Mattituck Man Paddles For PTSD Awareness

MATTITUCK, NY — Joining hearts and hands, PSEG Long Island employees, including Tom Gross of Mattituck, came out in force for the 22nd annual PTSD Awareness Challenge Kayak event recently.

All involved were eager to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The 22-mile, cross-sound kayak event started in Bridgeport, CT, and ended in Port Jefferson, a PSEG rep said. "The event brought together a variety of veteran related non-profits in an effort to raise money and promote PTSD services to as many veterans as possible. "

Three PSEG employees, two of whom are linemen — all are U.S. military veterans— kayaked 22 miles across the Long Island; about a dozen other employees helped out by manning chase boats. Others cheered on their colleagues as they crossed the finish line, a release said.

“It was an honor to serve my country and it continues to be an honor to serve my fellow veterans,” said Gross, a PSEG Long Island lineman and a member of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Infantry division. “Seeing the tremendous outpouring of support from my fellow PSEG Long Island co-workers shows how dedicated our organization is to the communities we serve and to our veterans. It really warmed my heart.”

Photo courtesy PSEG Long Island.