Magaziner Honors Rhode Island Veterans at 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

WARWICK, RI - U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner held his 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Legislative Update today to commemorate Veterans Day and honor those who served our country in uniform. He was joined by community partners to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations that have dedicated their time and effort to supporting Rhode Island veterans.

"Rhode Island's veterans have bravely answered the call to serve and defend the freedoms we hold dear," said Magaziner. "Our nation has a sacred obligation to care for them when they return home. I am proud to host this second annual event to honor their service and sacrifice, and I will continue fighting in Washington to make sure every veteran receives the benefits and health care they rightfully earned."

The keynote speaker at today's event was Tim Gray, a filmmaker and the President & Founder of the World War II Foundation, a non-profit devoted to educating new generations about WWII history via documentaries.

"Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, only 0.5 percent remain, roughly 44,000. In Rhode Island, it's estimated roughly 314 are still with us. Soon these men and women will all be gone and we will have lost the ability to learn firsthand important lessons from those who saved the world and preserved Democracy. Many who fought were just teenagers and young men. We need to preserve their legacy for current and future generations," said Tim Gray.

Other distinguished speakers at today's event included the Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of Rhode Island Lt. Commander Kasim J. Yarn and 45th Adjutant General of Rhode Island, Major General Andrew J. Chevalier.

Rep. Magaziner partnered with the State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training - Veterans Services Unit, the United Way of Rhode Island, Operation Stand Down RI, Mission: Boots to Briefcases, and Foster Care Connections RI to provide information about the resources and services available to Rhode Island veterans and their families. Presentation of the colors was led by the Coventry High School JROTC.

Veterans and their families can find more information by reaching out to a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Caseworkers from Rep. Magaziner's office can also assist with VA-related issues and can be contacted at (401) 244-1201.

BACKGROUND:

Rep. Magaziner presented four awards today: Two Veterans Leadership Awards and two Excellence in Community Service Awards.

The Veterans Leadership Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made it their life's work to give back to the military and veteran community.

The Excellence in Community Service Award recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through exceptional volunteerism, advocacy, and mentorship.

Biographies of the awards recipients are below.

Commander Bob Flynn, USN, Retired is the Director of the Center for Military and Veteran Education at the University of Rhode Island. He served 28 years in the Navy where he was a naval flight officer in carrier-based aircraft and retired as a Commander. He also served on the military faculty of the Strategy and Policy Department at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI. His most recent aviation assignment was as Executive Officer of the Blue Angels.

Commander Bob Flynn received the Veterans Leadership Award.

Rhode Island State Rep. Samuel Azzinaro has served the residents of District 37 in Westerly since first being elected in November 2008. He is the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he has been a steadfast advocate for service members and veterans. He served in the National Guard for four years, and was a member of the Army Reserve for four years, including two years of active duty. He was a Staff Sergeant E6.

Rep. Azzinaro received the Veterans Leadership Award.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island is an independent non-profit organization and Rhode Island's primary resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Johnston, OSDRI offers an array of services for veterans, including housing, rental assistance, pro bono legal services, employment and training, basic human needs, and assistance in applying for and appealing VA benefit claims for service-connected disabilities. Annually, OSDRI serves approximately 2500 local veterans.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island received the Excellence in Community Service Award.

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island has been serving Rhode Islanders since 1969. Their programs and initiatives have worked to help homebound older adults, including veterans, and other at-risk Rhode Island residents receive increased access to adequate nutrition, safety assurances, and socialization.

Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island received the Excellence in Community Service Award.