JASA’s Rockaway Park Older Adult Center will host a special celebration honoring its community’s veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 12:30 p.m., just days ahead of Veterans Day.
The ceremony will be held at the center on 106-20 Shore Front Parkway and will feature tributes to local veterans Linda Green and Ray Eschwie, followed by a festive luncheon with live music from a DJ.
Linda Green and Ray Eschwie, both longtime community members, are set to be recognized for their military service. Green, who served 22 years in the U.S. Army, began her career as a Private 2nd Class and retired in 2002 as a Master Sergeant at Fort Tilden. Her extensive service includes over six years stationed in Germany. Ray Eschwie served 21 months in Vietnam as a Specialist 4th Class in the Signal Corps, where he worked in telephone communications, supporting vital operations in the field.
JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults in New York City. With more than 50 locations, JASA provides vital services such as social activities, meal programs, affordable housing, and case management, supporting older adults’ independence and well-being. The Rockaway Park Older Adult Center is one of many centers operated by JASA, where veterans like Green and Eschwie, along with other community members, find a welcoming space to connect and receive support.
In addition to the recognition ceremony, attendees will enjoy live music and a chance to hear stories from Green and Eschwie. JASA staff and Rockaway Park community members will also be present, offering a chance for attendees to share reflections on Veterans Day and its importance.
Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and service of U.S. military veterans. Originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I in 1918, the holiday was renamed in 1954 to celebrate veterans of all wars and branches of the military.
