01-07-09
New Mt. Vernon Central Committee of Veterans Affairs officers sworn in
     John Fava, American Legion Commander of the Anthony T. Fava Post #1768 in Mount Vernon, was sworn in by Mayor Clinton I. Young as Chairman of the Mount Vernon Central Committee for Veterans Affairs at a Mount Vernon City Council Chambers ceremony, held Tuesday night, January 6. Also sworn in by the mayor were the following officers:

• Anthony Frusciante, Vice-Chairman, Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 22

• Jerry Frusciante, Secretary/Chaplain, American Legion, Anthony T. Fava Post #1768

• Melvin Garrett, Treasurer, Aaron A Lewis, Post 6396, VFW

     The Master of Ceremonies for the well attended event was highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Will DuBose, who is the Director of the Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency, City of Mount Vernon.
     The Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency acts as a liaison between veterans, their dependents and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Those individuals who served our country as a member of the armed forces during Korean War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Persian gulf Wars. Assistance is also provided to persons who served this country but whose tour of duty did not include wartime activity. The agency additionally coordinates activities and benefits with other public and private agencies on behalf of those seeking assistance. The Agency all works closely with the Mount Vernon Central Committee for Veterans Affairs, a well-respected group of veterans who are the caretakers of Mount Vernon's Memorial Room. The Memorial Room contains military memorabilia that has been collected for a number of years. 

     "I can never get tired of thanking you for answering the call when it was time to defend our great nation. Certainly, as we sit here tonight, we owe a debt of gratitude to you in terms of just protecting all that is good about democracy; all that is good about living in a democratic society; and all that is good about our United States of America," said Mayor Young when introduced to the audience by DuBose.
     Other speakers included William Randolph, President of the Mount Vernon City Council, George Humphrey, outgoing Chairman of the Mount Vernon Central Committee for Veterans Affairs, Melvin Garrett, past Chairman of the Mount Vernon Central Committee for Veterans Affairs, and George Brown, Deputy City Clerk.
     Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was Deborah Norman, Sr.-Vice Commander, Westchester County Council, VFW.
     Receiving a long ovation for her rendition of the National Anthem was Brenda Weiner, Comptroller's Office.
     The recognition of Distinguished Veterans was done by Garrett and Brown.
     Ending the ceremony with the Benediction was Jerry Frusciante.
 

Will DuBose

New officers being sworn in by Mayor Young (l to r) John Fava, Anthony Frusciante,
Jerry Frusciante and Melvin Garrett.

George Humphrey

Mayor Clinton I. Young

End of ceremony group picture

Will DuBose being honored with a plaque by Anthony Frusciante

Brenda Weiner singing the National Anthem