If you've lived in Mineola long enough, you know that the community is filled with residents who exemplify commitment and dedication. It's what makes all the volunteer organizations in Mineola.

Nearly 23 years ago, one of those volunteer organizations started on a kitchen table within the comfy confines of a home, which would become known as the "Mineola White House" on Jerome Avenue.

It was there that Joe and Louise DiGiorgio sat and developed the idea for the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps. As a team, the couple was committed to doing something for their fellow residents. Their road was bumpy in the beginning as they lobbied the village board to support the new organization. But Joe and Louise, who recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary, proved to be a truly dynamic team filled with concern and care and so the MVAC was born.

Through the years, the work of countless volunteers has enabled the organization to prosper. In the beginning, calls to the ambulance service were answered from homes. The MVAC then grew from one basic life support ambulance to three Advanced Life Support Ambulances, equipped with modern life-saving equipment, administered by over 70 paramedics, EMTs and other emergency-trained people. It is estimated that the MVAC responds to over 1,300 calls per year.

As a token of appreciation and to recognize the contributions of the DiGiorgios, United States Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy named Joe the 4th Congressional District Citizen of the Month for February 2001.

"Joseph exemplifies the American spirit of patriotism and community activism," said McCarthy as she presented DiGiorgio with a Congressional Proclamation of Distinction. "He served his country and came home to serve his community."

Aside from being one of the founders of the MVAC, Joe has a strong interest in veterans' issues and is an active member of Disabled American Vets (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Joe served in the Army during World War II with distinction, receiving many commendations for courage under fire in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

McCarthy honors Citizens of the Month with a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. But the greatest recognition for Joe and Louise comes from the community they call home, now a better place because of them.