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Letter to the Editor from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia):

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who
participated or were involved in making our recent trip to Washington,
D.C. a great success. More than 150 local veterans and their family
members joined me for “Patriot Trip II,” which was made possible
through the tremendous support we received from Western New York
veterans, local businesses, staff and volunteers.

Our local veterans groups were especially helpful in encouraging World
War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans to attend. The 7th
District VFW, W.J. Gallagher Veterans Club, Butts-Clark Post 204
American Legion, Orleans Veterans Club, VFW Lincoln Post 1483, and the
Batavia American Legion all played a key role.

Without the generous contributions of local businesses the trip would
not have able to occur. Dunkin Doughnuts, Kirby Farms, Tops Market,
Oliver’s Candies, Tim Horton’s, as well as OTB and Batavia Downs all
donated significant resources.

The trip was coordinated through the efforts of my staff as well as
local volunteers. Eileen Banker, Laura Manley and Rachael Millspaugh
from my office, worked alongside selfless volunteers like Dale Banker,
Adam Tabelski, Jim Freas, Sharon White, Dick DeCarlo, Gregg Torrey
and Dennis Kirby.

The Crossroads Hotel on the Quantico Marine Base provided generous
accommodations for our group, while our Trailways’ bus drivers – Mike,
Del, and Steve – cheerfully escorted us to memorials and monuments.
In addition, Rikki Cason from the Medina Journal Register and Dan
Fisher from WBTA 1490 offered our tour tremendous press coverage.
Finally, our Congressman, Chris Lee, helped plan the trip and granted
us an invaluable tour of the Capitol Building.

Because of everyone’s efforts, the trip was a tremendous success and
we are all looking forward to next year’s “Patriot Trip III.”

Steve Hawley
Batavia, NY