Juneteenth Ceremony and Air Guard

In This Issue of Patchogue Live Local

🎖️Juneteenth Citizen Soldier Ceremony

🐔Patchogue Becomes the Guinea Pig

 🩺Patchogue’s Long Island Community Hospital
 
🛫Air National Guard's Oldest Flying Squadron

 📆 Event Calendar - Be In the Know -Click Here

Events

Juneteenth Citizen Soldier Ceremony to Honor Civil War Veterans

This Juneteenth, Patchogue residents will gather to pay tribute to local Civil War veterans in a solemn and respectful ceremony hosted by the Society of the Grand Army of the Republic. The event will take place at the American Legion Patchogue Post 269, starting at 11:00 AM. Attendees will witness the reading of General Order No. 3, which historically declared the end of slavery in Texas and symbolically in the United States.

Following the reading, a wreath will be laid at the foot of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Statue, located near the corner of Baker Street and South Ocean Avenue. To honor these brave soldiers further, members of the 67th NY Long Island Volunteers will fire an honor salute, celebrating the valor and dedication of the veterans who served to preserve the Union.

The ceremony, lasting approximately 30 minutes, promises to be a meaningful event, reflecting on the sacrifices and legacy of the Civil War soldiers. The community is invited to attend this free event, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance among residents.

Fast Food Creation

Patchogue Becomes the Guinea Pig for KFC's Wacky New Chicken Quesadilla

Fast-food lovers of Patchogue, rejoice! Our town has been selected as a guinea pig for KFC’s latest culinary experiment: the Chicken Quesadilla. That's right, KFC has decided to test their newest concoction on us before unleashing it on the rest of the country. Are we honored? Confused? Hungry? Definitely.

Let’s talk about this creation. Picture a quesadilla, but remove anything remotely Mexican about it. Instead, KFC’s version is stuffed with shredded fried chicken, drenched in their famous gravy, and topped with a gooey blend of cheeses. It’s like a comfort food fiesta wrapped in a tortilla. And, to top it all off, you get a choice of dipping sauce. Because, why not?

Foodies are already buzzing. One enthusiastic reviewer said, “It’s as if a chicken dinner and a quesadilla had a deliciously cheesy baby!” Another quipped, “Is it a quesadilla? Is it a KFC chicken bucket in disguise? Who cares! It’s delicious!”

For a limited time, you can embark on this flavor adventure at several New York locations. Lucky or not for us, Patchogue is on the list. So, head over to 533 Medford Avenue and be among the first to try this culinary curiosity. You can also find it at other select spots, like:

- 1990 Middle Country Road, Centereach

- 150 West Suffolk Avenue, Central Islip

- 910 Broadway, Amityville

- 993 Old Country Road, Riverhead

- 800 Montauk Highway, Shirley

Why has KFC chosen Patchogue as their guinea pig? Maybe they think we have adventurous taste buds. Or maybe they just like our town. Either way, people will be trying this new fast food mash up.

Business

Patchogue’s Long Island Community Hospital Celebrates 1,000 Robotic Surgeries

Patchogue’s Long Island Community Hospital (LICH) hit a milestone on Monday with its 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery. Since affiliating with NYU Langone Health in early 2022, LICH has doubled its surgical volume and introduced advanced robotics, greatly enhancing patient care.

Dr. Marc Adler, senior vice president and chief of hospital operations, noted that the robotic systems allow for smaller incisions, less pain, quicker recovery, and lower infection risks. The hospital has also seen improvements in specialty care, infection rates, and patient discharge volumes.

LICH has reopened a 20-bed psychiatric unit, expanded cancer care, and plans to add a third robotic system this fall. Additionally, NYU Langone is converting a former department store in Patchogue into an outpatient surgery center.

Original story by Sarina Trangle, Newsday.

Community

Bayport/Blue Point Resident Assumes Command of Air National Guard's Oldest Flying Squadron

In a proud moment for the Bayport/Blue Point community, Lt. Col. Kyle Hruz has been appointed as the commander of the 102nd Rescue Squadron, the oldest flying squadron in the Air National Guard. The ceremony took place on June 7th at the 106th Operations Group at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York.

Lt. Col. Hruz, an HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft pilot, began his career with the 106th Rescue Wing in 2006. Over the years, he has held various positions, including Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and HC-130J conversion officer, where he coordinated logistics, maintenance, and operations across multiple squadrons and agencies. Most recently, he served as the 102nd Operations Officer, overseeing daily operations for 60 Airmen conducting personnel recovery missions.

Hruz has been deployed three times to the Horn of Africa in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. His dedication and leadership have earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. "I’m extremely proud to be named the commander of the oldest flying squadron in the Air National Guard," said Hruz. "It’s truly an honor to be able to lead this team of dedicated Airmen."

Hruz takes over from Col. Sean Garell, who has assumed the role of Deputy Commander of the 106th Operations Group. Garell spoke highly of Hruz's character and leadership, expressing confidence in his ability to enhance the squadron's mission to protect the homeland, build alliances, and deter aggression.

The 102nd Rescue Squadron operates the HC-130J, with missions including air refueling for combat search and rescue helicopters, tactical delivery of pararescue teams, and providing direct assistance to survivors in hostile environments. The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base, is renowned for its specialized rescue and recovery operations, deploying both domestically and overseas.

Credit:

Original story by Tech. Sgt. Daniel Farrell, 106th Rescue Wing, DVIDS.

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