Bellerose Students Warm Vets Hearts

A chorale group of fifth grade students from Bellerose Avenue Elementary School visited with veterans at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Tuesday. The group performed three songs for the elderly veterans and handed out homemade Valentines cards.

"It's nice to give to the veterans that have given so much to us," said fifth grader Isabella Debrino. Her friend Nicole Gardener added that "it feels good giving to people."

Congressman Steve Israel, D-Huntington, also attended the event. He reaffirmed his commitment to helping New York’s veterans and announced his success in helping veterans in his district recoup more than $6.4 million in owed benefits.

“While the valentines and songs are meant to bring joy to the veterans at the Northport VA, the students of Bellerose Avenue Elementary School will also learn a valuable lesson by meeting the brave men and women who gave so much for our country," he said. "Yet, the best way we can honor our veterans is by delivering on the promises they were given when they were recruited by the armed forces. That’s why I will continue fighting to ensure that every veteran who is owed benefits receives them.”

The trip was organized by music teacher Kristia Collura and Elementary Counselor Alan Tener.