WOOD PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Commack School District paid homage to the heroes within the community on Friday as part of the Valentine’s For Veterans initiative.

Veterans Army Sgt. Dominic Cutalo and Marines Corps Commander Rocky Paduano made stops at the Hubbs Administration Building, Rolling Hills, Sawmill and Wood Park, where they met administrators, staff and students and were given Valentine’s Day letters and gifts of comfort.

Accompanied by Director of Community Relations Debbie Virga, Culato told staff the story of a fourth grader who wrote a letter to him in 1971 while he was serving. After receiving a letter back from Culato, the girl kept the letter. Unbeknownst to him, the girl would appear 51 years later at a veterans’ event in Melville, finally being able to meet Culato in person.

“You never know at the students’ age of the impact that those letters have on the veterans our age,” Culato said.

The Valentine’s Day cards and gifts will be delivered to the Northport VA.