MOUNT SINAI, NY – On Friday, June 12th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker recognized Deborah Bonacasa as this year’s Suffolk County Women Veterans Appreciation Day 6th District Honoree. Deborah Bonacasa is an Air Force veteran who served from 2002-2006. As a Senior Airman working as an Information Manager, she was exposed to a multitude of environments and worked alongside many great service men and women from all walks of life, cultures, and military branches. She had been stationed in Hill Air Force Base in Utah, as well as deployed to Balad Air Base in Iraq in 2005. She met her husband, Sgt. Louis Bonacasa, in basic training, and was simultaneously deployed to Qatar. Sgt. Bonacasa of the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Base Defense Squadron died in active duty in Afghanistan in 2015.
“It has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers I have had the privilege to experience,” said Deborah Bonacasa. “Being a part of a greater mission is something I will value and carry with me throughout the rest of my life, and having the opportunity to do it alongside my husband has been my greatest honor.”
Deborah Bonacasa was recognized as part of the first annual Suffolk County Women Veterans Appreciation Day celebration. Women Veterans Appreciation Day was established through legislation to recognize women who proudly serve in the United States Armed Forces. In addition to her service, Deborah has worked with a number of organizations including Gold Star Families, Tunnels to Towers, local food pantries, VFWs, fire departments, and civic organizations. She lives in Sound Beach with her daughter Lily.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to recognize Deborah Bonacasa for her courageous and selfless service to our country,” said Legislator Anker. “I would like to thank her for her commitment to her community and to her fellow veterans.”
For more information, please call Legislator Anker’s office at 631-854-1600.