Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with his colleagues on the Town Board to honor veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces at the Town of Oyster Bay’s Salute to America at TOBAY Beach. Special recognition was given to the recipients of the Veteran’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award.
“All four of this year’s honorees have involved themselves in numerous veteran activities and events and perform many diverse services on behalf of America’s fighting men and women,” said Supervisor Saladino. “They are hometown heroes and role models, and are truly worthy of tonight’s honor. I look forward to their continued service in the years ahead.”
Recipients of the Town’s Veterans Lifetime Achievement Award were Padric “Pat” Nugent (first photo, center) and Matthew Schmidt (not pictured).
Padric Nugent, of Massapequa, is a United States Army Veterans and now retired 20-year Army Reserve Sergeant who spent 25 years as an NYPD Detective. He is a 3-year Commander of American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa, where his work ethic and acumen were instrumental in the success of countless initiatives that benefitted our community and our many veterans. He is also a member of AMVETS Post 88 in Massapequa, a Life Member of Elks 2161, the Knights of Columbus Memorare Council and the NYPD Honor League.
Matthew Schmidt, of Massapequa, is a United States Army Veteran, becoming a part the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion Special Operations Unite and serving in Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq in March 2003 to April 2004. He was awarded numerous medals for his time in the combat zone and was honorably discharged with the Rank of Sergeant. Matthew joined the NYPD in 2001 and is a 9/11 first responder who worked at Ground Zero, later joining the NCPD working in the 8th Precinct.
Honored as the 2022 Town of Oyster Bay’s Veteran Volunteers of the Year were Jim Mott (second photo, center) and John Falbo (third photo, center).
Jim Mott, of Massapequa, is a United States Navy Vietnam Veteran. Jim has continued his service by volunteering his time as a driver at the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, transporting his fellow Nassau County Veterans to VA facilities as needed. He also volunteers to perform the same service for veterans when he is in Florida.
John Falbo, of Farmingdale, is a United States Army Veteran and member of the Hugh C. Newman III Memorial American Legion Post 449 in Farmingdale. John helps to raise charitable funds to assist veterans in the community, especially those who are homeless, and across the country. He also performs “Buddy Checks” to make sure his fellow veterans are doing well.
Also in attendance was Nassau County Legislator Steven Rhoads, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy and New York State Senator Alexis Weik.