In the true spirit of the season, representatives of the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior recently visited several military hospitals to not only bring holiday cheer but also to express their gratitude for the sacrifices that wounded soldiers have endured for the country.
Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior (NCFF-OWW) is a non-profit organization centered on providing much-needed items to the wounded men and women of our armed services. The organization works closely with military representatives to ensure that useful clothing, personal entertainment electronics and Get Well cards are properly channeled to recovering service personnel.
Garden City Fire Chief Graham, Chief Nadolny, Ex-Chief Casey and Ex-Chief Holzmaier left the village last Friday morning to join a convoy of approximately 35 firefighters and 10 fire apparatus headed for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The convoy was one of three that left Nassau County to also visit Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg and the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Arriving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the visiting firefighters were warmly greeted by the hospital’s personnel, who eagerly awaited their arrival. “A smile was brought to everyone’s face when we pulled up in front of the hospital, after clearing security with all our emergency response lights flashing,” Graham explained.
After a short debriefing, the firefighters broke into groups of 10 and were escorted up to the wards to meet with some of the injured soldiers. “The wounded that we met had high spirits although some of the injuries sustained were severe. They were very open to talking about their experiences and remained committed to their efforts and country. They greatly appreciated our visit and all the holiday gifts and well wishes that were brought from so far away as Nassau County, NY,” Graham said.
Chief Graham expressed his thanks and appreciation to all of the residents who supported the Garden City Fire Department’s efforts in making the trip such a success. “I would also like to thank Mayor Rothschild, the village board and village administrator for their support of this worthy cause,” he added.
NCFF-OWW is comprised of firefighter and EMS volunteers who conduct numerous fundraising events throughout the year to help meet its goals and enjoys the cooperation of the fire departments of Nassau County. In addition to collecting items and visiting wounded service personnel, NCFF-OWW organizes, on behalf of the Nassau County fire service, welcome home greetings to local soldiers and marines who have recovered from serious injuries. For more information on NCFF-OWW, visit the website www.ncff-oww.com.
