February 10, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Home

 

We extend a welcome home to our members who were activated during 2008. God speed to those who are still serving in harms way.  Stay safe.

 

 10th REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY -  OUTSTANDING  SUCCESS:

 

You can all be proud of yourselves for a job well done.  There were over 600 people in attendance, which included 200 members dressed in their respective U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corp uniforms.  Remembrance Day was filled with emotion and pride. After the ceremony, over 250 guests attended the luncheon at St. Andrew’s Church.  Everyone commented how great they enjoyed the luncheon. A huge success!!!

 

WELCOME HOME TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS:

 

            The Ceremony opened with the showing of the NYPD Heroes and US Navy Freedom videos.  Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly welcomed everyone in attendance, especially our Iraq Veterans.  Chaplain LT David Rosenek, USN, gave a very moving invocation. We welcomed home members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard.  Two members in full uniform, from each branch of service, came to attention in front of the stage while the NYPD Emerald Society Pipe Band played each of the service tunes. Representing the U. S. Army was CDR Bill Seidenstein’s son, P.O. Steven, Sgt., 101st Airborne. A very proud and impressive moment!!          

 

REAR ADMIRAL TED BRANCH USN, DIRECTOR FOR INFORMATION PLANNING AND SECURITY:

 

            Our guest speaker Rear Admiral Ted Branch addressed our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan and compared the NYPD and the USN in their combined effort against terrorist attacks.  He proudly stood at attention for the Military Services tribute stating that we are all in this fight together.  The Admiral expressed his pride in all of our brave service men and women and we should all pray for their safe return.  Admiral Branch received a standing ovation as Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and CMDR. Bill Seidenstein presented him with the NYPD Statue of a Police Officer and child.

 

COMMEMORATIVE BELL PINS:

 

            To express our appreciation, Commemorative Bell Pins were distributed to everyone who attended and supported our Remembrance Day Ceremony.  Thanks to St. Stanislaus VFW for their generous donation. A special thank you to the sponsors of our “Bell Pins” PBA Pres. Patrick Lynch,SBA Pres. Ed Mullins, LBA Pres. Tom Sullivan

 

U.S.NAVY 233rd BIRTHDAY CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY:

 

            The Traditional Cake Cutting Ceremony was conducted by P.O. Charles Papio and his son P.O. John Papio. Our oldest sailors were Ret. Lt. John Garry, Seaman ,WWII Okinawa, Ret.Sgt William West, MM2, WWII and Korea, Ret. P.O. Andy Sciano, Seaman WWII, Ret. Det. Louis Clavell, Chief, USCG, Korea, Destroyer. Our youngest sailor was P.P.O. Thomas Frawley, EM3, and USN.  Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly presented each of the WWII Oldest Sailors with a special WWII Certificate and Korean War Certificate to the Oldest USCG Korean War Vet.  The audience gave a standing ovation. The NYPD Emerald Society Pipe Band played “America the Beautiful” during the cake cutting ceremony.  Very professional!  You had to be there to enjoy it!

 

PRESENTATION OF U. S. NAVY CUTLASS:

 

            Commissioner Raymond Kelly presented P.O. Charles Papio with an engraved US Navy Petty Officer Cutlass for his many years of committee work and his dedication to the Cake Cutting Ceremony. Well deserved!!

 

DRISCOLL FAMILY AWARD:

 

            Ret.Sgt. Freddie Crockett graciously accepted a plague from the Driscoll Family for his many years of dedication in honoring their son Stephen. He stated “ I am very proud and grateful for this award. It has a prominent place in my home.”

 

FIRST TOLLING OF THE BELL CEREMONY:

 

            The Tolling of the Bell Ceremony opened with NYPD Lt. Brian Connolly playing softly on his violin. Commissioner Raymond Kelly was the first person to toll the bell for all the Line of Duty deaths of the NYPD, next was Rear Admiral Ted Branch for all the Armed Forces KIA, Ann Driscoll for her husband Stephen , Letitia Driscoll for her son Stephen, Ret. P.O. Kathy Vigiano for her husband  Det. Joe Vigiano, John and Judy Hansen for their son Kenny, Ed and Marge Dwyer for their son Anthony and finally Daniel Murphy and Det. Beck for Medal of Honor Recipient Lt. Michael Murphy, USN Seal, KIA Afghanistan 2005.

 

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE:

 

            P.O. Charles Papio and his son P.O. John Papio conducted the unveiling of the Memorial Wreath. Det. Mike Kelly, Chief, USNR escorted Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Rear Admiral Ted Branch, Mrs. Ann Driscoll, widow of P.O. Stephen Driscoll, Mrs. Letitia Driscoll, mother of Stephen, Daniel Murphy, father of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael Murphy, USN, KIA , Mrs. Kathy Vigiano ( widow of Joe ), John and Judy Hanson,(son Kenny)  Ed and Marge Dwyer(son Anthony)  to the wreath unveiling. Two NYPD Buglers Played “Taps”. Very moving!

