Coughlan presents the ceremonial check to Coviello
POUGHKEEPSIE – Over $7,000 was raised Sunday for the Hudson Valley Hero Project, a non-profit organization serving local veterans transitioning to civilian life. The money was raised through Dutchess County Comptroller James Coughlan’s first annual Weekend for Warriors reception in Poughkeepsie.
The weekend honored four veterans – Sgt. Marc Coviello, US Army; Sgt. Adam Roche, USMC; Sr. Airman Matthew Kemlage, US Air Force; and Sr. Airman T.J. Spiak, US Air Force.
Coviello, who is a Dutchess County legislator and is attending college, founded the Hudson Valley Hero Project when he left the service a year and a half ago.
Among their projects has been providing $2,000 for a vet to travel to New York City for leukemia treatments. They also purchased a completely handicap accessible van for a paraplegic vet.
“It had hand paddles, a lift gate, the whole nine yards, so he was able to have a reliable transportation to get to wherever he needs to go,” said Coviello. “He was using his wheelchair really to travel around everywhere. We paid off all the outstanding rent that was due on his home. We got him connected with the VA to make sure he got a VA disability connection he deserved, so now he has a regular income.”
Coviello’s group has also sent dozens of boxes of goods to local residents deployed overseas and has provided college scholarships for vets.
At Sunday’s event, tribute and posthumous award was also presented for the late John Flowers, a pillar of the community and member of the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.
“Each of these four young men, in addition to their incredible military service, has continued to assist our local community with loyalty and conviction,” Coughlan said. “I am honored to host an event that raises money to provide the necessary, supportive services for local veterans. We owe it to our service men and women, to do more for them as well as their families during their transition from military to civilian life.”
The comptroller said in addition to honoring “the exemplary service of these four individuals, we can shine a light on many of the year round needed of veterans throughout the Hudson Valley.”
