Riverhead VFW Post 2476

"I think the Lord told Joe to pull out his phone to show us pictures of his buddies lost in Vietnam." A chance meeting at Papa Nick's on Main Street led to an East Setauket woman helping to connect Vietnam War veteran Joseph Edler with the family of his fallen buddy, who grew up in the same upstate town as Vitello over half a century ago.

Christmas came early this year for disabled Vietnam War combat veteran Thomas Kurpetski of Riverhead. More than half a century after his service, the Marine Corps lance corporal today received the medals he earned during his service in Vietnam.

Veterans in need of a warm winter coat should get in touch with Riverhead’s VFW Auxiliary Post 2476, which has 12 dozen hooded parkas to give away to local veterans in need.