On Saturday, Nov. 19, at Community Ambulance Company in Sayville, 231 donated turkeys were given out to veterans in the community.

Suffolk County is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country and Community Ambulance “wanted to take the lead by coordinating a movement to give back and say thank you to those that put on the uniform and sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said organizer Jamie Atkinson.

“Many veterans came back from war and were treated poorly, the least we can do is provide Thanksgiving turkeys and meals for the holiday season. We appreciate and respect our veterans, active military and the families of those who served our great country,” said Atkinson

Expanding the program from last year when 91 turkeys were given out, Community Ambulance brought in sponsors to help defray the cost and provide more turkeys. The Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum, located in nearby West Sayville, was also present to provide information on the new facility, promote the local museum, and remind all active duty military that entry into the museum was free.

Among the sponsors were: Ryan McGarry, Suffolk AME (Association of Municipal Employees), Greg Caggiano, Miller & Caggiano, LLP, Suffolk Police Veterans Association, Tap Room owner Sayville resident James Bonanno, Suffolk Credit Union, and Dash Simplified Solutions (DSS) - Lyter Group, Inc., owner of the newly opened Pizzaiolo Gourmet Eatery in Oakdale Provided the food and fixings.

Connetquot Central School District High School and middle school volleyball teams coordinated by New York State assemblyman Jarett C. Gandolfo, Andrew Garbarino and Lindsay Ekizian, came to support and help hand out turkeys and food.

The Sayville Fire Department provided transportation of the turkeys and civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army Steven Castleton - Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services OEM director, Joe Trzepizur, were there to advertise “Vets to Vollies,” recruiting veterans in our local fire and EMS agencies.