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NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2020
Honoring those who served our country
INSIDE: A Veteran’s Perspective
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A Veteran’s Perspective
Joseph Perry Grassi discusses his new novel and his journey BY EMILY SAUCHELLI esauchelli@antonnews.com
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What is The Little Guy (or The Motor Scooter) about? It’s about a fairly young man who joins the Army kind of late in life. The average recruits [are] between 18 and 24-years-old. So, the protagonist in this book—Corrado—joins when he’s 28-years-old. He’s looking for direction in life; he’s broken hearted and feels like he wants to be part of something greater than himself. The book is about all of the dynamics that we face in America today. The book is about the U.S. Army experience. Within that story there are subplots that have to do with diversity and inclusion, prejudice and discrimination.
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Where did you find inspiration for The Little Guy (or The Motor Scooter)? I graduated from Stony Brook, and I was a literature major. The great writers in American literature have influenced me; Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Also, I was inspired by other types of
Joseph Perry Grassi
(Photo courtesy Joseph Perry Grassi)
good. Lots of times ‘the little guy’ is the hero, like David and Goliath. art such as plays and movies. Neil Simon who wrote Biloxi Blues inspired me. The movie Forrest Gump inspired me as well as its writer Winston Groom. I was [also] inspired and encouraged by friends and family.
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Is there a meaning behind the title of the book? I chose ‘the little guy’ for a couple of reasons. The protagonist—like myself—is not a very big guy. Anybody who is under 5-feet-9 inches and male is considered a little guy. Literally the character is a ‘little guy.’ The old wise adage is write what you know. So, that’s what I did. The little guy—in terms of the proverbial expression—is the guy that doesn’t have much power in the world, in the country. He’s the guy who doesn’t have a lot of power in life. No one listens to what he has to say. His opinions and comments are usually maligned or ridiculed or sideline, and no one pays much attention to him. But then again, ‘the little guy’ can do a lot of
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What compelled you to become a writer? My mother subscribed to Readers What prompted you to go into Digest when I was a kid. I was the Army? When the Ground Zero rescue and about 6 or 7-years-old. I learned that if you wrote a short story—100 to 200 recovery efforts were occurring, I words for Readers Digest—you could was working at a publishing company, make between $250 and $500. I said and I was sitting in a cubicle, and I to myself, ‘Wow you can make a lot of was devastated and heartbroken like money sending in a 100 or 200-word everyone. It left me speechless. I said, story’. I was always very impressed by ‘Well, you know, I’d like to help, too.’ I figured at where I was in my life. I said, that. Also, I was in grade school and my teacher said, ‘I want you to write ‘I have no girlfriend. I’m not married. what you did on your summer vacation. I don’t have any kids. I’m going to sign You have to do artwork with a cover up and join the army, and that’s how I and write a page or two.’ I wrote a lot. came to decide to join the army. I didn’t write a page or two. I wrote six What has being part of the Army or seven pages. It was a story I called, taught you? Adventures with Grandma. I spent I was inspired by Hemingway a large part of my summers with my because what Hemingway did was grandma who lived near the Long he was a medic in World War I, and he Beach boardwalk. Everybody reacted wrote a lot of fiction, but the fiction that in such a positive way to it. Between he wrote was based on his experience. Readers Digest and my success with the So, that’s what I did. In terms of my exreport on summer vacation, I said that perience in the army, I would say that, is something I would like to pursue. if anyone wants to learn about America, The Little Guy (or The Motor then you should join the army or join Scooter) is available on Amazon and the military. The reason why is because at all major booksellers
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oseph Perry Grassi served in the United States Army as a logistical specialist from 2002-06. The Little Guy (or The Motor Scooter) is the Long Island native’s first-ever published book. Grassi has a background as a writer, having worked at a variety of publications. He shared his insight into how this book came to be and his reasoning for serving serving.
you’re going to meet individuals from every walk of life, from every corner of the United States and the territories. It’s an incredible learning experience because you’re going to learn about and meet people of every race, background and creed. You’re going to find people who are really well to do and had a lot of money growing up. You’re going to meet people who had nothing and were very poor growing up. Meanwhile, you have all these people—from all different kinds of backgrounds and all different places and different cultures. I learned a lot about the citizens of America and the world.
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Honoring Our Veterans A look back on those who served our country
Veteran’s Day is approaching and during this time it is crucial to honor those who served our country. Whether it was a loved one who served years ago or someone that is serving currently, it is a sacrifice. There are seven branches of the United States military; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard and The National Guard.
