Weekly Newsletter from the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino SPOTLIGHT Andrew Joins South Country Library For Back To School Event This week, Andrew was glad to join the South Country Library for an incredible Back To School event – 175 backpacks, hundreds of school supplies, and a variety of community resources were given out in just 20 minutes. Thank you to the NYPD Hockey, Suffolk County Police Department Hockey Team, and Suffolk County Police Department 5th Precinct for ensuring children throughout NY-02 have what they need for their first day of school and to Suffolk PBA, Senator Dean Murray, Bellport Village Mayor Maureen Veitch, Bellport Teachers Association, Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Health and Wellness Unit, Youth Enrichment Services, Ecli-Vibes, and SEPA Mujer for making today extra special. Keep an eye out for future events like this one next year. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Vietnam War veterans honored at Veterans of Foreign Wars Victory Post 414 in Center Moriches " Drafted into the U.S. Army at 19 years old, Gary O’Rourke said it was his duty and 'an honor' to serve his country during the Vietnam War. Now 74, O’Rourke was one of nearly 50 veterans to be honored, some posthumously, at a pinning ceremony Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Victory Post 414 in Center Moriches. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) handed each veteran a pin with an engraved message on the back that read: 'A grateful nation thanks and honors you.' The ceremony was part of the Vietnam War Commemoration, a program to mark the 50th anniversary of the war. Authorized by Congress and launched in 2012, it continues through Veterans Day 2025... After each veteran received their pin and certificate, two members of Troop 572 of Bohemia — an all-girl Boy Scout troop — brought them a star made out of retired flags by the organization Stars For Our Troops. Members of Boy Scout Troop 414 of Center Moriches also participated in the ceremony. Some family members of veterans who have died accepted the pin and certificate on their behalf. Officials also acknowledged some who were killed during the war, with Stratemeier reading their names: Samuel J. Santangelo, a Queens native killed in 1968; Eleftherios P. Pappas, a New York City native killed in 1966; and Garry F. Vickery, also a New York City native, who was killed in 1968. Garbarino said it was the second pinning ceremony since he was elected to represent the 2nd Congressional District. He said the veterans he met were 'very special and selfless.' 'It’s the best part of my job,' he said. " Read the full article here. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Andrew Thanks Summer Interns Andrew was glad to have such a great group of interns in his Patchogue office this summer where they assisted his district staff with casework, community outreach, and other essential duties in support of New York's 2nd District. Andrew recently thanked them for all of their hard work this summer as their internship came to a close. Andrew Supports Ambassadors of Compassion Kick Off Clinic Andrew was proud to support the Ambassadors of Compassion Kick Off Classic at East Islip High School this week. Ambassadors of Compassion is an innovative emotional resiliency building program that helps students work through real-life issues and equips them with the critical skills needed to navigate and succeed through life’s inevitable challenges. Over 1,000 kids from across this district participated in the kick off and Andrew's office attended to meet with members of the community and show their support for this local effort to help our children. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing Medicare Coverage A Brentwood resident lost his Medicare coverage after he was asked to pay a lump sum he could not afford. A family member helped him complete the payment, but his coverage still had not been reinstated 7 months later and he was unable to see his doctor. After he contacted our office last Friday, Andrew's caseworkers reached out to Medicare on his behalf and on Monday morning the constituent received a call from Medicare that his insurance was reinstated.  Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the federal government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Fights For Justice For 9/11 Families This week, Andrew joined with Rep. Mike Lawler and 30 of their colleagues to demand President Biden abandon any consideration of plea deals for 9/11 terrorists that take the death penalty off the table. As we approach the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the ramifications of that horrific day are still being felt - including by the families of the 2,977 innocent people who were killed and the thousands of survivors and first responders who continue to fall ill from 9/11-related illnesses. Andrew is adamant that 9/11 families deserve justice and these terrorists deserve to face the most severe consequence possible for their murderous actions. Learn more here. Andrew Introduces Local Law Enforcement Protection Act to Defend Qualified Immunity This week, Andrew joined with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), to reintroduce the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act, which protects qualified immunity for police officers serving at the state and local levels nationwide. In a statement announcing the bill Andrew said, "The Left’s assault on essential police protections is inexcusable and only makes it harder for law enforcement officers to do their jobs keeping our communities safe and criminals off the street. For years, qualified immunity has served as legal protection for law enforcement officers from being sued for lawful actions undertaken as part of their official duties. At a time when police recruitment and retention is at staggering lows and crime remains at record highs, I am proud to co-lead this legislation to discourage state and local governments from taking harmful policy action against our law enforcement community." Andrew Pushes For American Energy Independence This week, Andrew joined the 4th Texas Energy Forum to discuss the importance of restoring American energy independence to reduce oil and gas costs for American families, end our reliance on foreign nations for fuel, combat the rising influence of nations like Russia and China, and reduce global emissions. In a speech during the forum, Andrew highlighted the efforts House Republicans have already taken to Combat the Biden administration's anti-American energy agenda, including with permitting reforms in the the Fiscal Responsibility Act and with legislation to prevent the President from taking unilateral executive action that could harm America's ability to produce energy here at home. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families and tell them to click below to subscribe! Click Here To Subscribe Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District Washington, D.C. 2344 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Patchogue 31 Oak Street, Suite 20 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225 Rep. Garbarino | 2344 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]