Congressman Pat Ryan hosts annual Veteran's Day luncheon to thank and pledge full support to America's veterans!

by Sharon E. Siegel

Congressman Pat Ryan hosted what has become an annual gathering as part of  Veterans Day events.  A Veterans Day luncheon was served in New Windsor on Sunday, November 9 at the Orange County Veterans Center.

Ryan, himself a graduate of West Point and a veteran, served two combat tours in Iraq and earned two Bronze Stars during his years of service.  Five generations of his family have lived in the Hudson Valley, including his grandfather – a WWII veteran and Purple Heart recipient.  Ryan said it is his mission to do anything he possibly can to recognize and help America’s veterans.

“On behalf of myself and the 80,000 American citizens that I represent in this Hudson Valley, I thank all veterans that have worn the uniform to protect and serve our country,” Ryan told those gathered this past weekend. “I thank each of you, and I and my staff are here for you.”

Three veterans of the 38,000 he represents in his district were specially honored at the luncheon, chosen from nominations solicited across the Hudson Valley.  Ryan noted he plans to continue to recognize veterans from the Ulster, Orange, and Dutchess counties he serves as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gavin Walters:  From Ulster County, Gavin Walters was born in Jamaica, came to the United States in 1988, enlisted in the Air Force after high school, and has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University.  He is the Director of Vet2Vet in Ulster County.  He and others in his organization counsel veterans that return from service. 

Ryan credited Walters with saving the lives of veterans in local communities through his post-service outreach and contact with other veterans.

“We serve because we know our children, family, and communities need us to,” Walters said.  “But many come home with broken hearts after that service.  We never want a veteran to feel abandoned.  Congressman Ryan’s own service, and the service of other veterans, allow veterans to connect and talk with others who understand.”

Dan Dambrozio:  Dan Dambrozio, Orange County, entered the United States Army in June of 1968 at Fort Jackson.  He then went to Fort Knox, Kentucky and from November of 1968 to November of 1969 – Vietnam.    Dambrozio spent ten years in the Army and 18-years  in the National Guard and as a veteran served as Commander of American Legion Post 1308.

“He is a humble servant, a leader who puts others before himself,” Ryan said in introducing Dambrozio.

Dambrozio urged more information and help be provided to veterans as they return from service, and back into civilian lives.

Nate Grant:  Nate Grant, referenced with his nickname  “Nate the Great”, was born in VA and raised in North Carolina.  As one of 12 children, he turned down a baseball scholarship to help his family.  As a veteran in Dutchess County, he has served as Commander of Post 170  in Poughkeepsie and American Legion Post #37.

In his introduction, Ryan referenced Grant’s military assignment as “one of the most dangerous and brave jobs” and recognized the great courage, bravery, and humility shown  in his service as a ‘tunnel rat’ and other duties completed in Vietnam.

“I was in my last two weeks in Vietnam, and was cleaning up the base when three days before I left some of my squad stepped on a mine,” Grant said in urging connection when a veteran returns home.

Ryan pledged his full agreement, and personal support in fostering such connection.

“Please reach out to friends, or to us, or to other veterans who uniquely understand whatever is going on,” Ryan said.  “So many are not connected.  We need to keep our VA open, and we need to work on saving the 20 veterans a day who are taking their own lives.”

“I thank each of you here and hope you will take this time today to visit and enjoy this time together. Happy Veterans Day!”