10-Year-Old Raises $1K For Local Veterans, Honored By Babylon Town

LINDENHURST– A 10-year-old West Babylon resident was recently honored by the Town of Babylon Board for his "exceptional service" to veterans in the community.

In a ceremony, officials presented Tyler Sullo, a student at Forest Avenue Elementary School, with a certificate of appreciation on March 15. American Legion Post 1634 also bestowed him with an outstanding service award.

Tyler, student body president, declared helping local veterans to be a part of his electoral platform.

Inspired by his veteran grandparents and those in his community, he fulfilled this goal through his organization of a heartwarming dinner to benefit veterans.

“In West Babylon, we are lucky to have great people like Tyler who make up our community to help all of our organizations run,” said Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “That is what living in the Town of Babylon is all about.”

Tyler organized a free Feb. 13 dinner for veterans that not only provided a delicious meal of spaghetti and meatballs but "a sense of togetherness and gratitude" near Valentine’s Day, a release said.

He also raised $1,000 for American Legion Post 1634 in West Babylon. Both Tyler and his family did this by coordinating with over two dozen local businesses to secure items for 29 raffled-off gift baskets, and funds were also raised through a 50/50 raffle.

American Legion Post 1634 was "incredibly grateful" for the funds, which will help maintain the building and its services to veterans, including crucial veterans support groups, a release said.

“It goes without saying that this is a tremendous thing to do, particularly for someone of his age,” said Chair of the Town of Babylon Veterans Advisory Council and Councilman DuWayne Gregory. “As a veteran, I am grateful to Tyler for recognizing the need to help our veterans and the incredible impact he can have.”