NOVEMBER 20, 2007, FARMINGVILLE, NY – Culminating an effort led by Councilwoman Connie Kepert and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley, the entire Town Board presented a check for $12,000 to the Long Island Fighting 69th Family Readiness Group (LIFRG) at the Town Board meeting Tuesday night.

The Brookhaven Town Board at its meeting Tuesday night presented a check for $12,000 to the Long Island Fighting 69th Family Readiness Group as the 69th prepares for its January deployment to Afghanistan. Left to right are Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Eric Farina and Seamus Byrne of the 69th, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley, John O'Dougherty of the 69th, Long Island Fighting 69th Family Readiness Group President Beth DellaPizzi, Lou Della Pizzi of the 69th (in rear), Councilwoman Connie Kepert, Jonathan Rothwell of the 69th (in rear), Councilmen Kevin McCarrick and Tim Mazzei and Councilwomen Kathy Walsh and Carol Bissonette.

   LIFRG will help to supply soldiers with some of the necessities they need before deployment to Afghanistan this January and will also help lend a hand to families in need who are left behind. Special guests from New York's Fighting 69th Infantry attended the meeting to accept the check.

   Each Town Council member—Councilwoman Kepert, Kathy Walsh, Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Tim Mazzei, Carol Bissonette and Kevin McCarrick--contributed $2,000 community enhancement grants for the Fighting 69th.

   “We are always honored to help the men and women who protect our American way of life,” said Supervisor Foley. “And while the troops of the Fighting 69th are fighting aboard to preserve our freedom, the Family Readiness Group will have some additional resources to help the families of those brave troops.”

    “The Fighting 69th Army Infantry has a rich tradition defending the freedom of all Americans dating back to the Civil War,” said Councilwoman Kepert. “This grant will help to insure that the brave men and women of the Fighting 69th have all necessary supplies before deployment. This money will also help the spouses and children of these men and women with needed aid during deployment.”

   “I am so pleased to join with the entire Town Board in supporting the troops of the Fighting 69th,” said Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld. “We should be doing everything we can on the local level to protect our residents who are being sent to war and to assist their families, who must bear the brunt of the financial sacrifices being made.”

   “As a mother with a son who recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, I know firsthand the emotional trials that families experience during these times,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “To the Fighting 69th, I say God speed and thank you.”

   “I am honored to provide assistance to the troops of the Fighting 69th and their families as the troops prepare to head overseas to defend our freedoms and our way of life in Afghanistan,” said Councilman Mazzei. “It is the very least we can do to support those who are on the front lines of America's battle for freedom.”

   “Every member of the Brookhaven Town Board recognizes the enormous sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and their families and we are honored to support them in any way we can,” said Councilwoman Bissonette. “The Fighting 69th has a long and proud history of defending our way of life and every Brookhaven Town resident supports their sacrifices.”

   “I am honored to join with the entire Town Board in supporting the troops of the Fighting 69th and their families," said Councilman McCarrick. “We must do everything we can to support the men and women who are fighting to preserve our freedoms as well as their loved ones who remain home. I wish them well in their duties and a safe return.”

Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677