Discover Our History
VFW Post 6249 Suffolk County World War II and Military History Museum is a place where history comes alive. Our museum is dedicated to preserving the stories, respect, and artifacts of all aspects of military history. Step into the past as we take you on a journey through time, showcasing the skill and bravery of the Armed Forces . Explore our exhibits, learn about our team of passionate historians, speakers, and veterans, and discover what sets our museum apart from the rest. Please join our mission to honor the heroes and events that shaped the foundations of this proud nation.
Richard V. Acritelli
Museum Curator
An educator for almost twenty-five years, most of this time at Rocky Point High School as a United States History and Government teacher, cross country, baseball and a wrestling coach. He also served as this school's Senior Class Advisor and currently as History Honors Society and the Varsity Club. This educator has been a Teacher of the Year for the Times Beacon Record and the Sun Newspaper and has been several times a New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars 9-12 Teacher of the Year for Education and Citizenship. In April of 2024, he was one of ten teachers chosen out of the National VFW to attend a military history museum workshop and lecture in Jackson, Wyoming. He is a college adjunct professor for fourteen years at Suffolk Community College of mostly Early and Modern American History courses. Since 2005, Rich is an instructor of professional development and graduate classes for educators for the New York Center for Teacher Development. Creating classes on American History, Warfare, 9/11/01, the Cold War, and several courses on the educational environment (violence, divorce, race, respect, work ethic, motivation, etc.). Rich served in the Army Reserves and in the New York Air National Guard as a Staff Sergeant for nine years. As a young man, Rich hauled Jet Fuel/JP8, explosives, ammunition, and heavy materials along the east coast. Not a very good rifle shot, Rich was a proponent of physical fitness and running within his military units. He is a constant contributor to the Times Beacon Record, the South Shore Press, and the NYS Veterans of Foreign Wars Newsletter. Rich was the Chairperson for the Diamond in the Pines 9/11/01 Learning Site, worked on the Joseph Dwyer PTSD Statue in Rocky Point, and created the Veterans Wall of Honor for Rocky Point High School. He has completed massive research on General George S. Patton and General Ulysses S. Grant whom he is currently writing a book on the military life of this Civil War fighting figure. Over the years, Rich has conducted research at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, the Modern Military Archives at College Park, Maryland, Columbia, and Stony Brook University. Rich graduated with a Masters of Arts in Military History from Norwich University in Vermont. At Stony Brook University, Rich graduated with an Honors Degree in History and worked under noted professor and scholar Michael Barnhart. Studying at Norwich University, Rich worked under noted historian, author, lecturer Professor Dennis Showalter on the military life of Patton. He is a founding committee member for the VFW Post 6249 Wounded Warrior Golf Outing that has raised over $300,000, has helped organize the PTSD 5K Race, and is heading the second phase of this military museum. Rich is very proud of his three daughters and his Janet who is a senior leader at the Alumni Department at Stony Brook University.
Board of Advisors
Joe Cognitore
VFW Post 6249 Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander and a long-time leadership figure within the Suffolk County, New York State and National Veterans of Foreign Wars Departments A native of Farmingdale who was a talented football player, wrestler, and track runner. Joe attended Dakota Wesleyan University and earned a teaching degree. Once he graduated, Joe was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and was sent to Fort Polk to "Tigerland" to train for being deployed to Vietnam. As the war was in its last phase, Joe was a Platoon Sergeant that operated near the Ho Chi Minh Trail, went on Search and Destroy Missions, and operated in Cambodia. This VFW Commander worked with American and South Vietnamese military forces and he captured North Vietnamese and Vietcong Prisoners of War. Returning home, Joe was hired as a substitute teacher, was married to his lifelong partner Cathy, and had two sons Joseph and Cristopher. His older son Joseph, is currently a Colonel and a senior leader in the Michigan State Military Command who attended the War College and was deployed to Afghanistan and South Korea. For decades, Joe was in a leadership position at Coca-Cola and always donated his time to support Rocky Point High School. When the First Gulf War began, Joe became a more active member of the Rocky Point VFW to help ensure that our local soldiers were properly supported at home and abroad. For decades, Joe has been in a number of leadership positions in the VFW on the local, state, and federal levels. He was a key member and now the organizer of the Wounded Warrior Golf Outing Committee that has raised over $300,000, been involved in the homes for veteran's project, key advocate for PTSD Awareness through the VFW Post 6249 PTSD Run and the Joseph Dwyer Statue, helped organize the Rocky Point Concert Series, was a key member of the Diamond in the Pines 9/11/01 Learning Site, and supported the Rocky Point High School Veterans Wall of Honor. Always armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude, Joe is one of the most important Veteran's Affairs Advocates in New York State. VFW Post 6249 is one of the most productive posts in this nation and it has flourished under his leadership.
