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| Yuri Karaz and Carl Marchese |
MINEOLA -- Word got around that Yuri Karasz was a
veteran, so when Carl Marchese met her, he made a deal: If he became commander
of Mineola American Legion Post 349, she would become the first female member
in the post's 90-year history, reports MineolaPatch.com.
He did, and she did, being formally inducted in an August
ceremony at the village hall. State Sen. Jack M. Martins and local VFW
Commander Manny Grilo were there to congratulate Karaz, a former army captain
and West Point graduate.
Noted Senator Martins: “Yuri Karasz is an outstanding
member of the community who accomplished so much. She served our country and
now is helping others pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals.
The Mineola American Legion is an outstanding veterans organization and has
only been further enriched by having her as a member.”
She served in the Army Transportation Corps in Germany and
at Fort Eustis, VA. She was an assistant professor of chemistry at West Point and
taught military science to ROTC cadets at RPI, Siena College and SUNY Albany. She
also found time at West Point to be the team’s fencing captain.
As a strong proponent of education, Karasz worked as the
continuing medical education coordinator for New York College of Osteopathic
Medicine at New York Institute of Technology, where she founded the Careers in
Medicine Resource Center. Currently manager of trainee services for NYCOMEC, Karasz
recruits residents to nearly 30 hospitals in New York and New Jersey.
Post Commander Marchese hopes the induction of the first
woman member will attract other female veterans as well as an infusion of
younger members.
***
Photo:
Yuri
Karasz is welcomed to Mineola American Legion Post 349 by (from left)
Senator Jack Martins, Legion member Gabe Parajos, Legion Commander Carl
Marchese and Mineola VFW Commander Manny Grilo.
Photo by Sen. Martins Office
