Maloney connects Veterans with resources; presents Purple Heart

Posted 8/5/21

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18),  held a Veterans Service Fair at the Newburgh Unity Center Armory. This free fair brought Veteran Service Organizations and related businesses together with …

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Maloney connects Veterans with resources; presents Purple Heart

Posted

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18),  held a Veterans Service Fair at the Newburgh Unity Center Armory. This free fair brought Veteran Service Organizations and related businesses together with local veterans to connect veterans with available resources in the Hudson Valley.  

“Veterans fought for and served our country, and when they return home, they should be greeted with open arms and the assistance they’ve earned,” said  Maloney. “It’s our duty as a nation to keep our promises to veterans, and it’s my duty as a Member of Congress to fight for smart, commonsense reforms to make their lives better when they complete their service. Bureaucracy and red tape should not stand in the way of supporting veterans and their families.” 

Representatives from the following organizations were in attendance: Middletown Vet Center, Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services, American Legion 1420, Hudson River Housing’s VetZero Services for Veterans program, City of Newburgh Veterans Mentor Program, Orange County Vet to Vet, and dozens more.

Maloney presented a Purple Heart to Barbara Mattera on behalf of her father, Vincent Mattera, a Navy Service Member during World War II (WWII). Mr. Mattera was a Petty Officer Third Class in the United States Construction Battalion. The Congressman’s office contacted the Board for Correction of Naval Records to advocate for Mr. Mattera. After a long two year wait, the Board awarded him the Purple Heart.  

“Vincent Mattera bravely served our country during World War II. Despite a severe injury, he never considered a Purple Heart award until a doctor’s visit uncovered shrapnel that had been unknowingly affecting his arm strength,” said  Maloney. “While it never should have taken Mr. Mattera decades to receive this distinction, I am honored that I was able to present his family with the Purple Heart on his behalf. Serving our veterans is one of the most important and rewarding parts of my job, and I hope this has inspired veterans in the Hudson Valley who need a hand to give my office a call. We’re here to help.” 

Mattera was drafted into the U.S. Navy for WWII in 1944. He was assigned to the Seabees Construction Battalion in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He ran bulldozers, road graders, and shovels due to his prior experience with heavy equipment. Specifically, he helped construct runways for the Army Air Force Bases. While in Guam, Mattera was working on a bulldozer when a Japanese mortar barrage started and hot metal shrapnel from a nearby explosion hit him in the back. Although he was initially cleared by a Navy nurse, he later discovered that the instance caused long-term damage to his left arm. Mr. Mattera passed away at the age of 93, on Sunday, March 7, 2021 – one week before his 94th birthday. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, soon-to-be three great-grandchildren, and his life partner, Marilyn Torrieri. 

Since taking office in 2013, Rep. Maloney has obtained 408 medals and awards owed to veterans for their service to their country, 12 of which are Purple Hearts and nine of which are Bronze Stars. His office has also assisted 2,155 veterans and military families and returned over $13 million in earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Maloney has also worked to pass 11 bills into law to benefit our veterans. These bills cut-down on wait times at the VA, help our veterans find good-paying jobs, and ensure active-duty service members enjoy the same level of protection from predatory debt collectors as their civilian counterparts. In December 2020, Rep. Maloney’s bipartisan, bicameral National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law. This bill honors the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and all our Purple Heart recipients with a commemorative coin provided by the U.S. Mint and produced at the U.S. Mint at West Point.