Operation Warrior Shield hold award ceremony at Grand Prospect Hall

Honoring our nation’s finest.

Operation Warrior Shield, an organization designed to aid military members, both past and present, and help them to overcome stress, hosted a ceremony to honor some American heroes.

The event, held at the Grand Prospect Hall Biergarten, 263 Prospect Avenue on Sunday, August 28, was the first of its kind and was a proud and successful event for all that attended.

Chairperson and President of Operation Warrior Shield Ed Schloeman was pleased to host the noble cause. “It was designed to raise awareness about the epidemic of suicide of those who wear or have worn the uniform,” he said. “Twenty veterans commit suicide every day. According to studies conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1979 and 2014, 263,000 veterans have committed suicide.”

Schloman also offered some help throughout the day. “I talked about transcendental meditation,” he said. “There are many studies that show veterans benefit from meditation. I learned it six years ago and saw it was a soothing therapy, whether you were in combat or living in New York City, and dealing with the stress of your job.”

Also a significant part of the evening was the recognition of individuals for the work they’ve done in the community.  “Among those honored were retired Detective of the 72^nd Precinct Mike Cleary, FDNY Captain Steve Riccio, and army veteran Staff Sergeant David Winker,” said Schloeman.

“It’s always nice to have a community thank you for all that you’ve done though,” he added. “These honorees don’t ask for it. That’s the quality of those kinds of people. They don’t ask for it but are grateful.”
Operation Warrior Shield will hold a fundraiser on Wednesday, September 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Union League Club, 38 East 37th Street in Manhattan. For more information, go to operationwarriorshield.com.