Local activists seek new games, pajamas to bring Wounded Warriors

With Veteran’s Day right around the corner, one local American Legion post has teamed up with the Fire Department and State Senator Marty Golden to try to bring some comforts to Wounded Warriors and their families.

Amity Post 791 has launched a collection drive focusing on new board games and pajamas for recovering military members and their families. The items will be brought down via FDNY van to the Bethesda Naval Hospital from November 22-24, and distributed to the seriously wounded soldiers being treated there, as well as to families housed at the General Assembly Hall and retired military living at the Armed Forces Military Nursing Home, said Howard Dunn, one of those spearheading the collection drive.

When the veterans go down to distribute the items, he added, they will be joined by students from Bishop Kearney High School, which has sent a contingent down to visit Wounded Warriors for the past several years.

Michael Moylan, also an Amity Post member, said that it is very rewarding to bring such small comforts to the Wounded Warriors. “When you meet these young men,” he said, “their attitudes are amazing. I went to one veteran and thanked him for his service. He said, ‘We’re not the heroes. You are the heroes.’

“I want to go back,” Moylan went on. “My buddies need me, and you get so much more out of it than you give. It’s heart-wrenching.”

Donations can be dropped off at this newspaper’s office, 9733 Third Avenue, or at either of Golden’s Brooklyn offices, 7408 Fifth Avenue and 3604 Quentin Road, until Wednesday, November 12.

“As someone who has been there and met with the soldiers and their families, I can attest to the sacrifices these individuals have made, and to the heroism they have exhibited,” noted Golden. “These donations will send a message that right here in Brooklyn, we support our troops and will never forget their service.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to Howard Dunn, 276 78^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209, and should be made out to Amity Post 791 – Wounded Warriors.

For more info, call Golden’s office, 718-238-6044.