PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam is once again remembering veterans with a Veterans Tribute Night and Celebrity Bartender event.  The evening’s tribute will be held at The Black Dog Bar and Grille from 5 to 9 p.m. on Veteran’s Day eve, Nov. 10.  According to Post Commander Ron Coderre, the program will pay tribute to three veterans who will be the special guests of honor.

The special veterans who will be recognized are Vietnam veteran, Marine Corps Sgt. E-5 Richard C. Tremblay and U.S. Navy career submarine vet, Lt. Commander Roy J Simmons.  The Post will also be honoring Air Force veteran SSgt. Caroll E. Spinney, known worldwide as “Big Bird” and “Oscar the Grouch.”

Spinney, who served from 1953 to 1957, is being honored for his work around the globe for world peace as “Big Bird.”  Over the year’s he’s traveled to China, Russia and throughout Europe promoting mutual respect and understanding among nations.  He’s often been part of troupes that included noted individuals such as the late Bob Hope.

Simmons, who enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from Putnam High School in 1980, served 28 years being honorably discharged in 2008.  Lt. Commander Simmons who is a graduate of Crichton College, served aboard submarines throughout the world.  Among his decorations are the Global War on Terror Medal, the Navy Expedionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Tremblay, who served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, was a telephone and cryptography specialist.  He served 13 months in a “free fire zone” in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969.  He’s the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign medals and the Viet Cross of Gallantry with palm.     

Through the efforts of American Legion Post # 13 Commander Coderre and the members of the unit, Putnam area veterans will be celebrated at Celebrity Bartender Night.  This is the seventh year that the Post has held the event.  Last year the evening raised more than $5,000 in support of Post #13 youth activities, such as Boys State, State Police Youth Leadership Program, Americanism programs in local schools and the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program.  Last year the Post initiated a scholarship for a veteran going to school at Quinebaug Valley Community College in addition to its existing scholarship for an area graduating high school senior.

“The evening is our way of thanking all veterans from northeastern Connecticut who’ve ever served our country.  We’re also proud of the opportunity to pause and honor local veterans who, in a special way were part of our proud military heritage,” said Commander Coderre.

“The Celebrity Bartender portion of the evening allows us to raise funds for the youth activities associated with the American Legion programs. We’re thankful for the local and statewide celebrities who take timeout of their busy schedules to make this night a success,” concluded Coderre.

Former Boston Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois, WFSB Channel 3 news personality Kevin Hogan and other noted celebrities are scheduled to be on hand once again to greet and serve patrons.  Also scheduled to take turns behind the bar are local radio personality Gary “O” of WINY Radio, Killingly Town Manager Sean Hendricks Laura Crosetti, Matt Desaulnier and Earl Rosebrooks of the Putnam Business Association, Tom Borner of Putnam Bank and Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa.  Other local personalities are also expected to join in the evening’s festivities.

“Last year’s event was a huge success.  We’re hoping that people will once again see the worthiness of the event and drop by to salute our honored veterans and other veterans who may be on hand.” said Coderre.

Prior to honoring the veterans, local celebrity and noted performer Linda Colangelo will offer a rendition of the National Anthem.  She’ll close the evening’s festivities with the singing of God Bless America and a special tribute to the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

“The Black Dog Bar & Grille is honored to host this event for the veterans.  Having celebrities on hand will certainly add luster to the festivities.  This is a special day and a special event.  We’re hoping to have a good turnout in honor of the men and women who have served and defended our freedom,” said David Reid, manager of the Black Dog.

The program will also feature a raffle of more than 50 items and an auction that will include autographed sports memorabilia, tickets to college and professional games, golf packages and other significant items. 

Working with Coderre on the organizing committee are Legionnaires, Donald Steinbrick, Alan Joslin, Eric Quinn, Brian Maynard, Rick Carnahan and Michael Vassar, along with JoAnn Joslin and Dee Carnahan.

 

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