U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner held his in- augural Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Nov. 12 to commemorate Veterans Day and honor those who served in uniform. He was joined by members of the RI-02 Military and Veterans Advisory and community partners to recognize four 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 to protect the freedoms we hold dear, and our country has a sacred obligation to ensure they are taken care of when they come home,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “I am proud to hold this Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Ceremony to honor their service and sacrifice, and will continue fighting in Washington to ensure veterans have the benefits and healthcare they deserve.”
The keynote speaker at today’s event was Frank Lennon, a decorated Green Beret who served in Vietnam, graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the Providence Journal’s columnist for veterans affairs. Lennon served two combat tours in Vietnam, first with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and then with 5th Special Forces Group. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and two Army commendations for heroism, among many other accolades. Following his military service, Frank organized and ran Rhode Island's salute to the centennial of aviation in 2003, and in that year launched the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame.
“Veterans Day is a pause in our busy lives to recognize and thank our servicemen and women who put on a uniform to fight for their country. Freedom is not free, and I will continue to do what I can to remind everyone of that fact,” said Frank Lennon.
Other distinguished speakers at to- day’s event included the Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of Rhode Is- land Lt. Commander Kasim J. Yarn, 44th Adjutant General of Rhode Island Major General Callahan, Executive Director & General Counsel for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island Erik B. Wallin, and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
Rep. Magaziner partnered with Opera- tion Stand Down Rhode Island, Providence VA, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Department of Rhode Island, MIS- SION: Boots to Briefcases and the United Way of Rhode Island: 211 Program to provide information about the resources and services available to Rhode Island veterans and their families. Presentation of the colors was led by the Rhode Island National Guard Color Guard.
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.
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