Meyer Suozzi Presents Scholarships to Five Veterans Attending Nassau Community College

Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. has awarded scholarships to five Long Island veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now enrolled at Nassau Community College. The scholarship program, which was initiated by the firm in 2011, recognizes local veterans who are continuing their education after returning from military service.

The Meyer Suozzi scholarship committee is chaired by A. Thomas Levin, Chair of the Local Government, Land Use and Environmental Compliance and the Professional Responsibility practices, Past President of both the New York State Bar Association, and the Nassau County Bar Association.

The scholarship awards ceremony will be held in May at Nassau Community College.

“Over the past six years, our firm has had the honor of awarding scholarships to 38 veterans who, upon returning from service abroad, excelled academically,” said Meyer Suozzi Managing Attorney, Lois Carter Schlissel. “We deeply appreciate their service to our country and wish them great success in their future endeavors.”

About the scholarship recipients:

Juan Lema, a resident of Freeport, served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004-2012. Studying to become a registered nurse, Mr. Lema looks forward to helping others achieve their ultimate level of health. While in the nursing program, he volunteers at a company which provides free health care for those who have limited access to it. Mr. Lema uses his knowledge in health care and ability to translate to provide each patient with their needs.

Charles Guarneiri, a resident of Baldwin, is a United States Military Veteran who served from 2007-2012 and is continuing his services in the NY National Guard. He is currently working towards a degree in nursing and recently joined the Fire Department of New York. Mr. Guarneiri is deeply committed to his family, the community, hard work and helping others. All of those passions are what drive him to achieve his goals.

Agustin Cabrera of Massapequa, and second time winner of the scholarship, was deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with the United States Army. After his active service, Mr. Cabrera found that artistic therapy including film, production and performance, was a therapeutic way of dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the very real struggle of reentering civilian life. His is currently the President of the Student Veterans America at Nassau Community College, which helps student vets find resources to help ease into civilian life. Mr. Cabrera is a Media major at Nassau Community College and plans to share his positive experiences with performing arts as therapy with other veterans who suffer from PTSD and other war-stress related symptoms.

Ryan Howell a resident of Hempstead served twenty-four years in the Army National Guard including two tours in Iraq. He is currently working towards his degree in Medical Administration. Ryan has a passion for helping the community and hopes to use his degree to work help those in need of health insurance. Mr. Howell is an advocate for his community and knows that this degree will help in assisting many families.

Joseph Buan of New Hyde Park is a Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps in Kuwait and Iraq in 2003. Mr. Buan’s goal is to be involved in social work and education. He is passionate about teaching the younger generation the value of education.