Schumer, Donovan Call For Brooklynite & ROTC Cadet To Receive Medal of Heroism
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-Brooklyn) and Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) recommended Brooklynite Mark Kindschuh for the ROTC’s Medal of Heroism yesterday.
Kindscuh, an ROTC cadet, did a summer term abroad in London and was at Borough Market with friends when the June 3rd terror attack took place. During the attack, the 19-year-old Boston College student, risked his own life to save the life of a complete stranger who was bleeding from the back of his head. Kindscuh left his hiding space to help the man by taking off his belt and wrapping it around the man’s head to stop the bleeding. Mark then ran outside the pub in search of more medical help at the very same time that the police were shooting the attackers. The Bay Ridge native’s actions ultimately saved the man’s life.
The U.S. Army Medal of Heroism is a U.S. military decoration awarded by the Department of the Army to an ROTC cadet who performs an act of heroism. The achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it sets the individual apart from fellow students. The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage. The Medal of Heroism is the highest Department of the Army medal awarded to ROTC cadets.
“Not only as an American, but as a New Yorker and lifelong Brooklynite, I am so proud of ROTC cadet Mark Kindschuh for the heroism he displayed during the tragic London attack. On that fateful day, Mark risked his own life by running towards the danger, not away from it, to save the life of a complete stranger and because of his actions, that man is alive today. If there’s anyone who deserves the ROTC’s Medal of Heroism, it’s Mark Kindschuh and that’s why Congressman Donovan and I are proudly recommending Mark for this high honor,” said Schumer.
“This young man’s heroics made his city and country proud. Mark’s quick and decisive action saved a stranger’s life, and it’s that kind of selfless courage that makes our armed forces the greatest in the world. I look forward to following what will surely be a bright and impactful career in military service for Mark,” said Donovan.
Gentile Makes 2nd Call On MTA For An Audit Of R Train Deficiencies
City Council Member Vincent Gentile (D-Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Bath Beach) is calling on Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman, Joe Lhota, to audit the R-train subway line for deficiencies.
In an open letter to Lhota, Gentile cited specific improvements necessary for improving transportation for R train commuters including requesting a restoration of the Chambers Street Special” for a shortened R Train to run from 95th Street to Chambers Street, that in the past have provided faster and more frequent service from bay Ridge to downtown Brooklyn.
“For Bay Ridgeites, they have experienced much more than ‘a summer of hell’ on the railways; Bay Ridgeites have lived with the R train nightmare for decades. For them, the R train ridership, you need to declare ‘Enough is enough,” said Gentile.
Donovan Applauds Passage of Veterans Package Bills; Denounces Russian Collusion
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) and the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a series of 8 bills to improve opportunities, benefits and services to U.S. Veterans, on Monday.
The package of legislation includes measures to improve educational benefits for veterans under the post-9/11 GI bill, strengthen quality of health care received at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), increase transparency and accountability at the VA and enhance opportunities for businesses owned by veterans.
“Saying ‘thank you’ is not enough, and it’s our duty to support and create effective solutions to the challenges U.S. military service members face when returning home. These bills are actionable steps to show veterans that Congress is committed to meeting their needs. Our nation will never be able to repay the immeasurable debt we owe those who defended our freedom, but we can put in place policies that help ensure veterans receive the respect, benefits, and services they earned and deserve,” said Donovan.
Donovan also took the time out to address the recent sanctions imposed on Russia after the House passed a bill giving Congress the power to block any effort by the White House to weaken sanctions against the controversial country in a 419-3 vote.
The vote came hours after Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, finished his interview with the House Intelligence Committee on possible Russian collusion during the 2016 Trump campaign.
“The intelligence community has concluded that Russia attempted to influence the 2016 election. I’m glad Congress and the Administration reached agreement on meaningful legislation that will make foreign governments think twice before meddling in our affairs. Russia must face consequences for its unacceptable behavior,” said Donovan.
Malliotakis Applauds MTA’s NYC Subway Action Plan
Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge, Staten Island) is applauding the effort of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and MTA Chair Joe Lhota’s New York City Subway Action Plan.
The $836 million dollar stabilization plan will include sweeping repairs and cleaning of subway trains and stations, added personnel and longer trains, more countdown clocks and clearer service updates, all within the next year.
“The New York City Subway Action Plan by MTA Chair Joe Lhota, is a comprehensive first step in the effort to put our subway system back on track. Governor Cuomo and Chairman Lhota have shown leadership and have taken positive action, unlike Mayor de Blasio who has done nothing except gripe to the media and hold photo-ops on the subway as he plays the blame game while New York straphangers suffer,” said Malliotakis.
Malliotakis continued, “As Mayor, I will extend a hand to Governor Cuomo and work in partnership to fix the system to increase capacity, improve reliability and accommodate population and economic growth.”
