War Veterans Receive New Homes In Islandia: They 'Served Our Country'

ISLANDIA, NY — The keys and deeds of three homes were transferred to women war veterans at an event held Wednesday, the Village of Islandia and Creation Equity announced.

Melissa Pandolf, Sabrina Lacy and Catherine Doherty were recognized and gifted the homes as their families watched on at a special ceremony at the Col. Francis S. Midura Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12144 in Islandia.

The selection of who would receive the homes was based on the need for the often overlooked community of female veterans, the village stated. Creation Equity donated and rehabilitated the properties.

"These veterans served our country and I’m pleased that we were able to work with Creation Equity to thank them for their service and have a positive impact on their lives," Islandia Mayor Allan M. Dorman said in a news release. "We would like to thank Creation Equity for their assistance in providing these veterans a home, just in time for Christmas."

Present at the ceremony were Islandia Village Deputy Mayor Tom Annicaro and Trustee Victor Montanez III; Col. Francis S. Midura Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #12144 Quartermaster Ray Rusielewicz and Past Commander Raymond Bush; Creation Equity Vice President Luke Georgiadis and Founder Bob Agahi; Pandolf and her husband, Doug; Lacy; Doherty and her husband, Jim; Dorman; VFW Post #12144 Commandant Vincent "Buddy" Dekeris; former Suffolk County Veterans Service Director Tom Ronayne; and current Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Director Marcelle Leis.