                                                           

P.O.STEPHEN DRISCOLL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:

 

            Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Cmdr. Bill Seidenstein presented the Stephen Driscoll Award to Ret. Chief James B. Meehan in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the NYPD and U.S. NAVY.  Chief Meehan  was very moved in accepting the award and graciously thanked the NYPD U.S. NAVY Association for this honor.

 

FINALE:

            

           NYPD Deputy Chief Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Romano closed the Ceremony with Benediction. The US Navy drill team from Groton,Conn. Lined up in front of the stage and performed a very impressive series of precision drills. They did an awesome job! The NYPD Pipe Band marched down the hall playing “Anchors Aweigh”. A Job well done.

 

SHIP’S STORE:

 

            Our clothing line sale was a huge success.  Thanks to Richard McPartland, Bill Oetting, Jennifer Darling, Mike Turck, Thomas Crockett, James Schry, Thomas Coomey, Peter Meehan, John Faust and all other behind the scenes workers for all their hard work.

We now have new long sleeved “T” shirts and new Challenge Coins. Please purchase same and support your organization.                                                    

 

TAPS: “May they rest in peace”

             Ret. Sgt. James McGuinness - 12/30/08-WWII

 

SICK BAY:  Please pray for the speedy recovery of all our sick members.

Andy Siano – Ret. PO – recovering from a stroke. Ret. Lt. Ed Haddican -Car Accident

 

ARMY/NAVY FOOTBALL GAME-DEC. 6, 2008:

 

            Over 50 members and their families traveled to Philadelphia by bus to the Army Navy Football game. Refreshments & Food were supplied on the bus and tailgate party. Navy Beat Army.  A special Thank You to Lt. Matthew Murphy, (Coast Guard) for all his hard work and help in organizing the trip. And a big thank you to Joe Klan (Marine) for supplying the hot chili for the tailgate party.   It was a great game and enjoyed by all.  We look forward to this year’s game which will be Saturday, December 12, 2009.

 

FLEET WEEK – May 20–May 26, 2009:

 

            We will look to schedule VIP tours for NYPD US Navy Association members on Sat. May 23, 2009 at 1030 hours…  Contact me for further information.       

                            

WEBSITE – NYPDUSNAVY.COM:

            Please visit our WebSite and if you have any suggestions to improve our site, we will gladly accept them.  Webmaster John Millett – (JFMANDMO@AOL.COM )

 

We extend a special thanks to Dr. Daniel Thys, President of the NY Navy League for his participation in the Ceremony. Special thank you to A/Chief Joseph McGrann and A/Chief George Anderson for their help in making the ceremony a success. 

 

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT LT. MICHAEL MURPHY-USN SEAL:                                                                                 

         Daniel Murphy, a Purple Heart recipient – Vietnam – U. S. Army and the father of MOH recipient, Michael Murphy, brought his sons’ Medal of Honor for display at our ceremony 2008. Thank you!

 

FUNERAL BENEFITS:

1.                  All honorable discharged veterans are entitled to two uniformed U.S. Navy personnel (a bugler and US flag presenter)

2.                  NYPD retirees are entitled to 8 uniformed pallbearers.

3.                  The NYPD US Navy Association is offering the service of an NYPD Bagpiper to perform at the funeral service of our members. I must be notified of the need.

4.                  You will need a copy of your DD214/Discharge Papers.  Always have your papers in order.

 

NEW YORK HARBOR TOUR:

            The Association is inquiring about an NYPD Harbor Unit Launch to give our members a tour of New York Harbor during the summer.  Anyone interested?  Please contact me so that we can set up a date.  Launch will leave Bklyn Pier Bush Terminal.

 

OLDEST SAILOR:

            Due to the eagerness of our WWII Veterans to participate as our oldest sailor,

 each year we will honor four oldest US Navy sailors and one US Coast Guard sailor. In 2009, the ceremony will be held on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 hours to accommodate our members and guests with parking.

 

DUES 2009: $ 20.00

            Dues for 2009 are now due.  So far, 80 members have already paid their dues for 2009. Thanks! We asked in 2008 for each member to kick in an extra $5.00 for our Ships Bell.  If you didn’t kick in, please do so this year..Please make out a check or money order for $20.00 payable to NYPD US NAVY ASSOCIATION. Don’t delay, send it right away. Enough said!!!

REMEMBER OUR POW/MIA’s                            “GOD BLESS AMERICA”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                    Fraternally,

 

1982 East 29th Street                                                   

Brooklyn, NY, 11229                                                 Frederick J. Crockett

Phone: 718-376-4352