New Officers at Council of Veterans Organization

On Tuesday, The Middletown Council of Veterans Organizations installed its new officers and recognized community members for their service to the veterans of Middletown.  Larry Riley, member of American Legion Post 206 and Commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War post here in Middletown, was sworn in as Council Commander, replacing Mort Pear of Jewish War Veterans Post 51. Just prior to the swearing in ceremony, the Council recognized Eagle Scout Andrew Avalone and the Middlesex Health Care Center. Andrew was recognized for the successful completion of his Eagle Scout project, a gazebo built on South Green in downtown Middletown in honor of Middletown Veterans.  Present from the Middlesex Health Care Center were Cheryl Kelly, Center Administrator, and Mary Meeks, Admissions Director.  Middlesex Health Care Center was recognized for its ongoing Veterans Day Ceremony and the continued service it provides its Veteran residents.

About 60 people, mostly local veterans but a few from area towns, attended, accompanied by wives and other family members.

           

 In relinquishing the reins, Pear grew emotional when he talked about how nervous he was when he assumed the post last year and how amazed he was at the outpouring of support from all the members. Riley, in turn, said that he was honored to assume the commander’s post and would make every effort to continue the successes achieved by Pear and other past commanders.

The slate installed is as follows:
Council Commander - Larry Riley
Sr. Vice Commander - Mike Rogalsky
Jr. Vice Commander - William Hartig
Adjutant -  Michael Steadman
Finance Officer - Paul Fazzino
Assistant Finance Officer - Philip Cacciola
Judge Advocate - Thomas Goglia, Sr.
Chaplain - Richard Clegg
Assistant Chaplain - Robert Wamester
Sergeant-At-Arms - Edward Ouellette
Asst Sergeant-At-Arms - Raymond Tremblay
Bugler - John McCloud

Board of Trustees

3 Year Trustee - Mort Pear

2 Year Trustee - Joseph Kokoszka

1 Year Trustee - Frank Martini, Jr.

Liaison Committee 

Paul Fazzino
Ron Organek
William Pomfret

The Middletown Council of Veterans Organizations of the City of Middletown was established to be of greater service to our member organizations, country, state and community.  The Council organizes and conducts Middletown's Veterans Day ceremony and the Memorial Day parade and ceremony each year.  The Council meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., except for July and August, at American Legion Post 75, 58 Bernie O'Rourke Drive, Middletown.  Established Veterans organizations that meet in Middletown and have a constitution and/or by-laws may seek to join the Council.