The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Veterans Day Golf Classic always translates into a day filled with community spirit, pride and patriotism as the foundation marks Veteran’s Day on three local golf courses.
Hundreds of players come out on one of the most patriotic days of the year for the annual commemorative that’s grown by leaps and bounds over the years, and recognizes members of the U.S. military and veterans who fought in all wars.
The organization’s leadership is encouraged by the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who said, “While there is time, let us do good.”
The golf classic dinner continues at night in Nicotra’s Ballroom in the Hilton Garden Inn. There, veterans from every branch of military service, as well as first responders, are recognized for their valor, bravery and courage.
IT’S ORIGINS
On Sept. 11, 2001, Stephen Siller, a husband and father of five, was off-duty and on his way home from Squad 1, Park Slope, Brooklyn, to play golf with his three older brothers.
When he heard that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane, he headed toward the site. But, the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel (now officially the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel) was already closed. So he parked his truck, strapped 65 pounds of firefighting equipment to his back, and raced through the tunnel toward the Twin Towers to save lives.
Siller, who was 34 at the time, never returned. He laid down his life to save others, along with 342 other New York City firefighters, 23 NYPD officers, 37 PAPD officers, EMTs, court officers and fire marshals. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation was born out of that tragedy.
The organization’s leadership is encouraged by the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who said, “While there is time, let us do good.”
THE EVENING’S PROGRAM
Welcoming remarks were offered by Associate Golf Director, Dan DeLeon, who introduced Retired FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, an original Tunnel to Towers Foundation board of director and a Vietnam veteran, who reprised his role as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
Presentation of Colors were by the FDNY, the NYPD and PAPD Color Guards led by bagpiper, Daniel Sprague.
Joseph DelDuca, golf committee representative and retired major, 101 Cav. National Guard, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The National Anthem was sung by Tunnel to Towers staffer, Jack Furnari, and the Invocation offered by Regina Siller Vogt.
The POW/MIA Ceremony was conducted by US Navy Chaplain, Dennis McLoone and Mary McLoone, a U.S. Army nurse who read aloud the origin of the POW/MIA Empty Table.
Jack Oehm, a retired FDNY battalion chief, Siller Foundation board member and representative, shared heartfelt comments from the podium, and acknowledged all veterans throughout the banquet room.
“We have to be grateful for what our military does for us day in and day out,” he said. “And for our first responders as well.”
HERO TO HERO AWARD
In presenting the “Hero to Hero” Award, DelDuca noted it represents the values of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers organization. “It is my honor to present the Tunnel to Towers Award to the family of Jonathan Diller.,” he stated. “On March 25, 2024, NYPD officer Jonathan Diller was shot while conducting a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. He was subsequently transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Bible says,, ‘There’s no greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend.’ We will always be here for you, the Diller family. Tunnel to Towers will always be here for you.’
Stephanie Diller, Officer Diller’s wife, expressed her thanks to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation: “Thanks to all the people in this room on Veterans Day. Thank to Tunnel to Towers not only for the award, but for my family and my son, Ryan. I’ll never forget the day Frank Siller came to my house with five cups of coffee because he didn’t known which I liked to speak to me. Thanks to all in this room for always remembering my husband, Jonathan. God bless you all and God Bless America. And may Stephen Siller and Jonathan Diller watch over you all.”
THE JOE BRANDEFINE AWARD
The Joe Brandefine Award was presented to Rachel Volpe, posthumously. Volpe succumbed to complications due to pancreatic cancer on Oct. 30.
Jean Ringhoff, who presented the award to Rachel’s husband, Dr. Salvatore Volpe and Rachel’s son, Sal, noted that during COVID, Rachel delivered homebound meals for Meals on Wheels. “Rachel’s compassion and dedication will live on,” she noted.
In further speaking of Rachel, Ringhoff explained how much Rachel was fond of Diet Coke.
Ringhoff would then raise a can of Diet Coke in Rachel’s honor and toast the late registered nurse who was named a 2024 Advance Woman of Achievement.
In accepting the award, Rachel’s husband, Dr. Salvatore Volpe, said, “Rachel’s desire to make things happen everyday like Tunnel to Towers is an inspiration. What she accomplished as a nurse was incredible. She went out of her way to make sure everyone was all right. It’s a big gap in our lives. She worked in the cardio catherization unit for many years and for me as well. Rachel’s partnership our practice gained national recognition. Thank you for recognizing Rachel and for all you do.”
