward now lives in Malverne with his wife, Veronica, with whom he has raised three daughters: Tara Ann, Lauren Elizabeth and Kelly Lynn. Edward is also the proud grandparent of Audrey Grace.

#2 Pictured from left: Lynbrook Trustee Michael Hawxhurst, Honoree John Smart and Assemblyman Curran

John T. Smart was born in Los Angeles, California in 1915. After his graduation in 1934 from Stony Brook School, he entered West Point Prep School, then the Brooklyn Academy, and then attended New York University’s School of Tax. John was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, serving in the Philippines until he was discharged at the end of World War II in 1945. After leaving the military, John married his late wife of 51 years, Anna, and established one of the nation’s first automated laundromats and took a position with Pfizer, holding it until his retirement 20 years later. John has been a dedicated civic participant for many years through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, the Annual Malverne Parade, the Community Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the Auxiliary Police, the American Legion and the Malverne Environment Council.

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