The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held its annual Veterans Day Recognition Luncheon at Spoto’s Restaurant and paid tribute to men and women from all walks of life who have served their country.
Bronx Chamber CEO Lenny Caro and chairman Joseph Kelleher presented citations and awards to honorees: Barbara Jenkel, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities; Thomas Efrom of the ‘Nam Knights; Mark Baruh, Wall Front to the Home Front; U.S. Navy personnel Anthony Rosario, Evelyn Reyes and Robert Lee; and U.S. Army personnel Edward Santiago, Keith Rivera, Odalis Fernandez, Ruth Torres, and Christobal Santiago.
The Wall of Honor, a moveable tribute that lists all of the men and women from New York State who have given their lives since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was brought to the ceremony by the Never Forget Foundation. Additional citations were presented to all the honorees by Senator Jeff Klein and Councilman Joel Rivera.
“There is no higher honor that to give your life for your fellow man,” said event emcee Kevin McCabe. “It it weren’t for them, we would not have the American life we have today.”
Since small businesses create the most jobs, and returning vets are looking for work, by supporting small business we can put vets to work, said Klein in his remarks to the Chamber membership.
Honoree Barbara Jenkel used the opportunity to advocate for federal funding of service dogs that work as companions for returning veterans who are suffering for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
