Irvington Soldier Serving in Afghanistan Says: "Thank the Military Parents"

Gerald Betances, an Irvington native currently serving in Afhganistan, wrote:

"I am an Irvington native. I am a platoon sergeant in the army, deployed on my third combat tour. The first two being Iraq, I am now in Afghanistan. I have been deployed now for four months; my unit is B TROOP 7-10 CAV 4-ID, based out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

My suggestion: Thank the mothers and fathers in your reading area for the sons and daughters who won't be spending time with their familys during the holidays. As they will be thinking of us, we will be thinking of them.

My mother Valerie Flores, who lives in Irvington, has always been there for me no matter what part of the world I am in. And for that I am thankful."

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I received this note in an e-mail from Mr. Betances yesterday; and, while I was unable to reach Ms. Flores directly, I thought posting his message was the most powerful way to thank those who are currently serving our country, have served in the past or have sent their sons or daughters into the most dangerous places to defend our peace and freedom here.  

So from Gerald Betences and Rivertowns Patch, we say thank you to all local parents who have sent their children overseas to fight for a greater good—and, of course, thank you to all Rivertowns residents who have served in current or past wars.

Below is a list of Veterans Day services in the Rivertowns:

Irvington:

10: 45 a.m. at the war memorials on Main Street

Hastings:

11 a.m. VFW Park on Warburton Avenue

Dobbs Ferry:

1 p.m. at the American Legion on Palisades Street