Crowley, DenDekker Present Missing Medals To Jackson Heights War Vet
U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and Woodside, Parts of the Bronx) and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-Woodside, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst) joined together last week to present military service replacement medals to Jackson Heights resident Robert West, a veteran of the Korean War.
Crowley, the House Democratic Caucus Chair, secured for West of a total of four military decorations including: The National Service Medal, the Korean War Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the United Nations Service Medal.
“We can never forget the incredible sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. The medals earned by these brave Americans are tokens of appreciation for their service and I’m proud to have helped secure the reissue of the medals Robert West was awarded,” said Crowley. “We owe a debt of gratitude to individuals like Robert and this is the least we could do to honor his commitment to our nation.”
In addition to replacing the medals West had lost, Crowley and DenDekker also presented him with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his service in the U.S. Army.
“I thank Congressman Crowley for his role in replacing these important military service medals for someone who gave so much of himself to our country,” said DenDekker, chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “I salute Robert West for serving with great distinction and courage. He has made our Queens community and our nation proud and I’m thrilled he is once again in possession of the decorations he so rightly deserves.”
Born on December 22, 1932, in Newport, West Virginia, West enlisted with the U.S. Army on January 27th, 1953, and was honorably discharged on December 7th, 1954. He last served with the 3rd Division, 15th Regiment Army Med. Co. West also served with the New York National Guard at the 369th Armory.
Addabbo Brings Metrocard Van To Forest Hills & Glendale
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D- Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspethand,South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) is sponsoring two visits of the MetroCard Van in Forest Hills and Glendale on Wednesday, November 29 to assist his constituents with their public
transportation needs.
The van will be stationed in two different locations throughout the day,
allowing residents to purchase and refill MetroCards in spots that are
convenient for them. Many neighborhoods across the city do not contain
subway stops, where MetroCard machines are located, and there are few
places where residents can easily buy or refill cards. The mobile van
provides these commuters with greater access to these services.
“Many communities, unfortunately, are underserved by public transportation
and lack subway stops where MetroCard kiosks are located,” said Addabbo.
“For people who live in these areas, or for those who only use the bus as
part of their daily routines, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a
place to buy and refill cards.”
Addabbo noted that elderly and disabled residents may not be able to travel
great distances to obtain a MetroCard, and should not have to suffer a lack
of services owing to mobility limitations. “The MetroCard Van brings these
services directly to the residents of my district and offers another outlet
for people to conveniently take care of their mass transit needs,” he said.
The MetroCard Van will be stationed from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in front of Maspeth Federal Savings, 101-09 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills. It will then relocate from 1-3 p.m., to the Stop and Shop, 64-66 Myrtle Avenue in Glendale. The staff on board will be selling unlimited and pay-per-ride MetroCards and will also be equipped to add money to regular or reduced fare cards.
For more information, interested residents may contact Addabbo’s Howard
Beach office at 718-738-1111.
Avella Calls on NYC Parks to Reevaluate Sidewalk in Desperate Need of Repair
State Senator Tony Avella (D- College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Little Neck, Douglaston, Floral Park, Beechhurst, Malba, Auburndale) yesterday stood with a Bayside homeowner to call on the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to reevaluate their Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program’s poor grading of the damage done to the homeowner’s tree from an NYC tree.
The homeowner’s sidewalk has been broken up and lifted due to tree roots encroaching onto her property from underneath her sidewalk.
Currently, DPR rates the sidewalk, located in front of 209-19 53rd Avenue, at 79/100, putting it outside of DPR’s priority. Avella has noted in letters—that DPR has yet to respond to—that it is the second worst sidewalk condition he has ever personally witnessed.
“The fact that this tree and sidewalk situation received a 79 is ridiculous and shows that the Parks Department is asleep at the wheel when it comes to their Trees and Sidewalks Repair Program. The sidewalk damage is incredibly dangerous and nearly impossible to walk over without putting your body at risk. Parks needs to come out here and reevaluate this situation immediately, as I have been requesting for months. Hopefully, they fix this before residents begin closing off the entire sidewalk themselves,” said Avella.
