2025 Honorees

Daniel A Morea – US Army

Daniel Morea, US ARMY born in the Bronx NY in 1948 and later moved to NJ with his family at the age of 5. Attending school in NJ Daniel graduated in June of 1966. Seeing that there was no work for him at the time he enlisted and entered the US Army in October 1966 completing boot camp at Fort Dix NJ. His next stop was Fort Pold LA for 13 months and then deployed to Vietnam in April 1968.

During his time in Vietnam, he worked with a construction battalion that built roads from Saigon to the Cambodian Border. Although he experienced and was exposed to many attacks, Dan was fortunate not to sustain any physical injuries during his campaign. His decorations include Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. In May of 1969 Dan was honorably discharged from the US Army in Oakland, California. Two weeks later he made his move back to the East Coast.

After returning home, Dan entered the workforce with an Automobile Manufacturing Company in 1969 for 1 ½ years in their corporate office. He then followed his career path to Prudential Insurance for 2 years. Mr. Morea worked as an appliance sales associate at Sears, Transform SR Brands LLC in Poughkeepsie from 1977 to 1993. He also held positions at Lloyd’s Center in Newburgh and contributed to sales at the William T. Grant Foundation.

In 1982 Dan was diagnosed the PTSD that led him to further research and study this disease. This placed him as one of the cofounders of the Mid-Hudson Veteran Outreach Center. The organization is one of the first Non For Profits to assist Veterans with PTSD. It was in 1995 that Dan obtained his second retirement. But Dan was not stepping away from his service to Veterans.

Dan’s story does not end here. Mr. Morea has a long and active record of civic involvement. He served as department vice commander for The American Legion’s Department of New York and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Beacon as well as the Beacon Elks Lodge. His dedication has earned numerous honors, including being named Service Officer of the Year by The American Legion’s Department of New York in 2010, along with multiple recognitions for veterans advocacy from the New York State Legislature and acknowledgment by the City of Yonkers. For the past five years, he has served as a veterans counselor for Westchester County, New York, where his responsibilities include reviewing case files to identify necessary updates, responding to inquiries from veterans, conducting interviews and collaborating with nonprofit agencies that provide essential services.

Dan’s life is blessed with 2 children (one now deceased) 3 Grandchildren, and 1 Great Grandson. He and his wife enjoy their time together with their 2 dogs, a Bichon and a Great Pyrenees.

Dan is always supporting and building camaraderie with Veterans. He is always continues to prioritize strengthening systems that evaluate and support veterans, especially regarding mental health, and advocates for increased awareness about the unique challenges faced by those who have served their country. He represents the American Legion by supporting and advocating for all Veterans.

David V Gunn – US Navy

Born and raised in Poughkeepsie NY, David attended and graduated from Arlington High School. In January of 1967, in the mist of the Vietnam War, he felt the call to military service and enlisted in the US Navy. From 1967 to 1971 Dave was deployed many times within combat zones of Vietnam and the Mediterranean. Dave’s medals include A Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 1960 device, Vietnam Service medal with 3 bronze stars, the National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct medal. He served on the USS Robert L Wilson DD 847. He also received a US Navy unit citation for outstanding performance of duty from Rear Admiral J W Schaffer USA.

Today Dave continues his service through various Veteran Organizations which include VFW Post 170 as Senior Vice Commander and is an active member of American Legion Post 37.

Dave is married to his loving wife, Beth Ann and has 4 children, 5 Grandchildren, and will be blessed this December with his first Great-Grandchild. Dave lives by the mottos “Life is Good” and “Every day is Gift from God”

James W Metrando – US Marine Corps

James Metrando grew up in Hyde Park, New York, and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted and entered the United States Marine Corps, beginning his military career at Parris Island, where he completed boot camp and trained as a basic rifleman.

During his time in the Marine Corps, James served with 2nd ANGLICO and completed assignments that took him to Cuba and later the Dominican Republic as part of a U.S. military operation there. In September 1966, he was assigned to a communications battalion detachment in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained for the rest of his military service. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969.

After returning home, James underwent medical treatment for injuries and conditions related to his military service before beginning a career as an electrician. He joined Local 215, now Local 363, and worked in the trade for 30 years. His career came to an end in 1999 following a serious workplace accident in which he fell three stories through a floor while working at the post office in Newburgh.

For James, though, retirement did not mean stepping away from service.

After retiring, he began volunteering at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System’s Castle Point campus, where he has continued to dedicate his time to helping fellow Veterans. He assists Veterans with mobility needs, helps them navigate the campus, provides information about available services, and helps connect them with transportation and other resources.

Decades after his own Marine Corps service ended, James continues to serve the Veteran community. He is also involved with VFW Post 170, American Legion Post 37, and Marine Corps League Detachment 861.

From his years in the Marine Corps to his decades-long civilian career and continued volunteer work, service has remained a constant throughout James Metrando’s life.

Sa’eed A Mustafa – U.S. Army

Command Sergeant Major, US Army Retired Sa’eed Mustafa is a combat veteran, and two-time Bronze Star recipient. He served in the Persian Gulf War, Somalia and two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CSM Mustafa entered the Army in May 1984 in Albany, New York, and served over 30 years in the active duty military. He retired honorably on October 8th, 2014 in front of family and friends at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. Since his retirement he has been elected as the first African American councilman in the history of the Town of Highlands, New York in 2015, and is currently on his third consecutive term. An advocate for veterans, first responders, and their families. He was selected as a 2020 New York State Veteran Hall of Fame Inductee by New York State Senator James Skoufis, and he is a recipient of the 2023 New York State Assembly Distinguished Veteran Award, presented by New York State Assemblyman Chris Eachus. He is the Author of a self help book entitled “Resilient Transition”, and he is an EAGALA certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. (A Mental Health Intervention Where Horses Help Humans Heal) CSM is a member of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System Veterans Experience Committee, and also the Founder, President and CEO of Veterans Resiliency Coalition Inc. A Hudson Valley New York based 501

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We are proud to support Mental Health of America of Dutchess County’s Veterans Programs. They assist local veterans with services such as housing and employment, peer-to-peer counseling, suicide prevention, and recovery. For more information, please visit www.mhadutchess.org/veterans