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A) Joseph A. Rinaldi Major U.S. Air Force 1986-2007 B) Joseph Picone U.S. Air Force Served 24 years Retired 1993 C) Armand Tarantelli Private First Class U.S. Army 14th armored division D) Christy Hinko U.S. Navy
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Radioman Second Class Petty Officer U.S.S. Nimitz E) Rudolph Picone U.S. Air Force 1941-1945 F) Julian Bretado Petty Officer First Class U.S. Navy Active Duty Eight years G) Lany Pruyn Sergeant U.S. Army Air
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Forces World War II 1941-1945 H) Jorge Nunez Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force 1975-1979, 1982-1998 I) John W. Carter Private First Class U.S. Marine Corps Korea J) Albert F. Gallo Captain U.S. Army Iwo Jima, World
War II K) Albert C. Rinaldi Boatswains Mate First Class U.S. Navy 1952-1956 L) Frank Virga Jr. Staff Sergeant U.S. Army North Korea 1951-1953 M) Brandon Picone U.S. Air Force Served 10 years Retired 2005
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SALUTE OUR VETERANS
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Museum in Farmingdale Set To Host Veteran’s Event
Program features precision flyovers by vintage military aircrafts
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he American Airpower Museum—Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum—will host a special Veterans Day program honoring Long Island veterans, on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The American Airpower Museum (AAM) is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the men and women who have worn the uniform of our armed forces. Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq will be on hand. This year’s program will commemorate the service performed by each honoree. “WWII veterans set high stanArmand Tarantelli, 94, served in the U.S. dards and passed the torch to later Army in Germany on a Sherman tank. generations of soldiers, who met the (Photo courtesy The American Airpower Museum) challenge by continuing to defend America and her allies around the world to this day,” Jeff Clyman, AAM and veterans $10 and children $8. president, said in a statement. No tickets or pre-registration is Among the honorees are eight World necessary. Due to the need for social War II veterans from Long Island’s greatest generation—Frank Agoglia, Deer Park; Ed Dionian, Farmingdale; Robert Edelson, Massapequa; Albert Gallo, Garden City South; Dr. Richard Heinl, Syosset; Bud Rosch, Bethpage; Armand Tarantelli, Hicksville; Carl Tringali, Brooklyn. The American Legion celebrated Additional honorees are Long its 100-year anniversary last year. Island veterans who were active in The American Legion was formed Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. as a veteran’s organization whose “Whether they served in the U.S. purpose was to give support to Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, servicemen returning home from Merchant Marines or Coast Guard, World War I and those still serving all veterans played an equal role in in the military. The New Hyde our victory in World War II and the Park/Ernie Pyle American Legion Cold War,” Clyman explained. “Long Post 1089 is the American Legion Island’s defense industry produced Post supporting the local veterans thousands of aircraft for America’s and residents of New Hyde Park ‘Arsenal of Democracy.’ Our veterand the surrounding areas. ans—aware of the risks— flew them We as members of the New into harm’s way in America’s battles Hyde Park Post strive to continue against fascism during World War the ideals and values set by the II and in Cold War conflicts against American Legion 100 years ago. communist tyranny.” We support our local veterans Join us on Nov. 7 at AAM’s by having monthly meetings. At Ceremony of Honors. Afterwards, these meetings, we forward our watch in awe as aircraft from AAM’s members current information on fleet of meticulously maintained Veteran’s Affairs and veteran’s vintage warbirds depart from the support groups. We request our museum’s ramp. They take to the members to pass the information skies to perform precision flybys over on to others veterans that they may Republic Airport, creating super camknow. Every year on Memorial era-ready opportunities for military Day and Veterans Day, we hold a aviation enthusiasts. ceremony at the New Hyde Park Admission for adults is $13, seniors
will be allowed on the outdoor ramp area. Visitors will be required to wear face masks and have temperatures digitally taken at the entrance. Bring your own lunch, hang out and enjoy the AAM experience. (Afternoon flight demonstrations may be canceled due to inclement weather.) If you can’t join us on Nov. 7, help AAM offset major financial losses incurred during our COVID-19 shutdown. You can donate using its secure Paypal link and visit www.americanairpowermuseum.com/donate/. For more information on corporate donations, call AAM Executive Vice Albert F. Gallo, 97, was a U.S. Army Captain President Jacky Clyman at 917-690at Iwo Jima and watched the Americans 1965 or jacky@cockpitusa.com. raise our flag with his own eyes. The event will be held at the (Photo courtesy The American Airpower museum, which is located at Republic Museum) Airport, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway in Farmingdale. distancing, admission will be limited —Submitted by The American to a first come first served basis. A Airpower Museum (AAM) maximum attendance of 150 people
NHP American Legion Post 1089 Impacts Community
New Hyde Park Memorial Day Parade 2018. (Photo courtesy New Hyde Park American Legion Post 1089)
Village Hall. At the Memorial Day service, we read the names of our local veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their life in war. On Veterans Day, we honor all our veterans for the service that they have given to our country. Their service to our country is the reason that we have
the freedoms that we enjoy today. As Legionnaires of the New Hyde Park Post, we march at the front of the Memorial Day parade proudly carrying the American Flag. One of the ways we honor our members is by conducting a wake service. The restrictions set by the coronavirus have prevented our post from conducting these wake services. We had two of our members pass away just recently. In lieu of the service, our commander went to the homes of the families and while keeping “social distancing” presented the families with an American Legion flag case to place the flag, which was draped over the casket. He then stood at the front of the house, read a prayer, played taps and saluted the families as a gesture of respect and thank you for the veteran’s service to our country and the American Legion. —Submitted by The New Hyde Park/Ernie Pyle American Legion Post 1089
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T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G
IT’S AN HONOR TO SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED Each year on Veterans Day, our communities pay special tribute to those who served in the armed forces. Their fierce camaraderie is contagious and their experiences inspiring. The Bristal salutes the many men and women among our ranks who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom. Our thanks should be felt and heard, especially at this time of year.
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