Valley Stream car show honors Wounded Warriors

On July 23, the Village of Valley Stream held a special dedication to the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior group during one of its recent classic cars shows, which were held every Thursday this summer. The  NCFF-OWW is a non-profit that comprises nearly 40 fire departments across Nassau. Its mission, according to Stephen Grogan, vice chairman of the NCFF-OWW and a Vietnam War era veteran, is to provide comfort to injured veterans as they undergo rehabilitation. 
It was at the insistence of Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare and County Legislator William Gaylor that a donation be made to Grogan’s charity, and Fare thought there was no better place to engage the public’s interest and raise money than at the classic car show.  
“It is a great honor for the Village of Valley Stream to participate in honoring and supporting veterans and this fantastic organization through our classic car show,” Fare said. “Car shows are an iconic American tradition, so what could be more fitting than to welcome Steve Grogan on behalf of the Firefighters Wounded Warrior Foundation?  We are so proud of the great work they do on behalf of America’s heroes.”
A modest, but important sum of cash was raised for the NCFF-OWW, and a brief ceremony was held for Grogan, where he was presented with citations on behalf of his organization by Fare and Gaylor. 
“As a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, it was a privilege to honor these veterans who continue to give back to our community by helping other vets in need,” Gaylor said. “The important work these volunteers are doing is making a difference in the lives of these veterans at a time when many need it the most.”

After the presentation, Grogan took the microphone and was given the chance to spotlight the work of Valley Stream and Lynbrook firefighters in their tenacious efforts to lend support to injured and disabled veterans and their families. “Last year there was no car show because of Covid-19,” Grogan said. “This year the village asked me to say a few words to the crowd, and I was more than happy to be able to get out to the public what we do.”
The great number of charitable activities done by the organization include donating gift cards for disabled veterans and buying groceries for them to working with P.C. Richard for veterans who need appliances. Valley Stream Fire Companies Engine 2, on Brooklyn Avenue, and the Rescue Company, on Rockaway, have also helped to raise money for the NCFF-OWW.
“I appreciate the support that the Village of Valley Stream and their car show gave to the Wounded Warriors Foundation,” Grogan said, “and we appreciate the mayor’s support and everyone who helped in the car show.”