Writers Honoring Veterans- 2017- Recap and Photos

Project Coordinator Brian Michael Miga

Ten local veterans were recently honored for their service to our country at a reception in the New Hartford American Legion.

A good turnout!

The project, "Writers Honoring Veterans - 2017" was masterminded by local attorney Brian Michael Miga. Last spring, Brian put out feelers to local writers and the public through the Utica OD and Veteran's organizations, hoping to garner interest in the project. Several volunteers donated substantial amounts of  time to conduct personal interviews with the vets and/or or their families, to photograph memorabilia, do research and eventually write the presentations for the individual tributes.

The project culminated on November 7, 2017, at which time the participating writers presented bound books detailing each individual veteran's  personal military experiences to the veterans who were able to attend, or to their family members if not. A sizable crowd of well-wishers and veteran leaders attended the festivities.

In addition, soft-cover anthologies containing all ten tributes were printed and will be given to various project participants, local schools and at least one US Armed Forces venue.

A copy of the anthology will be donated to the Dunham Public Library for anyone who is interested in viewing and reading the stories of these men and women who served the United States during World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, and the more recent Mid-East conflicts.

This is community spirit and collaboration at its best. Congratulations and thanks to Brian, the writers and especially the veterans whose stories will now be shared with family, friends and the general public.

The photos below are of the writers and their honored veterans (or veteran's representative).

Darcelle Bleau (l)  and Victoria Scarborough (r) for Dolly (Nina June Marvin)

Caren Pepper (r)  for Sylvester Puccio

Bob Sblendorio (r) for Albert Circelli (l)

Karen Jacobson (r) for Donald F. Rothdiener (l)

Bob Sblendorio (r) for Dave Wilson (l)

Brian Miga (r) for Joseph Rositano (l)

Debbie Hornesky (l) for Daniel J. Geary

Debbie Hornesky (far left) Bob Sblendorio (seated) for Gary Markowicz (center right)

Brian Miga (r) for Joseph Costello (l)

Linna Miller (l) for George Andrew Wood

Cake by Andrea Graves, Classy Cakes, Marcy, NY

Funds for the printing of the tributes and anthologies courtesy of Don and Enessa Carbone of the Carbone Auto Group.

Formatting for publication by Darcelle Bleau.

Proofreading and editing by CJ Alexander.