On Friday, December 6, 2013, five members of the Lynbrook Fire Department, Larry Meyers, Richard Straub, Chris Hynes, Kevin Bien, and this writer, along with Village Trustee Hilary Becker who joined us this year, and with firefighters from New Hyde Park, Bellerose, and Floral Park, traveled to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, MD, as part of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.  Christmas presents were personally presented to 12 wounded Marines and soldiers who were recuperating and from recent surgery from war wounds and were missing limbs. 

After meeting with them in their hospital beds we proceeded to the rehab building where we met with many more soldiers and Marines who were receiving rehabilitation and treatment.   Besides the Christmas presents the wounded warriors were presented with Christmas cards filled out and signed by Lynbrook residents and students.  Lynbrook firefighters also spent time with LCPL Marcus Dandrea who lost both his legs in Afghanistan and who is still receiving treatment at Walter Reed.  Marcus and wife Victoria, also a Marine, have come to Lynbrook for the past two years to attend our End of Summer Concert that benefits NCFF-OWW.  Lynbrook has adoped the family.  Christmas presents were presented to Marcus and his children during the visit.