Giving thanks to the true heroes that protect our country.
On Monday, November 20, the Rotary Club of Verrazano combined for the first time with the Salaam Club of New York to distribute over 60 turkeys to troops stationed at the Fort Hamilton Army Base, as the two organizations combined forces to give back during the holiday season.
“Every single year for the last 10 years ago, the Rotary of Verrazano has come to the fort and donated turkeys on Thanksgiving to the members of the armed forces,” said Ralph Succar, a member of the group. “This year, the Salaam Club of New York said that they would also contribute and join the Verrazano Rotary in that endeavor, which is great. We are so grateful for our armed forces. Hopefully, this collaboration will continue as long as we are alive. We are just very thankful for the men and women in the armed forces. We are privileged that they gave us the honor of accepting the turkeys.”
“We thank the armed forces for giving up their holidays to let us be with the people we love and to keep us safe,” added Joseph Elhilow of the Salaam Club. “We thank them and appreciate everything they’ve done.”
“It’s our way of saying thank you to people that keep safe the beautiful country we live in,” said Carl Campagna of the Rotary Club.
Members of the armed forces on the receiving end were also thrilled with the gesture. “I’m endlessly grateful for it,” said Sergeant Harry Palomino. “It’s such a kind gesture. It’s great that the community reaches out to us and like [Ralph Succar] said, we are intertwined with the community.”
Succar addressed the group. “Thank you very much for being here tonight,” he said. “Thank you for your service. Having the Fort Hamilton Army Base host us is really a privilege.”
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