Lynbrook veteran named Legionnaire of the Year

Lynbrook American Legion Post 335 member Steve Grogan was named Nassau County’s 2020-21 Legionnaire of the Year.  The presentation of the award was made at the Nassau County American Legion Committee’s 101st annual Convention in Massapequa on June 5.

The Legionnaire of the Year award is given each year to one veteran in one of the 52 American Legion posts in Nassau County for “dedicated service to his post, the community, and the American Legion.” 

Grogan, a Vietnam-era veteran, served for five years on active duty with U.S. Army Intelligence. He is a former Lynbrook village trustee, a 53-year member of the Lynbrook Fire Department and a retired federal agent. 

Grogan, the Lynbrook post’s historian and public relations writer, was also chosen for the honor for his commitment and work to help all veterans, including wounded warriors. He is vice-chairman of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, a nonprofit charity that has worked since 2004 to help improve the lives of wounded veterans, including those at the VA Hospital at Northport. 

He also fought for and got the Nassau County government to approve and purchase veteran pins to be worn by veterans who are volunteer firefighters and first responders on their dress uniforms.  The effort spread to Suffolk County and upstate New York.

After the award presentation, Grogan spoke to those at the convention about wounded warriors and what volunteer firefighters have been doing to help them. Immediately after his talk, the membership voted to make a sizable donation to NCFF-OWW.

“I sincerely appreciate the honor of being named Nassau County’s Legionnaire of the Year,” Grogan said, “but every veteran who has worn the uniform, and today still helps and cares for the well-being of our fellow veterans, deserves the same honor and recognition.”

Courtesy American Legion Post 335; compiled by Mike Smollins