Page 4 - VVA 421 Journal.pub

Vietnam Veterans of America

Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421
P.O. Box 100097

Staten Island, NY 10310

We are now in a very memorable time for both the Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Park on Manor Rd. and Martling Ave. 2013 marks the 25 Anniversary of both our Chapter and the Memorial.
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Let us take a look back to 1988 and see how far we have come. Since the erection of the memorial honoring our 84
brothers and with the help of State Assemblyman Michael Cusick we were able to secure the rights of these grounds.
Shortly after that it was officially called Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. With the acquisition of the grounds we
have been able to replace damaged trees, have the fence and cornerstone professionally restored and bronze plaques
added to the cornerstone so all outsiders can see it hallowed grounds. We have added a sprinkler system and special
lighting in addition to hiring a professional landscaper to make sure the grounds are always kept up with.

We have come very far in establishing ourselves as an organization committed to both Staten Island and our Veteran
community.

Over the past years we have visited schools talking to students about the true meaning of patriotism and recognizing the
value of our men and women that have and are still serving this great country. We also have a program that I am
especially proud of. It is called the Vietnam Experience and it explains the reality of Vietnam something that eludes
our history books.

Other accomplishments are the forming of an Honor Guard that honors our fallen brothers with a Day of
Remembrance every second Sunday in June. This same Honor Guard also offers a special service for all Veterans’
families when they pass.

We have had monuments installed in all high schools throughout Staten Island where are fallen brothers attended.

Our Santa Claus is out there every Holiday Season with gifts for special children.
Another program that we have committed ourselves to is the Veterans Helping Veteran Program {VHV}.

With our Annual Golf Outing we have been able to establish enough funds to support programs such as The Wounded
Warrior Project, Brendan Marrocco Fund, Fleet Week and our Sandy Relief Fund for chapter members.

As President I am very proud of this Chapter and what we have accomplished and I promise you that we will always
be committed to Staten Island, our service men and women, Veterans and the memory of our fallen brothers and sisters.

Thank You and God Bless
Gene Di Giacomo, President

PS- recognition of our past Presidents:
Glen Curtis – 1988 to 1989 Michael Cocozza – 2000 to 2003 {died while in office}
Vito Giobbe – 1989 to 1993 James Wright – 2003 to 2004 {acting President}
Gene Di Giacomo – 1993 to 1998 Bill Solebello – 2004 to 2008
Richie Martin – 1998 to 2000 Gene Di Giacomo – 2008 to present