General Meeting November 2, 2015 View Photos The NYPD Emerald Society's General Meeting was held on November 2, 2015 at Xavier High School in Manhattan. The night's events included a "non-election" Election Night, as there were no challenges made to the incumbent board's slate. After the Opening Prayer led by our Chaplain Father Brendan Gormley and the Pledge of Allegiance the meeting commenced. President Karyn McCormack held off on the business reports and introduced a guest speaker, Retired USMC Captain George Phillips representing the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild. The Captain gave an enthralling presentation on the life and times of the Catholic Priest known as the "Grunt Padre". Father Capodanno was a local kid from NYC, born and raised in Staten Island and a graduate of Fordham University in the Bronx. His vocation led him into the US Navy as a Chaplain assigned to the Marine Corp. While serving with combat Marines on the frontlines of Vietnam he developed a great rapport with the young grunts. During his first tour in country Chaplain Capodanno's reputation grew among the ranks of men fighting across the war ravaged jungles. The Grunt Padre was all about being there for his Marines, even during the most horrible times of war and its grueling aftermath. During his 2nd tour in September of 1967, Father Capodanno was mortally wounded while with the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines as they were engaged in a fierce battle with the North Vietnam Army (NVA). While rendering aid to a wounded Marine and a Navy Corpsman he was cut down in a tirade of gun fire. News of his heroism and death spread quickly and brought great sorrow across all ranks of the Marines and Navy. For his actions, well beyond-the-call-of-duty Father Capodanno was awarded the Medal-of-Honor, a Purple Heart and other citations. Captain Phillips had first-hand knowledge of the Grunt Padre's action on that fateful day, as he himself was a young Marine under fire during that bloody battle. He too had met the Chaplain and knew of his tremendous reputation throughout Vietnam. As the Captain recounted the events of that day, long ago in 1967, our audience was focused on every word he spoke. Phillips advised that in recent years Father Capodanno has been considered for Sainthood, at this point in time he has been deemed a "Servant of God". That title is a major step in the process that may someday honor him as a Catholic Saint. Captain Phillips explained that spreading the word and telling the life story of Father Vincent Capodanno is part of what is required in leading to the Church's decision making for canonization. There are still many steps ahead for the Guild in their noble effort. After his riveting address Captain Phillips passed out literature regarding the Guild. When the meeting would later conclude Phillips and his wife Cathy mingled with our Emerald Society members. Our audience was left very impressed with the Vietnam War Veteran's continued service to his fallen and beloved comrade. The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild website has been added to Emerald Society website's links. As the meeting continued President McCormack called on Past Pres. John Mcloughlin to announce the 2016-2017 Board of Officers. The new Executive Board will consist of President Peter Whalen (ESS-6), 1st Vice President Jay Teahan (67 PDS), Treasurer Edward Patterson (121 PDS) and Financial Secretary Scott Lloyd (BNND). All Board Officers positions become effective on January 1, 2016. Later Tom Cawley advised on our Bennett College Scholarship. Application are due by February 1, 2016 for current college freshmen, with scholarships announced in July. Timmy Black reported that our Bus Trip & Tailgate for the NY Jets game on Thursday Night November 12th is sold-out. Kevin Byrnes then spoke on Cigar Night set for Thursday November 19th at the Bay Ridge Manor, with plenty of room still available. Among our lucky Raffle Winners was Bobby Walsh who took home a Frozen Bird. Our next General Meeting will be held at St. Finbar school hall in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on December 7th.