Glen Cove Councilman Honored By VFW Post 347 On Veterans Day

GLEN COVE, NY — In recent years, City Councilman Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews would spend Veterans Day honoring the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 347 in Glen Cove.

But this year, it was Stevenson-Mathews who was celebrated at VFW's Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

Prior to the start of their standard service, VFW members surprised the councilman with a plaque "honoring him for his meritorious and distinguished service to their post," according to a press release.

"I was truly surprised and humbled to be presented with such an important and distinguished honor," said Stevenson-Mathews, who comes from a military family. "To be acknowledged by veterans, who sacrificed so much in their own lifetimes is a true honor and will be something I will always cherish."

Stevenson-Mathews' mother was in the Cadet Nurse Corps and his father served in the Navy during World War II. His only sibling, Retired Col. James H. Mathews, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, while their uncle served four tours in Vietnam and was a Bronze Star recipient.

VFW member and trustee Joseph Moores, who presented him with the award, explained that he has been a tremendous support to veterans.

When a fire tore through VFW's meeting hall this summer, Moores said the councilman was the first to offer assistance.

He also usually attends breakfasts each month at St. Rocco's with American Legion Post 76, touches base with VFW Post 347 before important meetings to ensure their voices are heard, and helps manage the VFW Facebook page he had set up for them.

"Our Facebook page, which Gaitley manages with input from a designated member, allowed us to petition vital support and funds to help rebuild our post," Moores said. "Gaitley is a loyal friend and we wanted everyone to know how much we appreciate him."

Post Commander Henryk Nowicki also commented: "It was only natural that we honor Gaitley on the day that means so much to us."