Salute to Veterans is a special advertising supplement published by Anton Media Group

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SALUTETOVETERANS A N

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NOVEMBER 1 – 7, 2023

She Vets

Unclaimed burial flags Burn pit registry

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COVER STORY

Celebrating Groundbreaker Tess Garber LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

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orn on August 29, 1923, Tessie Shirley Pierce had no idea the name she would create for herself as a woman in the military.

Moving to Cleveland at the age of five offered Tess and her family the ability to connect with the Cleveland Jewish Center, fostering and nurturing her roots as a Jewish woman. Her commitment to the protection and advancement of the Jewish people was put to the test during the outbreak of WWII. Garber’s brothers enlisted in the military at the onset of the war. She recalled feeling left out. There was no reason, in her opinion, why women should not have the opportunity for military service. She enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and was the only woman at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. There, she held steadfast to Jewish practices, including a Kosher diet and engaging in religious observances.

She was eventually assigned to the signal division in 1943, which brought her to the Marine Corps headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Tess was one of only eight in the Women’s Reserve (WAVES). While other branches of the military had focused training for the different sexes at the time, the Marines did not. Everyone was expected to commit to the same regimen. The women Marines were the only ones taking the same training as the men,” she recalled.

Her time in the service was not totally devoid of sexist undertones, however.

She recalled a time when she was told to clean the toilets with a small brush. “I don’t remember them telling the men to ever do that,” she said.

Garber travelled with the Signal Corps to Washington D.C. to operate as a typist. She was responsible for passing on secure information, as well as notices of those who passed away in active combat. “I spent most of my time in the service... It was not a pleasant job. I had to notify people of deaths, wounds, being taken prisoner. It was really heartbreaking...

But all these things were a part of what I agreed to do. Whatever they needed me to do, I would do.”

Being not only a woman, but also Jewish, it was unclear what Garber’s experiences were going to be upon entering the service. “I was very lucky,” she said. “The first day I was there, I came back from my duties and took my tie off. I was wearing a Jewish star—my mother never let me leave home without it—and as I walked down to get my mail, a [woman] reached out and grabbed my arm. She said, ‘I see you’re one of the tribe.’ Which confused me because I didn’t know what tribe she

Tess (center) in her uniform (Photo courtesy of the Garber family)

Tess holds a photo from her time in the service.

(Photo courtesy of Gary Glick)

was talking about.” That is how Garber met Eleanor, a lifelong friend who introduced her to other Jewish women serving at the base.

Altogether, they formed a small but close cluster of half a dozen, and spent a lot of time together, attending events at the local temples. “It was a good adventure for me. I learned a lot from these girls,” she said. “All of them had been, with the exception of myself and one other girl from Denver, were all from New York. I certainly

never dreamed I’d one day become one of those New Yorkers,” she joked.

In 1945 she crossed paths with Army veteran Morris Garber, a man who had weathered eight battles in the North African campaign. The duo connected and married in 1946.

1947 brought Tess into the folds of international diplomacy. She assumed a typist position with the United Nations and relocated to Long Island; first to Long Beach, before eventually settling in Jericho, which Tess still calls home. There, she continued to promote the Jewish cause by joining the Midway Jewish Center.

She would also go on to work for 33 years in the Nassau Library System, while bolstering the importance of recognizing Jewish service in the military, as well as providing women with more substantial opportunities to serve their country.

Tess recently turned 100 years old.

She was honored by the Jewish War Veterans at one of their meetings. She was awarded a certificate, which read, “On behalf of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, we

congratulate you upon reaching a One Hundredth birthday milestone.

“Thank you for your service in the U.S. Marines and for your devoted service on behalf of JWV SGT Gleir-Levitt Post 655.

“Your commitment and unwavering service has brought great credit upon yourself, JWV, and your country.”

She survived her husband Morris, who passed away in 2011, after 65 years of marriage. In the century since she was born, much has changed for Jews, women, Americans, and those who live in the center of those identities.

By forefronting the dedication and commitment to serving one’s country, we both celebrate the achievements of our nation, as well as counter the bitter taste of recent and historical tragedies.

Garber was (and still is) a phenom promoting women’s inclusion in the armed forces, swimming against the tide to promote the importance of women’s involvement in the war effort.

She serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by trailblazers facing adversity, and the unwavering bravery of the human spirit.

—Additional information provided by the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island website

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Burn Pit Registry: What To Know

n 2014, VA launched the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry for veterans and service members who were exposed to open air burn pits at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It contains health information collected from thousands of veterans and active duty service members who completed a questionnaire online. VA is studying the health of exposed veterans and service members through the Burn Pit Registry and other research efforts.

