PHOTO: Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
Howard Beach and its neighboring communities joined state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) last Saturday in showing appreciation for military service members at his 7th annual Veterans BBQ outside his 102nd Street office.
Nearly 200 guests enjoyed free food, drinks and entertainment from Almost Home Music. The food and supplies were donated by area businesses and organizations, including Aldo’s Pizza, Brothers, Bruno’s Ristorante, Carlo’s Pizza, Cross Bay Diner, Gino’s Pizza, Hamilton Beach Civic, Kawaii Sushi, La Villa Pizzeria, Lenny’s Pizzeria, McDonald’s, Neighborhood Pizza, Prima Pasta, Ragtime, The Rail, Riley’s Yacht Club, Rotary of Southwest Queens, Russo’s on the Bay, Stars Community Center, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Sugar Bun, Lenny’s Clam Bar, Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2565.
“Every year, I am more and more humbled by the remarkable group of veterans I am privileged to meet at my annual veterans BBQ,” said Addabbo, the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. “This year was no different and only reinforced that sentiment. These men and women, and their entire families, have made unthinkable sacrifices for the sake of our country and our freedom, and it is my honor to be able to do something in appreciation of them. I am extremely proud to host this event each summer, but I could not do it without the donors, volunteers and staff members who all selflessly pitched in to help. Thank you to the entire community for helping me put on yet another successful BBQ for our military service members.”
The veterans in attendance included those who served in World War II and men and women returning from current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“This BBQ reminds us how fortunate we are to have people like these veterans who fought to protect our country and our freedom,” Addabbo added. “I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come and know that the crowd of honored guests will continue to grow as it has in the past.”
By Forum Staff
