Lt. Michael Murphy Sea Cadets On LI Get $1.6K Donation From PSEG Workers

LONG ISLAND, NY — PSEG Long Island employees recently donated $1,650 to the Lt. Michael Murphy U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a non-profit leadership development program for young people aged 10 through the completion of high school. The Murphy division was formed in 2012 as the namesake of Lt. Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in action in 2005. The unit is one of 400 units throughout 46 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

The unit is based at the Lt. Michael Murphy U.S. Navy SEAL Museum in West Sayville.

The donation was made through two of PSEG Long Island’s employee business resource groups, the Vets EBRG, which includes advocates and supporters of military causes, and the Adelante LI EBRG, which has employees who promote Hispanic people and cultures.

Norberto Lopez Gutierrez, a PSEG Long Island employee who is also a volunteer for the cadets program, said the utility has "a longstanding commitment to community service and we are proud to support veteran organizations.”

“As an adult volunteer and parent of a son in this program, I have seen firsthand the values this program instills in young people – patriotism, teamwork, hard work, and self-pride," he said. "I’m grateful that my employer and colleagues are supporting this wonderful community service organization.”

Gary Vertichio, commanding officer of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, offered his "finest military salute" to PSEG for the "generous donation and the support they have given us over the years."

“Our staff is all volunteers and 100 percent of the monies we raise goes to the program to fund the cadets’ uniforms and gear, along with advanced trainings, educational trips, and special events," he said.