9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down
The Veterans Appreciation Chow Down is a special annual event where we bring hundreds of local veterans together to show our appreciation, celebrate, and break bread together.
Guardian Revival hosted the 9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down at the Putnam County Golf Course on November 5, 2023.
140 people joined our morning seating and 220 attended in the afternoon, along with 85 volunteers, elected officials from the region, and a beautiful day.
“It’s very important that we take the time to celebrate and recognize and appreciate our veterans, particularly those who were not welcomed home after their military service. So these events are so important, not only for that celebration, but also for the camaraderie that they bring for the people who attend.”
– Megan Castellano, Director, G-Connect Program at Guardian Revival
Veterans Appreciation Chow Down
The Chow Down was originally organized by the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet program initiative directed by New York State and the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. In 2022, the Dwyer Vet2Vet program became administered by Guardian Revival.
The Putnam County Golf Course has generously hosted the Veterans Chow Down every year — even during the pandemic, when it was coordinated as a drive-thru. This year was an exciting opportunity to gather in-person again.
Lunch was served family style with creamed chipped beef, chicken marsala, ham, roasted potatoes, string beans, and apple pie with ice cream (what else!).
9th Annual Event
Everyone was welcomed into the room for each seating by Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Executive, who played the bagpipes. Then Megan Castellano, Director of the G-Connect Program at Guardian Revival, gave welcoming remarks before handing things over to Master of Ceremonies Karl Rohde, Director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency.
The colors were presented by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps, Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Division and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadets. The 11 am invocation was done by Peter Allegretta, Marine Corps League, and the 2 pm by Pastor Jen Boyd, Trinity Lutheran Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Christopher Moran, Navy Veteran, at 11 am and by Harry Sherblom, Marine Corps Veteran at 2 pm.
Arthur Hanley, Deputy Director, Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, recognized the fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members with the Missing Man table.
As is tradition, the table was set for one, with an empty chair & inverted glass symbolizing the inability for the missing to join, a single rose for the blood shed in sacrifice, a red ribbon to show the love of country that inspires service members, a lemon slice to represent their bitter fate, salt sprinkled to represent the tears shed by their families, and a lit candle signifying hope and a guiding light home.
Local representatives attended both seatings and gave remarks expressing their deepest appreciation for the veteran community and their service to our country. They all shared that Putnam County is the most patriotic county they have ever been in.
Mike Lawler, Congressman, NYS 17 Congressional District
Pete Harckham, Senator, NYS 40th Senate District
Rob Rolison, Senator, NYS 39th Senate District
Matt Slater, Assemblyman, 99th Assembly District
Kevin Byrne, Putnam County Executive
Guardian Revival CEO & Co-Founder Alex Othmer was inducted into the 99th Assembly District Hall of Fame from the Town of Kent. Alex, Megan, Arthur, and Karl were presented with a special challenge coin from the Congressman honoring his district and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
“This is always an outstanding event, and the most rewarding part of the event is the look on the veterans’ faces as they enter the venue, realizing that this is all in honor of the service they gave to our country. In the case of my fellow Vietnam Veterans, it’s long overdue, and in the case of our more recent Veterans, it’s reinforcement that they are thanked for their service and will never be forgotten. It is an opportunity for comradeship with old friends and meeting new friends. The volunteers were outstanding at clearing tables, serving food, and driving veterans up from the parking lot in golf carts. It was an outstanding community event, setting us all up for the ensuing holiday season.”
– Karl Rohde, Director, Putnam County Veterans Service Agency
Sponsors & Support
The Chow Down is a rewarding event & special opportunity for people who are passionate about supporting our nation's veterans. We’re VERY grateful for this year’s sponsors:
Special Forces | Premier Event Sponsor
Shop Rite of Carmel
This location collects more money for veterans than any other store in the chain. We appreciate their generous support of this event and of veterans year round.
Lieutenant | Museum Sponsors
PCSB Bank
Helene Dunne
Bob Tendy
VFW Post 391
Corporal | Table & Lawn Sponsors
NYS Senator Pete Harckham
Michael Bartolotti, Putnam County Clerk
Sergeant | Golf Cart & Volunteers Sponsor
Anonymous donor "with gratitude for all who have served”
Sheriff Kevin McConville
Private | Lawn Sign Sponsors
Karl Rohde "I wish you horses”
Standfast Alliances
Improving the lives of our veterans
Funds from the Veterans Appreciation Chow Down sponsorships are directed towards Guardian Revival’s programs, designed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans & first responders.
G-Connect's services are funded in part by the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet program initiative directed by New York State and the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. The Dwyer initiative was created to afford veterans access and opportunities for peer support.
“G-Connect is all about getting people together, making connections. This event has been an amazing example of that, and we hope that all the veterans that came today left feeling a sense of connection, feeling celebrated. The biggest thing is that they know that they're part of our Guardian Revival family and that they're not alone.”
– Megan Castellano, Director, G-Connect Program at Guardian Revival
Get Connected
Are you a veteran (or first responder)? We hope you’ll join our programs & services at Guardian Revival.
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered to revive and preserve the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders — our guardians — at no cost to them.
Another Summit: Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, and paddling
Boots & Paws: Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore: Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
G-Connect: Virtual & in-person experiences to connect with guardians & the community
Peer Services: Confidential peer support for guardians by guardians
