RED HOOK – State Senator Sue Serino (R-Hyde Park) hosted her annual spaghetti dinner, free to veterans, at the VFW in Red Hook. Serino’s annual events have evolved into a collaboration of organizations including the MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet program, of which Serino has been a fierce advocate.
Traditionally, the free meals are prepared by Serino volunteers Bob Monaco, Adam Nowik, and Victor Zamaloff. The three men are known as the “pasta professionals” by Serino. Monaco and Nowik are both retired from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and Zamaloff is a retired firefighter from the Arlington Fire District. Over the years, the three have prepared several thousand pasta dinners for veterans on behalf of Serino.
The Vet2Vet program funds the cost of the ingredients and their staffers assist in serving the meals. Senator Serino, at this year’s two seatings at the VFW Post 7765 in Red Hook, told Mid-Hudson News why the annual event is important. “Our veterans, and their families, have made tremendous sacrifices for our country and community and these dinners are one small way we can extend our thanks while also enabling them to connect with one another other and critical community services through the Vet2Vet Program.”
The annual event, like many others, was put on hold during the pandemic and Serino was happy to have it return. “We are thrilled to be able to bring them back in person because we know that’s where lasting connections are made and we cannot thank the team at Vet2Vet enough for helping to make them happen!”
At the two servings in Red Hook on Sunday, more than 100 joined their fellow veterans for conversation and food, while also learning of the services provided by the MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet program as well as the services provided by the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Services under the leadership of Director Adam Roche. The director has been to war while serving in the Marine Corps and was head of the Dutchess County Vet2Vet program before taking on the role at the county. Roche attended Sunday’s event and said, “Dutchess County does a tremendous amount of work on behalf of veterans and I am here to offer the support of my office to those in need,” while assisting veterans with questions about benefits available to them.
Serino, Vet2Vet, and the volunteers held a similar event the week before at the American Legion Post 1302 in the Town of Poughkeepsie. During those two different seating times, more than 200 veterans enjoyed a quality Italian meal prepared and served in honor of their sacrifices.
