Cow Harbor Warriors Donates $75,000 to Local Veterans Organizations

Photo: Held in September, the Cow Harbor Warrior Weekend, kicked off with a parade in Northport.

Submitted by Cow Harbor Warriors

Stephen Siwulec was a soldier in the Army before he was a senior in high school. After tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Neconset, New York native was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 2008. He left the Army, but still serves his fellow soldiers as an employee of the Northport VA Medical Center. Now, he has some assistance of his own as the recipient of a Paws of War service dog.

“Getting my service dog will help me be able to go the mall and large crowded areas and help me with my nerves,” Siwulec said. “She will help me to get out of the house and give me a battle buddy that I am accountable for and can take care of.”

Siwulec is just one of the many tri-state veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) who will benefit from funds raised by the Cow Harbor Warrior Weekend. Paws of War and the Northport VA Medical Center today received checks for $25,000 each. A third organization, the Semper Fi Fund, will also be receiving a $25,000 check.

“Service dogs are invaluable in helping our veterans adjust and adapt to life after war,” said Robert Misseri, president of Paws of War. “It’s simply incredible to witness the life-changing impact these dogs can have for our warriors.”

The Northport VA Medical Center plans to put its funds to use in supporting three programs that benefit wounded veterans or veterans in need. These programs are the Hero Health Hunger Project, The Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network (DAV) and the Adaptive Sports Program.

“We’re deeply grateful for the support from Cow Harbor Warriors and extremely proud of the team work and community effort that made this year’s Warrior Weekend such an incredible success,” said Philip C. Moschitta, director for the Medical Center. “These funds will go toward programs that touch the lives of veterans when and where they need help the most: getting to their doctor visits, staying healthy and active as well as assisting our most vulnerable veterans with nutritious meals.

Rocco Donnino, founding member and outgoing president of the Cow Harbor Warriors said the efforts prove that Northport and the surrounding communities truly care about the men and women who protect our nation.

“Real patriotism can be measured by the way we treat our veterans once the fighting overseas has ended,” Donnino said. “I’m very proud that our citizens have shown they will stand up for our soldiers as they face the tough and often deeply personal battles that await them once they return.”