Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron collaborated with Catholic Health Good Samaritan Hospital and The Islip Arts Council in bringing local Veteran organizations together for an art exhibit and informational expo followed by a viewing of the acclaimed documentary Walk With Frank to increase awareness of mental health and our Veterans in the community. The event brought many community members and Veterans together, making the First Annual Veterans Awareness Project an overwhelming success.
So many Veterans face such issues as PTSD, mental illness, homelessness and ongoing recovery. The Veterans Awareness Project was possible with the help of sponsors such as, Catholic Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Islip Arts Council, Kerzner Contracting Corp., Bay Shore Lions, Francis Beringer, Ken Nevor, and Legislators Cilmi and Flotteron. The art exhibit featured local Veteran artists and the documentary welcomed home Bay Shore native and Veteran Frank Romeo.
Legislator Flotteron presented a check from funds raised through our Veterans Awareness Project. Pictured (L-R): Good Samaritan Hospital's CAO Ruth Hennessey and COO John McMurray; Eileen Shanahan, Warrior Ranch; Frank Romeo, Walk With Frank, Inc. and Frank Amalfitano, Pres., CEO United Veterans Beacon House (Cooking for Long Island Veterans, Project9Line not present).
There are plans to continue raising awareness for Veteran programs and resources with another event in the fall.