Community Corner
Blauvelt Sons of Italy Presents Homes for Heroes with $1,500
The organization works to provide supportive, permanent, affordable rental apartments for honorably discharged disabled and displaced Vets.
From GMG PR: On July 26th, Michael Guzzino, President of the Blauvelt Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge 2176, presented former Rockland County Legislator and Veteran John Murphy with a check for $1,500. The money will go directly to support Rockland Homes for Heroes, a not-for-profit 501[c]3 corporation, created to provide supportive, permanent, affordable rental apartments for honorably discharged disabled and displaced Veterans.
The apartments are located at Camp Shanks in Orangeburg. Camp Shanks is known as “Last Stop USA”, for the 1.3 million GIs gathered from all over America from 1943 to 1944 for their preparation to sail to Europe to await the D-Day invasion on the Beaches of France. Most of the GI’s killed on the Omaha and Utah Beaches passed through Camp Shanks.
Homes for Heroes serves as a living memorial to the historic military land on which the apartments stand. “We are proud to support the honorably discharged Veterans, both men and women, who might otherwise find themselves homeless,” stated John Murphy, Executive Director for the project.
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The money was raised by the Lodge by hosting a Bocelli night fundraiser. During the check presentation, Veteran Michael Smith told his story of serving his country, coming home, struggling with alcohol abuse and eventually receiving help and now a home through Home for Heroes. “Thank you for your service and for sharing your story tonight,” stated Mike Guzzino who then promised there would be more donations from the Lodge in the future. Everyone present took a moment to shake hands with Veteran Michael Smith.
Photo courtesy of GMG PR (Left to right: Sons of Italy Blauvelt Lodge 2176 President Michael Guzzino presents a check for $1,500 to John Murphy who is spearheading the Homes for Heroes project in Rockland County. Veteran Michael Smith was on hand for the event and shared his story and is joined in the photo with Lodge members Bob Iorio, Richie Iannazzo, Joe Saccocio and Mike Pizzi. PHOTO CREDIT: Risa B. Hoag)
