The Stephen Siller Tunnel , to Towers , Veterans Day , Golf Classic often translates into a time filled with society nature, pride and patriotism as the foundation signs Veteran’s Day on three nearby golf courses.
The annual memorial, which honors people of the  , U.S.  , defense, and soldiers who fought in all wars, draws hundreds of players on one of the most patriotic times of the year.
The organization’s leadership is encouraged by the words of , St. Francis , of Assisi, who said,” While there is occasion, let us do great”.
The sport classic meal continues at evening in , Nicotra’s Ballroom , in the , Hilton Garden Inn. That, soldiers from every branch of military service, as well as first firefighters, are recognized for their courage, bravery and courage.
IT’S Roots
On , Sept. 11, 2001,  , Stephen Siller, a husband and father of five, was off-duty and on his way home from Squad 1, Park Slope,  , Brooklyn, to enjoy golf with his three older boys.
When he heard that the , World Trade Center , had been hit by a helicopter, he headed toward the site. But, the , Brooklyn Battery Tunnel , ( now officially the , Hugh L. Carey Tunnel ) was already closed. So he parked his vehicle, strapped 65 weight of fire equipment to his rear, and raced through the hole toward the , Twin Towers , to save life.
Siller, who was 34 at the time, not returned. He laid down his life to save others, along with 342 other , New York City  , rescuers, 23 , NYPD , soldiers, 37 PAPD soldiers, EMTs, court officials and fire commanders.  , The Stephen Siller Tunnel , to , Towers Foundation , was born out of that horror.
The organization’s leadership is encouraged by the words of , St. Francis , of Assisi, who said,” While there is occasion, let us do great”.
THE EVENING’S System
Loving notes were offered by Associate Golf Director,  , Dan DeLeon, who introduced Retired FDNY Commissioner , Salvatore Cassano, an initial Tunnel to , Towers Foundation , committee of chairman and a , Vietnam , senior, who reprised his role as the night’s master of ceremonies.
Presentation of Colors were by the , FDNY, the , NYPD , and PAPD Color Guards led by bagpiper,  , Daniel Sprague.
Joseph DelDuca, golf committee representative and retired major, 101 Cav.  , National Guard, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The National Anthem was sung by Tunnel to Towers staffer,  , Jack Furnari, and the Invocation offered by , Regina Siller Vogt.
The POW/MIA Ceremony was conducted by US Navy Chaplain,  , Dennis McLoone , and , Mary McLoone, a , U. S. Army , nurse who read aloud the origin of the POW/MIA Empty Table.
Jack Oehm, a retired , FDNY , battalion chief,  , Siller Foundation , board member and representative, shared heartfelt comments from the podium, and acknowledged all veterans throughout the banquet room.
He said,” We have to be appreciative of what our military does day in and day out .” ” And for our first responders as well.”
HERO TO HERO AWARD
In presenting the” Hero to Hero” Award, DelDuca noted it represents the values of the , Stephen Siller Tunnel , to Towers organization. The family of Jonathan Diller, who is also a journalist, is honored to receive the Tunnel to Towers Award. “, he stated. ” On , March 25, 2024,  , NYPD , officer  , Jonathan Diller , was shot while conducting a traffic stop in , Far Rockaway,  , Queens. He was subsequently transported to , Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Bible says,,’ There’s no greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend.’ We will always be here for you, the Diller family. You will always have access to Tunnel to Towers.
Stephanie Diller, Officer Diller’s wife, expressed her thanks to the Tunnel to , Towers Foundation:” Thanks to all the people in this room on , Veterans Day. Thanks to Tunnel to Towers for the award as well as my family and Ryan, my son. I’ll never forget the day , Frank Siller , came to my house with five cups of coffee because he did n’t known which I liked to speak to me. Thanks to all in this room for always remembering my husband, Jonathan. God blesses everyone, and God bless America. And may , Stephen Siller , and , Jonathan Diller , watch over you all.”
THE JOE BRANDEFINE AWARD
The Joe Brandefine Award was presented to , Rachel Volpe, posthumously. Volpe succumbed to complications due to pancreatic cancer on , Oct. 30.
Jean Ringhoff, who presented the award to Rachel’s husband, Dr.  , Salvatore Volpe , and Rachel’s son, Sal, noted that during COVID, Rachel delivered homebound meals for , Meals on Wheels”. Rachel’s compassion and dedication will live on,” she noted.
Ringhoff further explained Rachel’s affinity for Diet Coke.
In Rachel’s honor, Ringhoff would open a can of Diet Coke and toast the late registered nurse who had been chosen as a 2024 Advance Woman of Achievement.
In accepting the award, Rachel’s husband, Dr.  , Salvatore Volpe, said”, Rachel’s desire to make things happen everyday like Tunnel to Towers is an inspiration. What she accomplished as a nurse was incredible. She made every effort to ensure that everyone was alright. It’s a big gap in our lives. She and I both worked in the cardio-catherization unit for many years. Rachel’s partnership our practice gained national recognition. I appreciate you recognizing Rachel and all you do.
