Preston Announces Grant To Honor Fallen Heroes

From the County Executive's Office:

Broome County Executive Debbie Preston today announced a $5,000 Broome County Grant for the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association, to fund expenses related to attending military funerals. She was joined by Broome County Veterans Services Director Brian Vojtisek and members of the Veterans Memorial Association.
“The Broome County Veterans Memorial Association is dedicated to attending military funerals and paying the respects of our community to our fallen heroes,” said Broome County Executive Debbie Preston. “Funding we spend on our veterans is among the most important funding the County spends, and I’m committed to making sure that veterans are always honored and remembered in our community.”
The Grant will be used toward uniforms and rifle maintenance as members of the Veterans Memorial Association attend veteran’s funerals throughout the County. Previously it was up to the members of the Veterans Memorial Association to pay for their own uniforms and rifle maintenance.
“This Grant means our Association will be able to continue providing Military Funeral Details to our deceased veterans with Dignity and Honor,” said Broome County Veterans Services Director Brian Vojtisek. “Members of the Memorial Association are all volunteers and pay their own expenses; monies from this Grant will be used to purchase uniforms and equipment replacement. As sad as the ceremony may be, it provides a level of comfort to the veteran’s loved ones by letting them know the Country and our community cares and respects their military service.”
“As we pay the respects of our Country and our community, it is important to honor our brothers and sisters-in-arms,” said Broome County Veterans Memorial Association President Tony Moran. “It’s also important to their families that we are there to support them and offer our support and comfort, during difficult times.”
Over the last five years the Veterans Memorial Association has attended over 1,000 veteran funerals in Broome County.
Preston also announced her Office and the Veterans Services Department will begin a Veterans Newsletter this Spring, to keep local veterans informed on important events and opportunities, and keep them engaged in community activities.