I wish to congratulate the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corp. upon the celebration of their 25th year of service to Mineola and surrounding communities. The success of their 25th Anniversary Dinner this past Saturday evening was a tribute to their success and a well deserved 'pat-on-the-back.'

The evening became bittersweet however, with the sudden hospitalization of one of MVAC's founders, Louise DiGiorgio, causing the absence of both Louise and her husband Joe. Mentioned throughout the evening during recollections of forming the Ambulance Corps 25 years ago, was the initial years of the DiGiorgio's dream. Conversations around the kitchen table, many meetings, and appeals to the village board, Mineola School Board and numerous community organizations for support were extensive but, persistence and a commitment to their goal paid off. Today, with more than 70 members including the Explorers for the young volunteers, MVAC is a fully trained and professional lifesaving operation.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Joe at the hospital before the dinner. Besides his deep affection and love for his wife and family, I believe there is nothing more in the world that Joe loves than to see his dream come true and for the countless people who have benefited from MVAC's services. For many, lives have been saved, the injured have been assisted and cared for, and for some, just the calming and steady voice of one of MVAC's trained volunteers was all that was needed. On the other side, the volunteers themselves have been rewarded. Some with careers in the health care and EMT industry, others just the rewards of giving back to the community.

When I was with Joe at the hospital, we talked about some of the needs of MVAC that will help them continue to serve Mineola. As many know, they are in desperate need of refurbished facilities since they are currently housed in a small and old structure on Elm Place. At the dinner, and on Joe and Louise's behalf, I announced that I will start up an MVAC building fund so they continue to expand and grow and I have personally promised to work diligently to help raise these needed funds.

If you have needed the services of MVAC, you know why this is so important. If you haven't, know that they are always there to serve you in what may be the most tragic time in your life. I urge residents and merchants to support the MVAC building fund. For further information, please contact my office at 746-0750 ext. 271 or MVAC directly at 248-0141.

Once again, congratulations to MVAC for their 25 years of service and please remember the DiGiorgio family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.