Sauschuck Family hosts Flag Day veteran dinner attended by nearly 100

By Sharon E. Siegel

PORT JERVIS, NY – Luanna and Mitch Sauschuck and family (Luanna, Mitch, Sydney and Antonio Sauschuck-Mininno, Carson and Riley Sauschuck, and Cody Brewster) decorated the Erie Trackside Manor last weekend in red, white, and blue for a completely free-of-charge Flag Day dinner for veterans and a guest.

The ‘Thank You for Your Service Gala’  included a full-course-buffet, music by Rockafuller DG Entertainment and local musician Brayden Ross, dancing, prizes from local businesses and individuals, and a chance for those who served their nation to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans and guests.

Veterans of all military branches, service eras, and diverse backgrounds were encouraged to attend and enjoy an evening held completely in their honor.  There were seats for up to 200, which the Sauschuck Family was prepared for.

A total of approximately 85 attended the event, many taking time to thank their hosts

throughout the event for the generous, kind opportunity.   

Costs were funded in creative ways, including bake sales that featured Luana’s mom’s special pumpkin cake recipe and generous community support through online basket raffles and other items distributed to veterans during the event.

“We thank all of our sponsors and community members for their generous efforts in fundraising.  We could not have done it without all of their support,” Luanna said.

Luanna Sauschuck said as a member of the Tri-State community and a person who has always respected, appreciated, and understood the sacrifices made by those who have served, she has always realized how precious freedom is.  She had wanted to do something like this past weekend’s veteran thank you for a long time. 

“Our guests of honor are any/all veterans that have served our great nation,” Luanna said.

Luanna said while teaching at Delaware Valley School District for 32-years, and being the mother of three children who attended Port Jervis School District, she and her own children and students have proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance daily and always been grateful to those who have protected their nation.

“Every year for 32 years, I have asked my children/students in the first two weeks of school to please think deeply about what the words mean and stand for and to take their time and say the words for the Pledge of Allegiance with respect and gratitude,” Luanna said.

The Sauschuck Family wishes to thank all who supported this event, and is especially grateful to all veterans for their brave service. 

"We are so happy everyone truly enjoyed themselves and I hope they did feel appreciated. That is so very important to me," Luanna said.