Politics & Government

Veterans Recognized at 'Hall of Honor' Ceremony

Lynbrook residents Henry Speicher, Pat Cardone and Joseph McCarthy among honorees.

New York State Assemblyman Brian Curran hosted his first annual “Veterans Hall of Honor” ceremony, recognizing Lynbrook residents Henry Speicher, Pat Cardone and Joseph McCarthy, among the nine local veterans who have distinguished themselves through bravery, patriotism and commitment.

Born in 1932, Henry Speicher spent his teenage years in an area of the Bronx known as Fort Apache.  After graduating from Samuel Gompers Vocational and Technical High School, he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War.

Henry and his wife Dorothy moved their four sons to Lynbrook in 1960. Since then he has been asked to sit on several committees for the village, including a request from former Mayor Brian Curran to serve on the Korean War Monument Committee whose purpose was to erect a stone in remembrance of the Korean War.

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During his life, Henry worked for several newspapers, including the World Journal Tribune and the Daily News. He has been retired since 1997.

Henry has been a member of the Lynbrook American Legion Post 335 for 25 years and has served as its commander for eight years.  He is also a member of the Lynbrook VFW post 2307.

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A longtime resident of Lynbrook, Pat Cardone is the proud father of four children. A graduate of marine corps boot camp at Parris Island in 1990, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines Infantry Unit, 2nd Marine Division.  While with 3/6 he was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. During his deployment he was promoted to Lance Corporal Meritoriously. Further deployments included Okinawa, Japan and time on the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

During his time with the Marines, Pat was often recognized for his actions, including being awarded the Navy Achievement medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and two certificates of commendation.

After his honorable discharge, Pat’s affiliation with the military continued as he joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, American Legion, and became a charter member of Port Authority Police Marine Corps Association.  He has also served as commander of VFW Post 2307 on two occasions, once from 2000-2001 and currently from 2005 to the present. 

As chairman of the Lynbrook Memorial Day Parade, Pat is proud to walk with those who support our veterans.

Joseph McCarthy was a member of the U.S. Army Second Mortar Battalion Korea from 1951 to 1953; a combat veteran who earned the Korean Service Medal with a bronze service star and the United Nations Service Medal.

A community leader who currently serves as commander of the Robert F. Garrison Post 3350 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in East Rockaway, Joe’s leadership abilities were tested over a decade ago when Post 3350 had but a handful of members. Through hard work and dedication, he has seen the membership rise to 145 veterans who consider the post a second home and represent virtually all branches of the armed services.

Under McCarthy’s leadership, Post #3350 has developed numerous programs to serve our veterans and the community, including providing wheelchairs, crutches and other medical items for those in need.

Joe’s other interests include his membership in the Knights of Columbus, his position as athletic director of St. Raymond’s Catholic Youth Organization, and his work with St. Joseph’s Retreat in upstate New York.

“Henry Speicher, Pat Cardone and Joe McCarthy exemplify true patriotism, and love of country and family," Curran said. "Their military service is a source of great pride to their families, and an inspiration to all within our community."

A highlight of the ceremony was when Curran presented a $2500 check to keynote speaker Paul Hastings, Ambassador to the Wounded Warriors Project.  Curran raised the funds through his participation in a recent Triathlon.

Joining in congratulating today’s honorees were Lynbrook Mayor William J. Hendrick and Deputy Mayor Alan Beach, East Rockaway Mayor Francis T. Lenahan, Jr., Deputy Mayor Bruno Roman and Trustees Eddie Corrado and Stanley Lombardo.

“I know that every veteran carries his or her own unique story, and I wish I could single out each and every one on this Veteran’s day weekend,” concluded Curran. “I am proud to represent this amazing group of veterans.”


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