With Veterans Day right around the corner on Nov. 11, now is the time to plan how you will honor local veterans in your community. As the national leaders of the service dog industry, Canine Companions invites you to celebrate their kindred spirit of independence by honoring veterans from the greater Islip area at the annual Salute Independence Veterans Day awards ceremony.

During the awards ceremony at Captain Bill’s, held on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., local veterans who continue to serve their local communities will be recognized. This event will include a sit-down dinner, presentation of colors, Canine Companions service dog demonstration, and awards presentations.

With the increase in military veterans returning with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Canine Companions launched a program in 2018 to directly place service dogs with veterans with PTSD. Canine Companions service dogs—provided free of charge—are trained to identify each veteran’s unique stressors and perform tasks that directly disrupt escalation of symptoms.

All proceeds from Salute Independence will benefit the Canine Companions Veterans Initiative program, empowering veterans to regain physical independence, pride and hope.

Among the local veterans to receive recognition are Capt. John C. Cochrane Jr. (U.S.N. Ret.), Spc. E4 John “Jack” Baker (U.S.A. Ret.), and Quartermaster 2nd Warren James (U.S.C.G. Ret.).

Former Town of Islip councilman John C. Cochrane will receive the Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr., Esq., U.S.A. (Ret.) and Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira, U.S.M.C. (Ret.) Outstanding Service Award. Cochrane, who resides in Brightwaters, is a retired U.S. Navy captain and chairman of Islip Town Veterans’ Advisory Board. His decorations include Legion of Merit (Gold Star), Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star), Navy Commendation Medal Fourth Award, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (Gold Star), two Navy Unit Commendations and Navy Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Vietnam War veteran and Bay Shore native John “Jack” Baker will receive the Corporal Matthew H. Raible, U.S.M.C. (Ret.) Service Award. Cochrane has served as president of the Bay Shore Police Athletic League, president of Kismet Community Association, and founded the Bay Shore Brightwaters St. Patrick’s Parade in 2000.

During a recent graduation ceremony for service dogs in the Canine Companions Veterans Initiative, Baker was able to see how veterans benefit from service dogs first-hand.

“The trainers who work and train these dogs were so accommodating.  They showed us the actual training and the things the dogs can do for these vets,” said Baker. “I am very pleased to be honored by this great organization, especially that it is being held in Bay Shore, our hometown.”

WWII veteran Quartermaster 2nd Warren James (U.S.C.G. Ret.) will receive the Private First Class Jay Somers, U.S.A.A.F. (Ret.) Service Award. James enlisted to serve in the United States Coast Guard in 1941, and entered the Pacific Theater after receiving transfer to the USS Eugene (PF-40) Tacoma class frigate, a ship that would earn two World War II battle stars.

James returned to Long Island and worked for the Fair Harbor Ferry Company, serving as a dock hand and captain. He served his Lonelyville, Fire Island, community as both water commissioner and fire commissioner.

Honoring veterans is deeply personal and of the utmost importance to many Long Islanders, including Gary Leone, a retired NYPD detective and chair of the Canine Companions event committee.

“I personally think we can never honor our veterans enough,” said Leone. “My father fought in five campaigns during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among many others.  I help with this event to honor his memory and all of our servicemen and women who protected us in wartime and in peace.”

To join in the celebration of our local heroes, visit http://canine.org/saluteindependence to purchase a ticket or donate. To become a sponsor, contact Canine Companions executive director Debra Dougherty at (631)561-0201 for assistance.