Meadow Hosts Fourth Annual Military Appreciation Day

In recognition of Military Appreciation Day, National Military Appreciation Month, and the approaching Memorial Day, Meadow Elementary School honored the military families of their students while supporting veterans with a donation to a local charity. Organized by teachers, Ms.Linda Sandorfi and Vincenza Simal, and the Student Council, 15 Meadow families and community members who have served or are currently serving were honored.

Through the collection of water bottles and the sale of t-shirts, facilitated by their PTA, families and staff raised $1,324 for Building Homes for Heroes®—a non-profit organization focused on building or modifying homes that are gifted, mortgage-free, to injured veterans and first responders. Over the past twelve years, Meadow has collected more than 90,000 water bottles, raising over $4,500 for veterans. The bottles are given to Mr. Bill Urianek, affectionately known as “Bill the Can Man” on Long Island, a former Marine who collects recyclables and donates the proceeds to various veteran organizations.

The initiative was spearheaded by Linda Sandorfi, a fifth-grade teacher at Meadow Elementary. It began over a decade ago when Sandorfi's sister, Debra Bennett, a physical education teacher at Dutch Broadway Elementary School in Elmont, introduced her to Urianek. Ms. Sandorfi, along with Meadow teacher Ms. Vincenza Simal, has guided the student council in leading this collection initiative.

A check was presented to Building Homes for Heroes during a school-wide Military Appreciation Day celebration on the back field, beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue. Family members of students who have served in the military were honored with a “Certificate of Appreciation” , a pin, commemorative coin and cards created by the students. After the ceremony, the veterans enjoy a thank you breakfast. This year, families were recognized, along with a local WWII veteran who proudly celebrated his 100th birthday last September.

The event commenced with the color guard, performances by the band under the direction of Ms. Maia Nau, and a special chorus led by Ms. Holly Rodas.

Alongside the celebration, students and staff also attended a war memorabilia exhibit in the Meadow gymnasium. This exhibit was organized by fourth-grade teacher Ms. Tina Marker and made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Pepitone. Adorned in red, white, and blue, Meadow also showcased a "Wall of Heroes," featuring photographs of family members who have served.

The event continues to serve as a patriotic reminder for all at Meadow and has now become a tradition during Military Appreciation Month. 

HONORED GUESTS

United States Army Billie Owens Jr

United States Army Keith Brown

United States Army Rudolph Herod

United States Army Ralph Horowitz

United States Army Jesse Raoul

United States Army David Marshall 
 

United States Navy Desmond DeFreitas

United States Navy Eric Maloy

United States Navy Randy Miller
 

United States Air Force George L Trotman Jr.

United States Air Force Erica Rouse

United States Air Force Charles N. Graham
 

United States Marines Eric Jones

United States Marines Anthony Tamburello IV

United States Marines Lance Corporal  Matthew Benny (Building Homes for Heroes recipient)