The Town of Oyster Bay’s Veterans Volunteer Awards took place on July 14, at John J. Burns Park as part of the “Salute to America” concert. The program, honoring veterans, included a musical performance by Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops Orchestra.
“There is no greater recognition than to be acknowledged by one’s peers and these members of the veteran community truly deserve tremendous credit,” said John Supervisor Venditto.
This year’s winners included Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Paul Zadoff of Bethpage, who is a World War II disabled Iwo Jima veteran, the Veteran Volunteer of the Year Recipient John (Jack) Ryan and the Non-Veteran Volunteer of the Year Recipient Barbara Davis.
Ryan is a U.S. Army combat veteran of Vietnam with numerous citations, including the Purple Heart. Ryan is also a decorated retired New York City Police Detective with more than 30 years of service and a 40-year member of American Legion’s Massapequa Post 1066 where he was recently elected as the post’s 1st Vice Commander. He is always endeavoring to reach out to veterans and their families and offer assistance and is extremely active with advocating for the needs of veterans at every level of government. His commitment to United States veterans is exemplary, extensive and extraordinary.
Davis has been a longtime volunteer with Nassau County’s Vietnam Veterans Chapter No. 82. She has had roots in the Town of Oyster Bay for more than 50 years. Her family has been serving in the armed forces since the American Revolution and her father, George, was a WWII Navy combat veteran. Davis has greatly improved the welfare of veterans and also supports Hope for the Warriors, an organization that builds new homes for the disabled. She has earned the respect of the community and her colleagues through her exemplary leadership, boundless energy and positive attitude.
For 94-year-old Zadoff, this award was doubly special, as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima. Although he is an Army Air Force Veteran, Zadoff is a member of the 1st Marine Division veteran’s organization. On Iwo Jima, Zadoff was the chief mechanic in charge of a P-51 Mustang and three pilots assigned to fly it.
Today, Zadoff remains active with the Vet2Vet peer support program, participating in discussions with veterans and acting as a mentor. He also sings and dances at the Plainview Y.
“The ‘Salute to America,’ is just a small way in which the town shows it appreciation for our men and women currently enlisted in the military,” said Venditto. “Our veterans deserve the continuing support of the entire community and I believe these awards are tangible ways we can remind our veterans that their efforts are not forgotten.”
—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay
