Huntington Station Lawmaker Hosts Operation Recognition Graduation Ceremony

(Long Island, N.Y.) Assemblyman Jim Conte (R,I,C,WF-Huntington Station) tonight hosted an Operation Recognition graduation ceremony in honor of several Long Island veterans who left school early to defend their nation in times of great peril.

“Tonight, we honor these extraordinary men, individuals who selflessly left behind their friends, families and classmates to serve and defend America in a time of crisis,” remarked Conte. “For their sacrifices, we owe them our thanks and an opportunity to receive the recognition they’ve earned by presenting them with a high school diploma.”

Operation Recognition acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who left school before graduation by awarding them a high school diploma.

Veterans who received their high school diplomas through Operation Recognition during tonight’s event included:

• Frederick A. Birkett, United States Army, Walt Whitman High School
• Louis Daniel Bonfanti, United States Army, Northport High School
• Eugene E. Bowden, United States Army, Walt Whitman High School
• Richard Brown, United States Army, Huntington High School
• Salvatore M. Crimi, United States Army, Northport High School
• Samuel L. Hill, United States Army, John H. Glenn High School
• Frederick Lohr, United States Army, Huntington High School
• Henry R. Matha, United States Navy, Providence High School, RI
• Paul E. Plante, United States Marine Corps, Somersworth High School, NH
• George J. Scanlon, United States Army, Farmingdale High School
• William Vitto Sinacori, United States Army, Bethpage High School
• Joseph Vassallo, United States Marine Corps, DeWitt Clinton High School
• Michael Vassallo, United States Marine Corps, Graphic Communications High School, NYC
• Eugene R. Reynolds, United States Air Force, Walt Whitman High School

“Tonight’s event was a great way for the community to show their gratitude to America’s veterans,” said Conte. “Their sacrifices and the sacrifices being made currently by all of the men and women serving in the armed forces need to be remembered. America, and all that call her home, are fortunate to have such extraordinary individuals dedicated to her defense.”