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.”