If you served in eligible locations you can participate in the Burn Pit Registry. Even if you do not have any current symptoms, VA encourages you to take part.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Burn Pit Registry tells VA about your exposures.

By completing an online questionnaire, veterans and servicemembers can use the Burn Pit Registry to report their exposures and related health concerns. Documenting exposures early ensures that participants will be monitored over time and that VA can improve programs to provide the necessary health care and resources should any health problems emerge.

2. The registry provides a summary of your health for you and health care providers.

The Burn Pit Registry helps participants become more aware of their own health and allows them to receive updates about VA studies and treatments. It also helps researchers study the health effects of burn pits and other airborne hazards, resulting in better long-term health care from VA. Those who are eligible can get an optional, no-cost, in-person medical evaluation.

3. Many veterans who deployed after 1990

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are eligible to join the registry.

VA uses deployment information from the Department of Defense (DoD) to determine eligibility for the Burn Pit Registry. To be eligible, you must be a veteran or service member who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, or Afghanistan or Djibouti on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This includes the following countries, bodies of water, and the airspace above these locations: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea. 4. Sign up for the Burn Pit Registry.

To sign up for the Burn Pit Registry, visit https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/ AHBurnPitRegistry.

Step 1: Make sure you have a DoD SelfService Level 2 Logon (Premium DS Logon Level 2) account. If you don’t already have one, you can apply for a DS Logon account.

Find the link at https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry.

Step 2: Complete and submit the online questionnaire.

Step 3: Print and save your completed questionnaire for your records.

Learn More To learn more about burn pits and burn pit research, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/burnpits/index.asp. For more information on the Burn Pit Registry, and to sign up, visit https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/ Call the Registry Help Desk at 1-877-470-5947 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday with questions.

—U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

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Happy Birthday, Sarge Veterans from across Long Island assembled in East Meadow for a birthday parade in honor of World War II Staff Sergeant Michael A. Dalmeto at his home in Bellmore. The parade stepped off from American Legion Post 1082 and paraded to Dalmeto’s home for a fitting birthday ceremony. Dalmeto served with the 8th Air Force in Buckingham, Emgland, part of the 453rd Bomber Group, 732nd Squadron.

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Photo by Lisa Cohen

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Rolling Thunder Rallies For Veterans On Sunday, Oct. 8, dozens of members of Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 6, led by Chapter President William Byrne, assembled at the Marine Corps League in Massapequa for the Annual Motorcycle Run for PTSD Awareness, along with many veterans and affiliate organization members from across the tristate region. The rain remained at bay. The ride and post-festivities were a success. Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with more than 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and

members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder, Inc. are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite. Rolling Thunder, Inc. members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for the Prisoners Of War-Missing In Action (POW/MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”

Photos by Lisa Cohen

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BY CHRISTY HINKO

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

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.S. Army Sergeant Bernard J. Sweeney, Jr., killed in action in World War II at age 22, was laid to rest on Oct. 10 at Calverton National Cemetery in section 67. It was a privlege for the cemetery to welcome Sweeney home to his final resting place.

More than 500 people were in attendance for the funeral, which included a horse-drawn caisson accompanied by a riderless horse (provided by Warrior Ranch Foundation) in tribute to the fallen soldier. Full military honors were provided

by Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home in Wading River.

Military honors included a Blackhawk flyover and the firing of a ceremonial cannon.

Originally from Waterbury, CT, Sweeney went missing in action in 1944 near Strass, Germany, in association with the Battle of Hurtgen Forest where he was fighting German forces as part of Company 1, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Division.

His unidentified remains were recovered from a minefield in Kleinhau, Germany, and were interred in Belgium, designated as “X-2752 Neauville” in 1950.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) worked with the American Battle Monuments Commission to disinter Sergent Sweeney’s remains for identification.

DPAA used historical data and DNA analysis to positively identify Sweeney in 2021.

Bring Them Home MIA Sergeant Bernard J. Sweeney, Jr. is laid to rest

She Vets

Sweeney’s funeral included a horse-drawn caisson accompanied by a riderless horse.

Calverton National Cemetery

On Friday, Oct. 6, an Island-wide message went out to members of the Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders, Rolling Thunder Chapter 6 of Long Island and several other veteran-based organizations to assemble in Queens for the dignified escort of Sergeant Sweeney’s remains from the airport to the awaiting funeral director in Wading River.

Sweeney entered the military on Nov. 27, 1942, in New York City.

Several local officials allege that Sweeney’s last remaining next-of-kin was a great nephew who died in a tragic accident shortly after providing DNA to help close the case in 2021.

