Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Veterans and Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) recently hosted its Third Annual Veterans Ball at the Hall of Springs on Sunday, Nov. 4. Over 300 attendees came in support of VCHC’s mission to serve local Veterans and their families with affordable housing and support services while they transition to independent living. The evening’s highlights included Honorary Chair Ray O’Conor, LaSalle Institute’s JROTC Cadets, live music by The Joey Thomas Big Band, Saratoga Photobooth, champagne provided by DeCrescente Distributing Co., chocolate fountain provided by We Do Fondue, décor provided by Fine Affairs, elaborate food stations and a fabulous silent auction.
A memorable highlight of the evening was a special tribute to area WWII Veterans who were each ceremoniously honored and presented with quilts tenderly made by The Sunday Sewing Sisters.
WWII VETERAN HONOREES:
Allan Atwell -
United States Army 1943 to 1945
Edward F. Deyoe -
United States Army 1943 to 1945
Charles “Chuck” Dunham -
United States Navy 1943 to 1945
Samuel “Sid” Gordon -
United States Army 1946 to 1948
John “Jack” Harrigan -
United States Army 1943 to 1945
“EJ” Knapik -
United States Navy 1945 to 1947
Corporal Henry Rowland -
United States Army 1944 to 1946
Dennis Treanor -
United States Army 1946-1947
A special feature of the evening was a tribute to local
Veterans who served in different Branches and Conflicts.
The list of Honored Veterans included:
Gene Ratigliano -
United States Navy 1965-1991
Joe Pennell -
United States Army 1982-1986
David Kieserman -
United States Air Force 1960-1966
Dave Lockhart -
United States Army 1981-1984
Bob Dyer -
United States Army 1962-1968
Heather Martin -
United States Air Force 2001-2005
A very touching tribute was made by Veterans and Community Housing Coalition’s Executive Director, Cheryl Hage-Perez, to SSG Derek J. Farley, United States Army 2004-2010 as a Fallen Hero who died in combat in Western Afghanistan in 2010 at the age of 24. The evening also included a special tribute to the Veterans Business Council for their continued service in going above and beyond to help the homeless Veterans served at VCHC.