Praising his mom, Sal Volpe described his mom as having drive and dedication, even when it was difficult for her to walk. “She had two accomplishments, one per child, in speaking of himself and his brother Gino. “Thank you for all you do for Staten Island and for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”
Sal Cassano would introduce Frank Siller, the CEO of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, who he described as “the person who drives the train.”
FRANK SILLER ADDRESSES THE CROWD
“It doesn’t matter what the weather is, everyone shows up for our golf outings,” he said with a smile. “We raised over $2,000,000 in golf outings over the last several years. On Fox 5 I mentioned to Jesse Waters we delivered 40 mortgages free for Gold Star Widows. Stephanie Diller is a remarkable human being whose son was only five months old at the time of his dad’s death. Stephanie gave the eulogy at the funeral mass. You paid such respect to your husband who left this legacy behind. You are a hero too. You are part of our family. We certainly understand and we are here for you. We will eradicate homelessness among our veterans.”
Siller went on to explain the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has taken 6,500 veterans off the streets and placed them in homes in locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.
“We have to give homeless veterans back their dignity and hope,” Siller continued. “The difference we are making is incredible. We offer services not just homes. Some 85 % have stayed off the streets and gotten their help. It started here on Staten Island. Nothing is more important to us and thank you to those who have joined our mission.
Jack Furnari closed the program. “It’s a privilege and an honor to work for the the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an amazing organization,” he said before recognizing members of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1.
“I can’t say enough about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation,” said Volker Heyde, a member of the Marine Corps League. “It’s a great organization. And donating $11 a month doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s an honor to be here. I honor all veterans. God bless the United States of America.”
A MEDLEY OF PATRIOTIC TUNES RELATED TO THE ARMED FORCES
The evening was capped by a medley of patriotic music — service tunes — representative of all branches of the military — with veterans rising to their feet with pride and reverence, followed by “God Bless America” by members of the South Shore Rotary Chorus.
And as is customary, Terry Tarangelo, led the crowd in “God Bless America.”
CELEBRATIONS — NOV. 17 TO NOV. 23
NOV. 17
Sunday is birthday time for Mike Lee Sr. who shares this birthday with Robert Bartow, Richie Nielsen, who turns 79, Anthony Rappa and Davie VanName.
Happy birthday to Cecelia N. Brunner, co-author of the two Images of America — West Brighton books.
NOV. 18
The best of birthdays on Monday to Gail Neal, Ray O’Neill Jr., Salvatore Alessi, Jack Kiley, Natalie and Julie Wiseiewski, Ray Mankowski, Patricia Mazza and Cara Masucci.
NOV. 19
Birthday greetings on Tuesday go to Diane Lore, Paul Floridia, Michael Passante, twins Richard and Russell Verdi, Miriella Spadafora Rosenblum, and Alex Zablocki.
Happy wedding anniversary Tuesday to Rosemarie and Steven Barnickel.
NOV. 20
Happy birthday Wednesday to Greg Dale, Amelia Maligno, Joe Berardi, Christopher Anthony Micho who turns 17, and Tom Morrongiello.
Wednesday is wedding anniversary time for Donna and Tommy Mignone, John and Lisa Golterman and Theresa and Andrew D’Onofrio.
NOV. 21
The happiest of birthdays Thursday to Mary Lee, Ann Marie Henderson, Gail Fernandez, Michael J. Perkert who turns 19, Joan Galant, William J. Slaven Jr., Casey Romano, twins Laura Gwen and Douglas Gil Cala, celebrity chef, Rob Burmeister, Roy E. Smith, and Diane Nicole Arrigo.
NOV. 22
Friday is birthday time for Barbara Danischewski, Ronald Kilichowski, twins Adam and Brandon Kruse and Ryan Brucato, who turns 19 years.
BP Fossella launches holiday toy drive for children in North Carolina impacted by Hurricane HeleneNov. 15, 2024, 4:58 p.m.
Golden Eagles soar at St. Peter’s Boys High School Hall of Fame galaNov. 12, 2024, 8:18 p.m.
NOV. 23
Celebrating birthdays on Saturday are Senator Charles Schumer, Jonathan Neal, Bert Barry, Kim Barcia, Justine Cauldwell, Marie DuBois, Rosemary Adamski, and Anthony Viola turns 28. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Saturday to Peter and Dorothy Sweeney.
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(c) 2024 Staten Island Advance
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