Dear Veterans: Thank You For Your Service

I first met Kevin when he was determined to see his dear friend Deborah’s art exhibition.

He’s a big Irish guy with an open face who looks like he could be a bouncer if not for the walker. Quickly realizing he was a veteran, I thanked him for his service and asked if he minded sharing where that had been. He explained that he served in the army for 8 years during the 80’s as a paratrooper in places like Grenada and Kosovo. More recently, he’d spent 12 working for the Veterans Administration until the impact of all those jumps began to catch up with him and he went from working at the VA to being a regular patient. He told me he wished they would start taking volunteers again because he really appreciates all they do for him and wants to keep paying it forward…that there are so many things he is losing the ability to do, but that he always finds ways to be helpful.

When we sat down to talk about stuff, the first thing he wanted me to share was about how important Island Harvest, one of Long Island’s major food banks, is. He told about how he volunteered there most days helping to pack the 600-700 boxes of meals per day that they distribute to the elderly and others who can really use a hand.

He has also been known to volunteer at the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center.

“I work with the strays, helping to socialize them.” 

Once you get to know Kevin for half a second, it’s not hard to picture this gentle giant transforming feral cats with hard knock lives into something a little softer and more trusting.

We are especially grateful for his introducing us to The Rough Riders of LI Sled Hockey

Read Kevin’s Story Here…