‘Vets Helping Vets’: Car Show Keeps Army Veteran Al Statton’s Legacy Alive In Huntington

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Classic cars will roll into Walt Whitman High School for the annual Al Statton Memorial Operation Enduring Care “Drive with Supplies” Benefit Car Show this Sunday, Nov. 9, a fundraiser and donation drive supporting veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center and local transitional homes — all in honor of the late Vietnam War veteran.

Hosted by the Centurion Cruisers Car Club and American Legion Post 1244 in Greenlawn, the event runs rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spectators attend for free, while car show participants are asked for a $20 donation.

The school hosts the event each year in partnership with Post 1244, providing space for hundreds of cars and community members to participate. Attendees are encouraged to bring personal hygiene items, clothing, and other comfort goods that will go directly to veterans in community living centers and shelters across Long Island.

Operation Enduring Care was founded in 2009 by Army Sgt. 1st Class Al Statton, a lifelong Greenlawn resident, firefighter, and Vietnam War veteran, and his wife, Connie, after Statton began cancer treatments at the Northport VA. While being treated, Statton noticed that many fellow veterans lacked access to basic essentials.

“He had actually three or four different times where he was battling different cancers, and it was all military related,” said Carlo Giordano, commander of American Legion Post 1244. “But while he was in these hospitals and in these recovery areas, he noticed guys that didn’t have personal hygiene items because they had outlived their caregivers. The government really doesn’t give them personal hygiene items like socks and underwear and, you know, different things, toothpaste and stuff like that.”

“So he and his wife — they just started going out, buying this stuff,” Giordano continued. “And then they started looking for donations, and they started it out of their home, and it got so big that everything, you know, it just took over the house.”

As the effort grew, Statton brought the project to his American Legion post, where it became a key community mission.

“We told Al, yes, absolutely, we would do whatever we could to help you. And it took off from there,” Giordano said.

Post 1244 soon turned Operation Enduring Care into a year-round effort, collecting donations of all kinds — from checks and cash contributions to carloads of supplies dropped off by local residents and schools.

The Centurion Cruisers Car Club — a group of classic car enthusiasts that includes veterans and retired law enforcement officers — joined forces with the Legion, combining their shared passion for cars with community service. The idea for the car show came from Post member Charlie Armstrong, who is part of the Centurion Cruisers Car Club.

“He talked to them at one of his club meetings, and they all decided to jump on board and host a car show,” Giordano said. “They ask you to bring items — personal hygiene, clothing, hats, gloves, socks — and all of it goes to Operation Enduring Care.”

Giordano said last year’s show drew about 250 cars, ranging from Model As to vintage rides from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s.

Donations from the event directly support veterans at the Northport VA, the United Beacon House shelter, and other transitional housing programs. All proceeds and supplies stay on Long Island, supporting veterans through the Northport VA and affiliated housing programs.

The funds are used to purchase needed items, while donated goods are distributed year-round to homes and rehabilitation facilities. Post members and volunteers personally deliver these donations several times a year.

When Al Statton passed away in 2023 at age 72 after a long battle with multiple cancers, members of Post 1244 vowed to continue the program in his honor. Rather than let it fade, Post Chaplain John Carr stepped up to lead the initiative, maintaining contact with Connie Statton and keeping Al’s mission alive.

“We keep it in Al’s name and just keep going forward,” Giordano said. “He was the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”

“We like to say within our organization: vets helping vets,” Giordano added. “That’s what we do.”

How To Help

When/Where: Sunday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station

Cost: $20 per vehicle entry; free for spectators

Bring: Personal hygiene products, socks, gloves, T-shirts, towels, bedding, and gift cards

On site: Breakfast and lunch for sale via the Wildcat Booster Club; Operation Enduring Care tote bags and T-shirts (proceeds benefit veteran programs)

Can’t attend? Those unable to attend can still donate by contacting Post 1244 directly to arrange drop-offs or monetary contributions.

More info: Hank 516-650-9095 or Charlie 917-337-2234