Story by  Ex Capt. Steven Grogan  -  photos by Steven Grogan & Lt. Brian Grogan

On Sunday, September 30, 2012, the Lynbrook Fire Department hosted its second annual block party to benefit the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.  This year's event called Community Concert for the Troops was held again in front of Truck Company's quarters on a closed Earle Avenue.  The department's special guest was wounded US Marine Marcos Dandrea, his wife Victoria, also a Marine, and their 14 month old son, Micah.  The bands Playback, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, and the Glor Na nGael Pipes and Drums donated their time and played that day.  Additionally, our own Clayton Murphy of Vulcan Company, designed a Military and Wounded Warrior Appreciation Helmet which was one of the numerous donated raffle prizes.  That prize was won by Ex-Chief Kevin Bien, the chairman of the block party.  He then turned and gave the helmet to Dandrea.  Also that day, former Navy Corpsman Micah Ambrose who now lives in Floral Park, and who saved Dandrea's life on a hilltop in Afghanistan 18 months ago when he stepped on IED, came to spend some time at Truck Company with the Marine he saved.  the Marine named his son after the Navy Corpsman.  That day, according to Chris Hynes of Engine Company, 61 persons, groups, and organizations donated prizes, and services, to help make the day a success which will help to improve the lives of our wounded warriors.  Many people and organizations supported Lynbrook's efforts and they all deserve our thanks.  Chief Bien has estimated that over $12,000 was raised that day for Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.