Patchogue Couple Honored for Work With Vets

Suffolk County honored veterans for their accomplishments and others who have supported former military personnel after their return home in a veterans appreciation ceremony last week.

“Every single soldier deserves our undying respect,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve  Bellone.  “We honor individuals, many of whom have served our country in uniform, and some non-veterans as well, but all have dedicated themselves to serving our returning veterans.  These are people who have stepped up and gone above and beyond to serve our veterans; they’re doing God’s work in their service.”. 

Among those recognized were Doug and Melissa Pandolf of Patchogue.  Melissa Pandolf, an Air Force veteran and native of Huntington, and her husband are the parents of four children adopted from Russia. They were honored for their service to veterans in Suffolk County.

Others were honored for assisting veterans with jobs, housing, education, adjustment to civilian life and other needs.

Suffolk County Veterans Agency director Tom Ronayne, Congressman Tim Bishop and Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski also participated in the event.