I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated or were involved in making our recent trip to Washington, D.C. a great success. More than 150 local veterans and their family members joined me for “Patriot Trip II,” which was made possible through the tremendous support we received from Western New York veterans, local businesses, staff and volunteers.

Our local veterans groups were especially helpful in encouraging World War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans to attend. The 7th District VFW, W.J. Gallagher Veterans Club, Butts-Clark Post 204 American Legion, Orleans Veterans Club, VFW Lincoln Post 1483, and the Batavia American Legion all played a key role.

Without the generous contributions of local businesses the trip would not have been able to occur. Dunkin Donuts, Kirby Farms, Tops Market, Oliver’s Candies, Tim Horton’s, as well as OTB and Batavia Downs all donated significant resources.

The trip was coordinated through the efforts of my staff as well as local volunteers. Eileen Banker, Laura Manley and Rachael Millspaugh from my office, worked alongside selfless volunteers like Dale Banker, Adam Tabelski, Jim Freas, Sharon White, Dick DeCarlo, Gregg Torrey, and Dennis Kirby.

The Crossroads Hotel on the Quantico Marine Base provided generous accommodations for our group, while our Trailways bus drivers – Mike, Del and Steve – cheerfully escorted us to memorials and monuments. In addition, Rikki Cason from the Medina Journal Register and Dan Fisher from WBTA 1490 offered our tour tremendous press coverage. Finally, our Congressman, Chris Lee, helped plan the trip and granted us an invaluable tour of the Capitol Building.

Because of everyone’s efforts, the trip was a tremendous success and we all are looking forward to next year’s “Patriot Trip III.”