Millbrook, NY, November 9, 2011 - Power to Learn hosted a Take a Vet to School event at Millbrook High School in NY's Hudson Valley with Congressman Chris Gibson. 17 AP Government students prepared Powerpoint presentations on such diverse topics as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Literary Veteran's Reflection on War. The entire Millbrook HS student body of slightly over 400 was in the audience. In addition to these presentations the Madrigal Special Chorus and the High School Band performed patriotic musical selections. Cablevision made $1,000 donations to three Veteran organizations; The Jewish War Veterans of America, VFW Millbrook Post 9008 and the American Legion Parker-Haight Post 206. Representatives of each organization were present along with approximately 25 other local veterans. Members of the VFW awarded pins to each of the student presenters at the close of the event.

Video of Event  (04:07 mins)

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Local Village Mayor Laura Hurley and Town of Washington Supervisor Florence Prisco were also in attendance. Congressman Gibson stated following the event that he would be going to a lot of veterans' events, "... but none of them will involve young people the way we have today."  He was very pleased and appreciative. A 24-year Army career veteran, Congressman Gibson also noted, "Having completed four combat tours to Iraq and deployments to Kosovo and Haiti, I truly appreciate and understand the sacrifices that veterans make every day to preserve the values and freedom we hold dear.  Veterans Day is a time for all of us to reflect on the many privileges made available to us thanks to our veterans.  Thanks to Cablevision's Power to Learn event today, I'm sure each student here has a greater realization of the hardships endured by veterans and their families and a greater appreciation for their service."

"We are grateful to be part of this Take A Veteran to School event," Principal Kossmann added,  "Because of this our students were able to learn more about the history of Veterans Day and about the experiences of veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life." 

Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. representative Alec Pandaleon said, "We are incredibly proud to be part of this event and want to thank Cablevision for its generosity and support.  Thanks to your help, we can make a difference in the lives of true American heroes."