In commemoration of Veterans Day, local veterans were honored recently with a luncheon hosted by students attending the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center’s Hospitality, Culinary Arts, and Pastry Arts program at the Seasons Restaurant, the on-site training facility. The event was a poignant show of appreciation as veterans of all ages and backgrounds shared their stories and enjoyed a gourmet lunch and desserts prepared and served by Ulster BOCES students. 

Veteran Joseph Sills, who served in the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing of the United States Air Force in Korea in the early 1950s, marveled at the luncheon itself, as well as the accomplishments of the Ulster BOCES students and staff. “The staff here at BOCES does a fantastic job of creating an environment to enhance the lives of students. And what the students learn here is priceless.”  

Sills, a former Esopus town supervisor who has toured the Ulster BOCES facility many times, reflected on the outcome of the training received by these young people. “It’s a miracle what those teachers do and what these students become. We see the results outside of this facility, throughout society, and cannot accept any negative comments about young people when we see the quality of students who come out of the high schools and Ulster BOCES.” Addressing both the staff and the students, Sills concluded, “We salute you and the entire Ulster BOCES family and applaud you for those accomplishments.”

From 1968 to 1969, Richard Maraglio served as an Army helicopter pilot during the height of the Vietnam War. After flying many dangerous missions, he returned home. “When Vietnam vets returned, they were not welcomed with an open door. However, as time went on, people have become more appreciative.” Asked what this luncheon meant to him, Maraglio observed, “Every time something like this takes place, it’s like coming home again – giving us the recognition we missed.” 

Ulster BOCES Hospitality, Culinary Arts, and Pastry Arts instructor Scott Young, who coordinated the Veterans Luncheon along with instructors Victor Arnao and Irene Powell as a service project for their students, noted, “This event was started a number of years ago by Fran Humphrey, who has since retired. We decided that it was too important to not continue to show our appreciation to our veterans, and we had to keep it going.”  

Michael Fresina, guidance counselor at the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center, assisted in the preparations for the annual event. He addressed some final remarks to the diverse group of veterans. “As you can see, our students have a strong sense of service, of community. They, and we, are proud of you and your service and contributions to our country.”