BRENTWOOD, N.Y. – On Thursday, May 12th, the Board of Trustees of Suffolk County Community College adopted a resolution eliminating the membership fee for Suffolk County disabled veterans at the College’s two health clubs. The vote follows a prior resolution of the Board, which lowered the cost of membership for veterans, active-duty military reserve and National Guard members.
The change comes following a conversation between Presiding Officer of the Legislature Kevin McCaffrey and school administrators, including College Director of Veterans Services Shannon O’Neill, noting how both Suffolk County and New York State offer recreation passes to veterans with service connected disabilities free of charge, and how it was time for the College to follow suit.
“With Suffolk County having the largest population of veterans in New York State, we must go above and beyond and always find new ways to give back to every man and woman who have served our country. Thank you to the Suffolk Community College Administration and Board of Trustees for opening another door and providing more services and opportunities to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces.” said Presiding Officer McCaffrey, who served as Chairman of the Legislature’s Education and Labor Committee prior to being named Presiding Officer.
Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue concurred, saying: “Eliminating the membership fee is a small gesture to thank disabled veterans for their very large sacrifices.” Director of Veterans Services Shannon O’Neill furthered the sentiment, sharing “I am pleased that the college is offering Suffolk County disabled veterans’ access to our facilities at no cost. Suffolk’s disabled veterans have already paid so much in their service and sacrifice to our country.”
The membership fee elimination is now in effect, and can be obtained by displaying a NYS Lifetime Liberty Pass, a Suffolk County Veteran Discount Card that confirms a "service-connected' disability, or a Suffolk County Parks Disabled Veteran Green Key Card. For more information on the Health Clubs, visit: Suffolk County Community College Health Clubs (sunysuffolk.edu)
Legislator Kevin McCaffrey represents Suffolk County's 14th Legislative District, which encompasses the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon, the hamlets of West Babylon and North Lindenhurst, portions of Copiague, North Babylon, and Babylon's barrier beach communities.