Veteran's Bequest Provides SUV to Putnam Agency

The final wishes of a World War II veteran came to pass today when his 2007 Honda Odyssey was donated to the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency.

Thomas Hearn, the son of former Somers resident John W. “Jack” Hearn, flew in from his Maryland home to officially turn over the keys of his father’s van to Karl Rohde, director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency.

Jack Hearn wanted to donate his van to an organization that would help vets. Thomas Hearn asked a state official and Putnam was the recommended recipient.

“My father lived in Heritage Hills in Somers for 14 years before he relocated to Castle Point two years ago,” said Thomas. “He was most grateful for all the help he received from Brennan Mahoney of the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs and wanted to make sure that his van would be donated to an organization that could help veterans. Mr. Mahoney suggested I consider donating the van so that it could be used by Putnam County’s Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Also, while residing in Somers, Jack became close friends with Carmel residents Christine Venezia, her mother, Dee Seftner and Steven Pirolo, all of whom, Thomas Hearn said, enriched his father’s life.

“Donating the van to Putnam County veterans is a way to recognize their friendship and support,” Thomas Hearn said.

The timing of the donation is particularly relevant for the Veterans Service Agency as they are presently expanding their transportation services to make it easier for veterans to get to their medical appointments at Castle Point and Montrose VA facilities.

“Actually, we are looking for veterans to volunteer as drivers for us and assist us in getting our veterans to and from their doctor appointments at the VA,” said Rohde. “Anyone interested can contact our office at (845) 808-1620 or contact County Executive Odell at (845) 808-1001,” he said.

Jack Hearn was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gerhig’s disease, and purchased the van which had been adapted to transport a passenger confined to a wheelchair in 2011. Jack Hearn made clear to his son that he wanted the van to be donated specifically for use by wheelchair bound veterans like himself.

Karl Rohde, Putnam’s director of Veterans Service Agency, was thrilled to learn of Jack’s decision.

“We are so grateful to Jack and Thomas Hearn for this very thoughtful gesture. While we already have a bus that can easily carry about 15 veterans, it will be nice to have a smaller, more economical vehicle for those time we only need to transport one or two wheelchair-bound veterans,” Rohde said.

Once the Heritage Hills condo where his father lived was sold, donating the van became a priority for Thomas Hearn.

“So now I’m wrapping up the unfinished business of seeing to it that dad’s van gets donated to the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency,” he said.

According to his obituary, Jack Hearn was born on February 17, 1927 and died on October 14, 2014. As a young man, Jack served on the US Navy destroyer USS Otter from July 11, 1945 to Aug 11, 1946. In 1949, he married Theresa Dickson, who predeceased him in 1996. Following her death, Jack moved from White Plains where the couple raised their seven children and relocated to Heritage Hills. Jack is survived by his children, John Jr., Mary Ann, Andrew, Katherine, Thomas, Theresa, Margaret and seven grandchildren.

County Executive MaryEllen Odell , who was also present for the event, said this was just another example of the selflessness of the Greatest Generation.

“I have encountered this kind of thoughtfulness from so many of our World War II veterans,” Odell said in a prepared statement. “They are such wonderful examples for the rest of us, always looking to see how they can help another veteran. It is indeed an honor for us to accept Jack Hearn’s gracious donation.”

Photo: County Executive MaryEllen Odell watches as Thomas Hearn presents Veterans Service Agency Director Karl Rohde with the keys to his father’s Honda Odyssey. Former Somers resident World War II veteran Jack Hearn, who passed away in October, wanted his van donated to an organization that would specifically assist wheelchair bound veterans/contributed