Visit www.dpaa.mil for more information about Sweeney and thousands of other troops who have been recovered or who remain missing in action.

—With additional details provided by Calverton National Cemetery

Navy veteran and Anton Media Group editor Christy Hinko and Army veteran Phoebe Ervin, both of New Hyde Park, were among the 30 honorees at the Air Force Association’s (AFA) most recent Women’s Military Service Commemorative Medal Ceremony held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue. This is the second medal ceremony hosted by the Long Island chapter of AFA to honor and acknowledge women veterans and women who are currently serving in the military for their selfless commitment, honorable service and duty to their nation.

Photo by Paul Marcy

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Dignified Transfers

Patriot Guard Riders host custodial ceremonies for dozens of unclaimed burial flags Dozens of patriots stepped up and volunteered to take custody of burial flags belonging to unclaimed veterans. Photos by Lisa Cohen

BY CHRISTY HINKO

A

chinko@antonmediagroup.com

s most things happen in the veteran community, despite appearing to be well-planned and organized, things happen quite through a vast network and onthe-fly. Back in 2018, Wayne Cohen, Patriot Guard captain and vice president of Rolling Thunder Chapter 6 on Long Island, was at an affiliate event in Port Washington setting up the traveling Vietnam Wall. While assembling

the wall, Cohen was approached by Jay, a veteran of the Whitestone VFW. Jay told Cohen that their building had been sold and they were borrowing meeting space from the nearby Polish Hall in Maspeth. He said that the VFW was the custodian of more than 160 ceremonial burial flags of veterans who have died over the past couple of decades. The flags had been shuffled from the once-Whitestone post where they were prominently displayed

and were now languishing in the basement of the hall in Maspeth. He asked for Cohen’s assistance in finding proper custodians for these flag cases.

Cohen, known for seizing opportunities to honor and assist veterans, took action.

He put out the call to several veteran organizations that he is affiliated with, and some are within multiple organizations in the network, including other Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder, American Legion

posts, Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, AMVETS posts, Legion Riders, and many others. American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park hosted two separate ceremonies, organized by Cohen.

Some who stepped up to assist took one ceremonial flag, others like the Elmont and East Meadow American Legion posts took five or more. Some people took them home, others took them to their places of business or to the affiliated veteran posts for public display.

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that was included inside the flag cases were shared with a local historian who has resources to attempt to learn more about these veterans as individuals and potentially build out their service story details. With the advances in genealogical research there are more opportunities now than ever before to locate a possible next-of-kin, even generations removed.

Some of the flag cases contained vague service record details and general biographical information. Many flag cases contained nothing except the man’s name on a brass nameplate affixed to the flag case.

The commander of the East Meadow American Legion took custody of five flags for his post.

These veterans were labeled as “NOA” meaning they had no one in attendance at the time of their death. The state and the VA (Bronx and St. Albans), after doing their due diligence to identify a familial connection, simply assigned the local veterans service posts as the custodians of the burial flags of these men.

“It has been such an honorable thing to do,” Cohen said. “I had no problem finding custodians for the flags; people are still asking me if there are flags, even when I go to meetings and events outside of Long Island.”

This is an ongoing effort, through various Navy veteran Marc Wolf Gold Star sister Donna Conti Air Force veteran Ed Finley organizations. The American Legion hosts a similar program call The Missing In America Project. The Patriot Guard Riders Many of the flags remained on Long who took custody of each veteran’s burial are often called to task to offer dignified Island, but a dozen flags were rehomed to flag for historical records or in a case of transfers of cremains and unclaimed veterestranged family reconnecting. posts in Maryland and Virginia. ans for a proper burial through their Veteran Names and any identifying information Wayne’s wife, Lisa, meticulously recorded

Recovery Program.

Cohen and many others participated recently in a dignified transfer of more than 65 burial urns of veterans to Calverton National Cemetery.

“Sadly, I know these flag cases are occasionally discarded in local collection boxes for proper flag disposal,” Cohen said.

The once-custodians might be moving and cannot take it with them, or they do not know what else to do with it, or it’s from someone in their family long, long ago and they have no sense of responsibility to continue caring for the symbolic memento.

“If anyone finds these in flag disposal boxes, we would like to pass the custody to someone else rather than dispose of that flag,” Cohen said. “Just because it is folded properly though doesn’t mean it was necessarily a burial flag, but if there is some identifying information of who this flag was used to lay to rest, we would like to assume custody.”

Visit www.longislandweekly.com to view the whole list of the veterans whose burial flags have been dispersed to dozens of custodians across Long Island.

