Rockland County Legislature Recognizes Navy Veteran Gebbia & Army Veteran Hershkowitz

Annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony Organized & Hosted By Rockland County Veterans Coordinating Council

The Rockland County Legislature recognized two local veterans as part of the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony organized and hosted by the Rockland County Veterans’ Coordinating Council.

County Legislators Phil Soskin, Aney Paul, Paul Cleary, Beth Davidson, Doug Jobson, Will Kennelly, and Aron Weider joined the celebration of Navy Veteran Guy F. Gebbia and Army Veteran Joel Hershkowitz on the steps of the County Courthouse.

“We are so honored to recognize these outstanding veterans for their military service and for their ongoing, dedicated efforts in helping veterans in any way possible,” Legislator Soskin said. “On behalf of myself and all of my legislative colleagues, I salute and thank Guy F. Gebbia and Joel Hershkowitz.”

Legislator Soskin, an Army veteran, presented a Proclamation signed by Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. to each honoree. Hood proclaimed Nov. 10, 2024, as Guy F. Gebbia Day and as Joel Hershkowitz Day in Rockland County.

GUY F.GEBBIA’S STORY

Guy F. Gebbia joined the Unites States Navy in December 1965 and specialized in communications and navigational equipment to locate downed pilots. He was stationed on board the USS Hornet (CVS 12) and did two tours in Vietnam. Guy has been a proud member of the Willis Polhemus VFW Post 9215 in Upper Nyack, as well as American Legion Post 310 and the Knights of Columbus.

In 2009, Guy and the Vietnam Veterans took on the responsibilities of operating VFW Post 9215. Guy ensured communication among VFW members became a priority and with diligence and dedication renewed their tax-exempt status, organized records, revitalized the Post and gained community recognition. Post members were instrumental in cleaning up the abandoned cemetery where the burial plot of Willis Polhemus, the post’s namesake, is located (Polhemus remains missing after he and some 90 crewmen died after a 1942 Japanese attack sank the USS Peary in Darwin, Australia).

Guy supported the implementation of a grave marker program at Oak Hill Cemetery. In collaboration with the American Legion and Scouts of America, more than 900 flags are placed on veterans’ graves annually. They also donate 100 percent of proceeds collected from various fundraisers to help veteran organizations. Through the Recycled Rides program, Guy has been personally responsible and involved in donating 16 automobiles to deserving veterans.

Guy has held various leadership positions within the VFW, and he received the VFW NY All Team State Award for improving membership, receiving a white commander’s hat. Guy’s unwavering determination, dedication and encouragement empowered the next generation of younger veterans to take on leadership roles and helped set up the next generation of veterans for success.

JOEL HERSHKOWITZ’S STORY

Joel Hershkowitz is a proud member of a three-generation Military Family. His father served in Patton’s Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for service in a Battle of the Bulge unit that was instrumental in the liberation of concentration camps. Joel’s son served in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 1966, Joel went through Armor training at Fort Know, Kentucky. He served as a Battalion Tank Commander and engaged in mine-sweeping operations along the Korea Demilitarized Zone.

He also took part in efforts to capture the men who attempted to assassinate the South Korean President in 1968, just two days prior to the capture of the USS Pueblo spy ship. Joel’s unselfish service left him with permanent injuries from exposure to Agent Orange and two winters of minus-30-degree temperatures.

Joel is Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA – Rockland-Orange District Council, member of  Naurashank American Legion Post 794, and member of the Knights of Pythias. He led the distribution of over 10,000 packages to active soldiers during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He supplies veterans in Rockland County with food and clothing and hosts many fund-raising events for veterans and the Montrose Veterans Hospital.

Two veterans were recognized this year due to the untimely passing of Mark Woods early in 2024. Both Gebbia and Hershkowitz were named the 2024-2025 Rockland County Veteran of the Year by the Rockland County Veterans’ Coordinating Council.