2025 Veterans Appreciation Chow Down
This year marked our 11th Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down, and the community showed up in full force yet again! We welcomed 146 guests for the 11 AM seating and another 164 for the 2 PM seating — over 300 veterans, family members, friends, and community members gathering to share a meal, connection, and gratitude.
Photos by Ian Saladyga
Honoring Those Who Served in the U.S. Armed Forces
2025 Program
Guests were welcomed to the Chow Down with patriotic music performed by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, followed by remarks from Guardian Revival CEO, Aaron Leonard. Karl Rohde, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, officiated as Master of Ceremonies. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadets presented the colors.
Both seatings began with a thoughtful invocation — Pastor Laity Marie Bell of United Grace Methodist of Putnam Valley offered the morning blessing, while Rabbi Avi Korer from Chabad of Putnam led the afternoon.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tanya Pennella, Deputy Director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency and U.S. Army veteran, during the first seating, and Marine Corps veteran Harry Sherblom for the second. Tom McClean, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, led the room in singing the National Anthem.
One of the most meaningful parts of the Chow Down is always the Missing Man Table, honoring those who never came home. Paul Gill, a U.S. Army Iraq veteran, led the tribute at 11 AM, and Arthur Hanley, Past Post Commander of VFW Post 672, led the 2 PM ceremony.
The program continued with a presentation from Todd Dorris, Program Coordinator for the Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program of Putnam, highlighting peer support and connection for veterans.
Several elected officials also joined us to offer brief remarks — most of whom have come to past Chow Downs as well.
Congressman Michael Lawler, 17th Congressional District
Senator Pete Harckham, 40th Senate District
Senator Rob Rolison, 39th Senate District
Assemblyman Matt Slater, 94th Assembly District
Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, 95th Assembly District
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne
Veterans and guests enjoyed fellowship through good food and great music:
Our Encore music program provided live music performed by guardian musicians from, showcasing the creativity and talent within our veteran & first responder community.
Lunch was served family-style, with classic comfort foods: chicken marsala, creamed chipped beef, ham, roasted potatoes, string beans, and apple pie with ice cream.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
This important event was possible thanks to generous sponsors — from local businesses to county leaders & organizations who support our veterans in both words and action. We appreciate you!
SPECIAL FORCES
Thank you to our Premier Event Sponsor: ShopRite of Carmel
LIEUTENANT
Joseph Demarzo
Robert Tendy, Putnam County District Attorney
SERGEANT
VFW Post 5491, Greater Mahopac
Timothy Curtis, P.C. Attorney at Law
Michael Lawler, United States Congressman
CORPORAL
Michael Bartolotti, Putnam County Clerk
Dana Levenberg, NYS Assemblywoman
Karl Rohde, “I wish you horses”
United for the Troops
Peter Harckham, NYS Senator
Rob Rolison, NYS Senator
Matt Slater, NYS Assemblyman
Connect with Us
Are you a veteran (or first responder or family member)? We hope you’ll get involved in our programs & events here at Guardian Revival. We are here for you!
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Homefront | Events, support & resources for guardian families
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
RISE | Strength & resilience through fitness & wellness
PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program
Guardian Revival also administers the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program (Veterans’ Peer Services Project), which provides services such as support groups, social activities, helping Vets get their benefit claims back on track, advise them on how to access their education benefits, and much more.
Joseph P. Dwyer was an Army Medic whose face was well known as a result of a photo that was published of him carrying a young, injured Iraqi boy during a battle on March 25, 2003. Army Times photographer Warren Zinn saw the situation unfold and clicked away as Dwyer met the boy’s father — who carried a white flag and his injured son to the soldier, eventually bringing the 4-year-old to safety. Dwyer suffered from severe PTSD and died at age 31 from an overdose on June 28, 2008.