Praising his mom,  , Sal Volpe , described his mom as having drive and dedication, even when it was difficult for her to walk”. She had two accomplishments, one per child, in speaking of himself and his brother Gino. ” Thank you for all you do for , Staten Island , and for the Tunnel to , Towers Foundation”.
Sal Cassano , would introduce , Frank Siller, the CEO of the , Stephen Siller Tunnel , to , Towers Foundation, who he described as” the person who drives the train”.
FRANK SILLER DIRECTS THE CROWD
” It does n’t matter what the weather is, everyone shows up for our golf outings”, he said with a smile. ” We raised over$ 2, 000, 000 in golf outings over the last several years. On Fox 5 I mentioned to , Jesse Waters , we delivered 40 mortgages free for Gold Star Widows.  , Stephanie Diller , is a remarkable human being whose son was only five months old at the time of his dad’s death. At the funeral service, Stephanie eulogized. You showed such admiration for your husband, who had left behind this legacy. You are a hero too. You are part of our family. We are here for you, and we fully understand. We will end veterans ‘ homelessness.
Siller went on to explain the Tunnel to , Towers Foundation , has taken 6, 500 veterans off the streets and placed them in homes in locations across , the United States , and , Puerto Rico.
” We have to give homeless veterans back their dignity and hope”, Siller continued. ” The difference we are making is incredible. We provide more than just homes. Almost 85 % of people have gotten their assistance and left the streets. It started here on , Staten Island. We appreciate everyone who has stepped up to help us with our mission. Nothing is more important to us.
Jack Furnari , closed the program”. It’s a privilege and an honor to work for the the Tunnel to , Towers Foundation, an amazing organization, “he said before recognizing members of the , Marine Corps , League Detachment , 1.
” I ca n’t say enough about the Tunnel to , Towers Foundation,” said , Volker Heyde, a member of the , Marine Corps League”. It’s a great organization. And donating$ 11 a month does n’t hurt anyone. It’s an honor to be here. I honor all veterans. God bless , the United States of America.”
A MEDLEY OF PATRIOTICAL TUNES RELATED TO ARMED FORCES
Veterans of all branches of the military were capped off by a medley of patriotic music, which included service songs that were appropriate for all branches of the military, followed by South Shore Rotary Chorus members performing” God Bless America.”
And as is customary,  , Terry Tarangelo, led the crowd in” God Bless America.”
CELEBRATIONS — , NOV. 17 TO NOV. 23
NOV. 17
Sunday is birthday time for , Mike Lee Sr. who shares this birthday with , Robert Bartow,  , Richie Nielsen, who turns 79,  , Anthony Rappa , and , Davie VanName.
Happy birthday to , Cecelia N. Brunner, co-author of the two Images of America — West Brighton books.
NOV. 18
The best of birthdays on Monday to , Gail Neal,  , Ray O’Neill Jr.,  , Salvatore Alessi,  , Jack Kiley, Natalie and Julie Wiseiewski,  , Ray Mankowski,  , Patricia Mazza , and , Cara Masucci.
NOV. 19
Birthday greetings on Tuesday go to , Diane Lore,  , Paul Floridia,  , Michael Passante, twins Richard and , Russell Verdi, Miriella Spadafora Rosenblum, and , Alex Zablocki.
Happy wedding anniversary Tuesday to Rosemarie and , Steven Barnickel.
NOV. 20
Happy birthday Wednesday to , Greg Dale,  , Amelia Maligno,  , Joe Berardi,  , Christopher Anthony Micho , who turns 17, and , Tom Morrongiello.
Wednesday is wedding anniversary time for Donna and , Tommy Mignone, John and , Lisa Golterman , and Theresa and , Andrew D’Onofrio.
NOV. 21
The happiest of birthdays Thursday to , Mary Lee, Ann Marie Henderson,  , Gail Fernandez,  , Michael J. Perkert , who turns 19,  , Joan Galant,  , William J. Slaven Jr.,  , Casey Romano, twins , Laura Gwen , and , Douglas Gil Cala, celebrity chef,  , Rob Burmeister,  , Roy E. Smith, and , Diane Nicole Arrigo.
NOV. 22
Friday is birthday time for , Barbara Danischewski,  , Ronald Kilichowski, twins Adam and , Brandon Kruse , and , Ryan Brucato, who turns 19 years.
BP Fossella , launches holiday toy drive for children in , North Carolina , impacted by Hurricane HeleneNov. 15, 2024,  , 4: 58 p. m.
Golden Eagles , soar at , St. Peter’s Boys High School , Hall of Fame galaNov. 12, 2024,  , 8: 18 p. m.
NOV. 23
Celebrating birthdays on Saturday are Senator , Charles Schumer,  , Jonathan Neal,  , Bert Barry,  , Kim Barcia,  , Justine Cauldwell,  , Marie DuBois,  , Rosemary Adamski, and , Anthony Viola , turns 28. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Saturday to Peter and , Dorothy Sweeney.
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( c ) 2024 Staten Island Advance
Distributed by , Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
