George Kunz of New Suffolk celebrated his 18th birthday in 1944 aboard on a troop train bound for the Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. Last month, more than 70 years later, the 91-year-old finally received his high school diploma from the South Huntington School District. READ
Southold High School’s Class of 2020 is selling flags to honor veterans, current service members or ROTC cadets. Flags will be displayed on the school’s Memorial Meadow Field of Flags Nov. 5 through Dec. 8 and will be available for pickup by sponsors Dec. 9. READ
As a young man serving in the Marines during the Vietnam War, George Sullivan envisioned a career in the military. A mission to help rescue the crew of a downed helicopter altered that path, changing his life forever. READ
The Suffolk County Legislature has passed a bill designed to make life easier for veterans: designated parking spots at all county buildings.
Tuesday’s Flag Day installation dinner at American Legion Griswold Terry Glover Post 803 in Southold was a night of celebration. Honorees included new post commander Charles Sanders along with three 50-year members and three student scholarship winners. Past commanders were also recognized and new officers were officially sworn in.
Students at Bishop McGann-Mercy High School honored local veterans Friday in a ceremony that began with the raising of the American flag outside the school by the Commander of the American Legion in Riverhead, Michael Pankowsky. READ
Benjamin the golden retriever has several neat tricks to help his master, Joseph Worley. READ
Veterans on the East End will now be able to get their health care closer to home.
Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead was approved Tuesday as a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Choice Program, which allows veterans to get healthcare from non-VA hospitals and clinics. READ
Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing officials let Staff Sgt. Rob Surozenski know he won their Veteran’s Day Wedding Giveaway contest. (Credit: Nicole Smith)
When United States Marine Corps Drill Instructor Robert Surozenski answered a Skype call Tuesday, he thought it was for a follow-up interview with officials at Brecknock Hall, where he and his wife, Sara, were among six couples vying for a free wedding.
The real reason the 2007 Southold High School graduate received the call, however, was to be told he had won the contest.
“I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, me, having been brought up on the North Fork and being in the military; to have the opportunity to come back out there and spend the day with my family and marry the woman I love, I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity,” he said from Japan, where he is currently serving his third tour.
Staff Sgt. Surozenski met his wife while he was stationed in San Diego and the two married in California — where she is from and where they reside — after Mr. Surozenski completed his Drill Instructor training. He had hoped to get married with his friends and family present “back home” on the North Fork, but due to his demanding schedule that wasn’t possible, until now.
The couple will renew their vows on Sunday Nov. 8, over Veteran’s Day weekend, in front of up to 80 people.
Staff Sgt. Rob Surozenski and his wife, Sara LeDonne. (Credit: Courtesy)
This is the fifth year Brecknock Hall at Peconic Landing has held its annual Veteran’s Day Wedding Giveback. The contest provides current or veteran service members and their significant other the opportunity to have a wedding on the North Fork, free of charge on Veteran’s Day.
A four-person panel consisting of three war veterans and a veteran’s wife judged the contest. They evaluated the contestants based on number of years served, special military honors and each couple’s personal love story.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to give them this opportunity,” said William Moller, one of the voting veterans. “He served on the ROTC at Southold High School and it is nice to see that he continued on that path.”
The news that the couple had won was actually delivered by Staff Sgt. Surozenski’s sister, Michelle Surozenski-Koke, who entered the room during the Skype call holding red, white and blue balloons. Brecknock Hall officials then called Ms. Surozenski to deliver the news.
“We can’t even believe it, I can’t even breathe,” she said. “I have no words. I am so thrilled and excited … I really appreciate the fact that my husband gets the opportunity to have the wedding of his dreams with his family. It is just so awesome.”