Editor’s note: I took custody of a flag because veterans are all connected by an invisible bond. These are my brothers and sisters, no matter which war era we are from. It’s incredibly heartbreaking to me that somebody died with no family; nobody was there to lay them to rest. It is even more of my duty to take custody of a burial flag.

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Visit our website or use your phone to scan the QR code.

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BY ROSANNE SPINNER

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

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n Thursday, Sept. 14, the three newly elected New York State department heads, American Legion Commander Timothy Collmer, American Legion Auxiliary President Karen St. Hilaire and Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander Peter DeAngelis, visited Nassau County.

They were greeted by current Nassau County American Legion Commander Sean Hood, and Nassau County American Legion Auxiliary President Kathleen Murphy.

Several members of the American Legion family from various posts throughout Nassau County joined them for breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Carle Place.

The Legion visitors followed in an escort, led by the Elmont American Legion Riders, to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale where they received a tour from a very passionate guide who has worked there since the 1980s.

The group got to witness the dedication ceremony of the F-14 Tomcat which had been flown from the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, and which arrived a few days prior for installation at the entrance to the Cradle of Aviation parking area. The tour continued with a visit next door to the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center, where many learned that St. Hilaire, in her earlier years, served not only as a firefighter but also as fire commissioner.

The guests, who hail from upstate New York (Nunda, Mattydale and Narrowsburg, respectively) were then escorted to the next leg of the tour which brought them to the Nassau County Veterans Memorial, Field 6A, at Eisenhower Park, which serves as a tribute to the heroes of Nassau County, and dedicated to the bravery of two groups of Nassau County residents—deceased veterans of all wars and county firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty on 9/11.

In 1947, the park dedicated a memorial to those who died in World War II, and the Veterans Memorial plaza has been growing ever since. The Legion visitors got to see the individual monuments honoring Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, Merchant Marines, veterans of World War II, the Korean War, POW/MIA, the September 11 Memorial, Agent Orange Awareness tribute as well as the recently added Iraq/ Afghanistan Wars Monument.

In 1971, the county constructed the Veterans Tower dedicated to Nassau County veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

In 2015, a monument was added in honor of the Nassau County American Legion Auxiliary.

The ‘Avenue of Flags’ represents active veteran organizations in Nassau County, and thousands of names appear on the

Timothy Collmer, American Legion commander, New York. American Legion

Karen St. Hilaire, American Legion Auxiliary president, New York. American Legion

Peter DeAngelis, commander, Detachment of New York, Sons of the American Legion American Legion

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American Legion Family Visits Nassau County ever-growing Walls of Honor, which honor all veterans who served, living or deceased.

In addition, the Legion visitors availed themselves of the Veteran’s Museum located inside the Veterans Tower, which houses timely donated military artifacts.

Legion guests were then welcomed at a “Nassau County American Legion Family Testimonial Dinner and Dance” at The Coral House in Baldwin where they were joined by a large turnout of membership from American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and American Legion Riders for a ceremonial dinner in their honor.

The American Legion (as of April 2023), as well as the American Legion Auxiliary (as of November 2023), are celebrating their 104th anniversary.

In April of 2019, membership in the American Legion was extended to include all honorably discharged veterans who have served during any period since Dec. 7, 1941. This closes the eligibility gaps and makes membership more available. Prior to this change, membership was contingent upon service during specific periods. This amendment to the American Legion’s Congressional charter allows for increased membership. This change in membership qualifications stands to increase benefits to

6,000,000 more veterans.

In addition, as of August 2019, membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, which up to that time had been an all-female organization, has been extended to include all spouses (female or male) of U.S. veterans and service members who meet the American Legion eligibility

requirements, i.e. married to an American Legion member. This amendment makes the American Legion Auxiliary the largest and most inclusive volunteer organization supporting veterans, their families, children and youth.

With these improvements in eligibility, those interested in joining either the

American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion or American Legion Riders should contact their nearest American Legion post.

—Rosanne T. Spinner is the sergeant-at-arms and public relations chairperson for the Nassau County Committee of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Town To Collect DVDs For Troops Oyster Bay Town has announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” in an effort to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted through Nov. 30 and then delivered to chaplains, commanding officers, sergeant majors and sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.

The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for

Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world.

Photo from the Town of Oyster Bay

Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world, and continues to do so today.

Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals.

Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations: • Town Hall North at 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay • Town Hall South at 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa Call 516-624-6380 for more information on the DVD Collection Drive for Troops and local children’s hospitals.

—Town of Oyster Bay

WE SALUTE OUR

VETERANS

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NOVEMBER 1 - 7, 2023 • SALUTE TO VETERANS

I T ’ S A N H O N O R T O S E RV E

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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