Meyer Suozzi Awards Scholarships to 4 Veterans Attending Nassau Community College

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., has awarded scholarships to four Long Island veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now enrolled at Nassau Community College. The effort, which began in 2011, recognizes local veterans who are continuing their education after returning from service. The Meyer Suozzi scholarship committee was chaired by Past President of the NY State Bar Association A. Thomas Levin, Chair of the firm's Municipal Law, Land Use and Environmental Compliance practice and the Professional Responsibility practice The four scholarship recipients will be recognized at Nassau Community College’s 2014 Spring Awards Ceremony on May 14th and 15th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. “It is an honor to assist our veterans as they transition into civilian life,” said Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, P.C. Managing Attorney, Lois Carter Schlissel. “These recipients are highly deserving, and we are proud to wish them success with their academic work as they prepare to enter their chosen careers.” About the scholarship recipients:Salvatore Ancona is a resident of Bellmore. An active volunteer firefighter, he is currently studying for a degree in Fire Science at Nassau Community College. He will also be attending John Jay College in the fall to pursue his Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Service Administration. Sergeant Ancona served in both Iraq and Afghanistan during over seven years of active duty. His goal is to make his community a safer place, through both his own dedication to service and through his commitment to training new recruits, while rising through the ranks to become an executive fire officer, and, he hopes, one day a fire chief. Jameson Canning of Mineola spent four years in the Marine Corps, including tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Corporal Canning hopes to take the skills and experiences he gained around the world and use them to make his community and the world a better place. Driven by a duty to protect people and a strong sense of honor, he aims to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and eventually become a policeman. He is currently working to obtain a liberal arts degree at Nassau Community College and acts as a firearms instructor to help people understand both the privileges and responsibilities of gun ownership. Paul Oddo, a resident of Massapequa, served two tours of duty in Iraq before setbacks due to hearing loss ended his service. Upon discharge, he found that there were certain issues for which he had a difficult time seeking counsel. Knowing that some of these problems could only be understood by someone who shared similar experience, Specialist Oddo decided to pursue a career in social work. Currently completing coursework for a liberal arts degree at Nassau Community College, he plans to work towards a master’s degree and provide help for others who served their country honorably. Michael Schmitt is a resident of Northport who served in the United States Marine Corps for five years. His service has included work in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf. A computer science major currently carrying a 4.0 GPA at Nassau Community College, Corporal Schmitt plans to eventually pursue a graduate degree in engineering and work to develop green technology to improve people’s lives, while helping protect the environment.