Mulcahy's Pub hosts fundraiser for veterans

An inaugural fundraiser to help pair service dogs with veterans recently was held for an evening of fun and food at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh.

Veolia Environmental Services launched its inaugural United Veterans Network fundraiser, which had been organized for the last three months, drawing more than 100 people to the popular pub throughout the evening to enjoy music from a DJ, and partake in an open bar, a buffet and raffles. 

Veolia is responsible for protecting Nassau County’s south shore environment through its operation of wastewater treatment facilities. Proceeds from the fundraiser went to America’s VetDogs, a Long Island-based non-profit organization that helps match veterans with service dogs.

Veolia has developed a long relationship with VetDogs, and Jon Arneth, director of operations at Veolia, said the fundraiser at Mulcahy’s made sense.

“It’s just as simple as we wanted a great venue and everybody knows Mulcahy’s,” said Arneth. “I grew up on the island coming here, our main facility is two miles down the street at Cedar Creek Park, we treat the water that comes out of here, and the venue’s very welcoming to everybody.”

Kevin Chandler, vice president of Veolia’s Long Island operations and a Marine Corps veteran, said he recognized the importance of the inaugural fundraiser to the veterans in the community.

“With Long Island hosting one of the largest veterans’ populations in the nation, our support of this program reaches an important and vital part of the community,” Chandler said. “It is truly an honor to support such an important organization and to be able to help improve the lives of those who have served.”

Chandler added that Veolia’s partnership with America’s VetDogs seeks to gain a significant positive impact on the veterans’ community across Long Island.

“Through their innovative programs, America’s VetDogs has consistently touched the lives of countless veterans. Our company proudly stands with them and all those seeking to improve the quality of life of those who have worn the uniform,” said Chandler.

Veteran Peter Coughlin and his wife, Dorothea, of Bay Shore, who recently celebrated their 52-year anniversary, are among those who have benefitted from VetDogs. Coughlin, a Marine veteran who served from 1968 to 1974, lost his eyesight after working for Con Edison after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and received his first service dog in 2002.

“We were doing the recovery and cleanup at the World Trade Center, and by the first week in October, I couldn’t see out of one eye, and then by Christmas, my other eye went,” said Coughlin, who added that his ailment forced him to retire early. 

After his first service dog passed away in 2012, he received his second service dog the following year. The second dog retired at 13 years of age and now stays at the couple’s home. He now has a new service dog, Harrison, who has been with him for a year.

“This is the best thing in the world,” Coughlin said of the fundraiser and America’s VetDogs. “Every fundraiser is so necessary. Without donations and fundraising, I wouldn’t have my third dog. I will do anything for America’s VetDogs because for 20 years I’ve been able to go wherever I want to go and do what I want to do. Friends of mine, much younger, they were in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have service dogs that they didn’t want any part of at first, but they were in such bad shape. Now they’re out all over the place with their dogs. It’s great and it really works.”

The couple can’t say enough good things about Harrison, who has definitely become a part of the family.

“You have to live it to understand it,” Dorothea said.

“This guy (Harrison) brings my husband over Sunrise Highway, over Merrick Road, goes down to the marina to the barber shop, and brings him home. Each time the dogs are trained, more intensely, they’re sharper and sharper. This guy is unbelievable.” 

Peter added, “The one I have at home was great, but this guy is so much more advanced, and I don’t know how they do it. If you are persistent, you can teach them anything.”