NYS Troopers-Marines Group Holding First Fundraiser in Garden City

Before they took on the task of patrolling New York's busiest roadways, their missions led them to places like Iraq, Afghanistan and other war-torn parts of the world.

"The idea came from the old saying 'Once a Marine, always a Marine,'" NYS Trooper Ed Arias told PoliceOne.com of the creation of the New York State Troopers Marine Corps Association, a non-profit fraternal organization that helps troopers who share a military background, as well as their families.

In the article, published on June 1 as part of the website's "For Cops, By Cops" series, Arias explained that the newly formed group, now 50 members strong, was formed to honor the memory of New York State Trooper/USMC Capt John J. McKenna IV, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on Aug. 16, 2006.  

The group gives troopers like McKenna, who are also military members, opportunities to stay connected with fellow service men and women, and volunteer time to the community. It also provides care packages for military members who are deployed and peace of mind that their families will be taken care of if a tragedy occurs by offering economic and emotional support.

To accomplish this the organization relies on generous donations and will be holding its first fundraiser on Thursday, June 7, in Garden City from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tun Tavern (605 Stewart Ave.).

"We act as an extended family to our fellow service members and to answer the call to provide comfort and assistance to families in need while military family members are in harm’s way," he added.