[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH BAY POST NO. 8300 OF THE VETERANS 
                   OF FOREIGN WARS IN EAST PATCHOGUE

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members 
of the South Bay Post No. 8300 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, in East 
Patchogue, Long Island as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 
post's founding this Saturday, September 14.
  Established by World War II veterans returning home to Brookhaven 
Town after leading America's victory over fascism, the South Bay Post 
takes its name from the Great South Bay that separates the south shore 
of Suffolk County from Fire Island and the Atlantic Ocean. South Bay 
Post No. 8300 was officially chartered on September 14, 1946, and 
Howard D. Hunter was chosen as the post's first commander.
  Utilizing a surplus Army hospital building from Camp Upton, now 
Brookhaven National Laboratory, the post opened its headquarters on 
Dunton Avenue in East Patchogue in the early 1950's on land purchased 
from the town of Brookhaven for $1. Post members moved the hospital 
building from Camp Upton in three sections, installed the foundation 
and completed all the necessary renovations. Since its inception, the 
post headquarters have been expanded to accommodate its membership, 
that rose from an original 73 veterans to a high of 142 in 1973. Today 
the roster stands at 79.
  On May 30, 1947, the post held its first important event when it 
sponsored a Memorial Day parade and service at the Bellport Cemetery. 
The post still continues its annual Memorial Day parade tradition.
  During South Bay Post No. 8300's half-century lifespan, many changes 
have come to this area of Long Island. What remains unchanged is the 
devotion that the post's charter members possess for their country and 
comrades-in-arms. This Saturday night, during the 50th anniversary 
celebration dinner, Post Commander Dominic Chiapperino will present 50-
year pins to 11 charter members whose passion and faith in America and 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars post they founded have never wavered.
  I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me 
in saluting these 11 charter members of South Bay Post No. 8300, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, on their 50-year anniversary. The 50-year 
charter members are: Anthony Fuoco, Ralph Fuoco, Sam Fuoco, Anthony 
Satornino, Dominic Satornino, Charles Stethani, Vincent Stethani, 
Walter Albasi, James Cardamone, Gasper Perry, and Joseph Stethani.
  As citizens of this free and prosperous Nation, all Americans owe our 
war veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they 
endured and the efforts they made on our behalf. Please join me in 
saluting South Bay Post No. 8300 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 
all of its members, for all they do for our veterans and for all 
they've done for America.

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