Bronx Chamber of Commerce Veterans Luncheon

  The above photo was what it was all about. Remembering the men and women who have fought to protect our country so we can live as we do today. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce this past Wednesday hosted a Veteran's Luncheon Celebration. Elected officials State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, Councilman Andy Cohen, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera,, with NYC Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Former U. S. Army Brigadier General Loree Sutton joined the BCC to honor Bronx veterans. The three honorees of the luncheon included Mr. Gonzalo Duran a highly decorated veteran of the Iraq War and founder of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, Mr. Sal Conforto, a member of the NYS Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame, and Sergeant First Class Ty'Keivius O. Curry. 

Joseph Kelleher, Chairman of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and President and COO Hutchinson Metro Center said “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon is a great opportunity to recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country.  We are proud to salute our heroes, and thank them for their heroic service. We must continue to give back to those who continue to protect our country.”

“We thank our veterans for their service.  Don’t forget the people that fought for us,  which is why we are here today.  It is important to give back and the chamber does so  with our annual luncheon and now job fair,” Lenny Caro, President and CEO of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

"The Bronx Chamber of Commerce annual veterans luncheon is always a great celebration as we honor the sacrifice and dedication of our local heroes. I'm delighted to join friends and residents once again this year as we salute those who've given so much to secure our freedom. This year we go one step further, in not only recognizing the commitment of our veterans but by working to find them good paying jobs through our first ever Bronx H.I.R.E. veterans job fair," said State Senator Jeff Klein-

Left- - Ms. Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro BCC Chief Staff opens the meeting with BCC President nearby.
Right - Taps is done on the harmonica to remember fallen soldiers.

Left - Senator Klein addresses the audience telling of the legislation that he has brought forth to help veterans. Senator Klein added that shortly after the luncheon that a Veteran's Job Fair was being held.
Right - NYC Veterans Affairs Commissioner, former U. S. Army Brigadier General Loree Sutton salutes those veterans on hand for the luncheon, adding what the current city administration is doing to help veterans.

Elected officials and Bronx Chamber officers line the back as the honorees sit in the front row.

Chief of Staff Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro (left), Chairman Joe Kelleher (center), and President Lenny Caro (right) have moved the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to where it is today.