Curran Honors Rockville Centre and South Hempstead Veterans at Special 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 honoree from Rockville Centre is Frank Colon, Jr, and from South Hempstead, Charles Brady. Family members and friends of the honorees 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 Frank and Charles, 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.”

Frank Colon, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1972, following in the footsteps of his father, a U.S. Navy and World War II veteran. After basic and AIT training at Fort Dix, Colon was assigned to C Battery, 2/75 Field Artillery, Hanau, Germany before reenlisting with an assignment to HQS 559th Artillery Group, Vincenza, Italy, and to 563rd Military Police Company, Fort Hamilton, N.Y. He was reassigned to Secretary Combined Staff for General John A. Wickham, Commander in Chief of all allied forces in South Korea, and after finishing that tour he was assigned to USA Instructor Group, Hofstra University ROTC until 1983. For his career in military service, Colon received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), and the Army Recruiting Ring – the highest award in recruiting command.

A lifelong New Yorker, Charles Brady trained as a baker before he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in March 1946. He was sent to Geiger Field in Spokane, Wash. to attend bricklaying school before receiving orders to the Philippines. Serving our nation in the South Pacific, Brady worked as a bricklayer at Clark Air Base until he was commandeered by a lieutenant to help the short-staffed kitchen. His culinary skills were quickly noticed and he was reassigned to the kitchen, where his skills as a baker were put to use. Discharged in April 1947, Brady returned to New York and was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He moved to South Hempstead in 1952 and continues to live there today. Predeceased by his wife Marguerite, he remains close to their daughter Rosemarie and son Robert, helping to supervise family construction projects and bake for special occasions – including the decoration of cupcakes for his own 90th birthday.

Photos: Assemblyman Brian Curran's Office.