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Frank Lombardi
A resident of Wading River who holds the unique experience of serving in the American Airborne and the Rangers during the Cold War and the First Gulf War. Frank attended SUNY Cortland and majored with a Bachelors of Art in History and attained a ROTC Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Rising to the rank of Captain, Frank had the unbelievable experience of serving during almost every major military engagement over a series of years that included the First Gulf War, Hurricane Andrew Relief, and Operation Restore Hope. All of these military experiences saw Frank operate in numerous American and foreign military bases. In 1996, he left the service, where he concentrated on his family with his wife Lisa, that saw them have three daughters, and eventually two grandchildren. Frank worked for General Electric as an Operations Manager for Long Island/New York City. Over the years, Frank has worked to ensure better living and social conditions for children and adults who are developmentally disabled. Frank has the knowledge of handling logistical and leadership operations, where he now is an Executive Director at Kinexion Network that has several facilities on Long Island. In 1996, after the tragic loss of Flight 800 off the coast of Smith Point Beach County Park, Frank help construct the memorial to recall the loss of this flight and the recovery operations of 230 crew and passengers that took place in the Atlantic Ocean. Frank has taught classes at Dowling College in Executive Leadership and Development, Broad Development, Ethics, and Organizational Leadership. Frank is an important figure within VFW Post 6249 Foreign Wars through all of his national and local leadership experiences. Recently during a June 6th, D-Day program at the museum, Frank spoke about the history of the airborne operations over Normandy. Wearing military clothing and carrying a rife, Frank identified the fighting role of the paratroopers and how they supported the landings behind the Atlantic Wall on Normandy against the German military. Frank represents the military history and experience that helps bring this museum alive!!!
"Lieutenant Dan" Guida
Born at the very end of World War II in Queens, Dan Guida has been devoted to the enhancing of Veterans Affairs on Long Island. Dan handles all of the financial operations of VFW Post 6249. This is a daunting task through the many different programs, events, and tasks that are completed by the senior leadership and members of this widely productive post. Growing up in the Five Towns, Dan attended Catholic School and Lawrence High School. Attending St. John's University for a year, once he decided to leave this college, Dan was quickly drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During the escalation of this war in Southeast Asia, Dan attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) as an armor officer. In 1967, this Long Island native was deployed to South Vietnam, where "Lieutenant Dan" operated in tanks to support the I Corps operations against the enemy in the field, where these tanks provided support for the infantry operations. For his service during this war as a Combat Platoon Leader, Dan was decorated with numerous service medals that include the Bronze Star. Dan watched the growing commitment of the United States in massive military forces to contain communism within this area of the world. Returning home, Dan utilized the GI Bill to attended Nassau County Community College and Hofstra University where he received an Accounting Degree. This Certified Public Accountant worked for the rest of his life supporting citizens, businesses, local organizations like the VFW with their financial needs and responsibilities. Dan can always be seen at this post's events handling the finances and the organization. Never forgetting about his service during the Vietnam War, Dan spends his time at the Stony Brook Veterans Home to help care for veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD. He is an advocate to ensure that our veterans who are suffering from this condition are not forgotten about and that they are receiving support from our local and national government. "Welcome Home" to Lieutenant Dan Guida continues his mission to always ensure that all past, present, and future veterans are properly cared for by this VFW post.
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Frank Tepedino
A member of this board who since he was a child has seen the development of American history during the second half of the Twentieth Century. Growing up in the projects of Brooklyn, Frank descended from a talented family of baseball players and athletes that dominated the sand lots and fields of the city, Long Island, and New York State. Playing for the Cadets, Frank emerged as one of the most feared hitters in this area, as in 1965, he was drafted out of George W. Wingate High School in the third round by the Baltimore Orioles. As a young city kid, this talented hitter was sent to West Virginia and was around Cal Ripken Sr. and Hank Bauer. He quickly moved through the ranks of the minors where he continually hit well against opposing pitchers. In 1966, the Orioles informed their key players that they should enter the military, as this might offer them a chance to continue playing during the height of the Vietnam War. Frank enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Reserves out of Brooklyn. Training at Paris Island, South Carolina, in a letter written by his mom, he was told that he was picked within the expansion draft by the New York Yankees and elevated to the major leagues at nineteen-year-old. In the service, Frank trained as a radio repair man and as he later looked across the diamond, there were players from both teams that had served in the military at this time. From 1966-1974, Frank played baseball and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Frank was one of two ball players to see Mickey Mantle's 500th Homerun and played for the Atlanta Braves when Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth's Homerun record. Frank can be seen welcoming Aaron at home plate, and he later went in the game for the "Homerun King." As a young man, Frank met Joe DiMaggio, was coached by Yogi Berra, Ralf Houk, Ellston Howard, Eddie Matthews, and played with Bobby Murcer, Thurmon Munson, and Bobby Cox to name a few players. During his life, Frank always gave back to the local community by giving baseball clinics for our youth, speaking to schools, teachers, and church groups, and for decades presenting a warm greeting as an employee at Port Jefferson Sporting Goods. Leaving baseball, Frank was a longtime member of the New York City Fire Patrol in Manhattan. On 9/11/01, with his two sons, the Tepedino's drove into the city after the immediate moments of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Working hours for the rescue and recovery efforts, this former New York Yankee, Atlanta Brave, and Milwaukee Brewer was with his "brothers" of the fire department and other rescue agencies to aid the residents of New York City. As he worked many shifts after 9/11/01, Frank saw baseball return to America at Shea Stadium, and he throw out the first pitch of the 2001 play-offs between the New York Yankees and Oakland A's. Frank tossed the ball to his former teammate Mel Stottlemyre, who was the pitching coach for the Yankees. The Sporting News wrote a beautiful story on the baseball and fire connection to 9/11/01 on the life and experiences of Frank. Always wearing a big smile and a willingness to care for others, Frank was recognized for his services to this nation and as a former ball player at several Old Timer's Days at Yankee Stadium. In 2011-2012, Frank was a member of the VFW Post 6249 Diamond in the Pines Learning Site board, and he has financially aided the VFW Wounded Warriors Golf Outing since it was started over fifteen years ago. At Rocky Point High School, Frank has spoken several times to the students about his time at and near Ground Zero on the importance Americans uniting during one of the most tragic moments in our history. He is a member of the Syracuse and Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame's. "Frankie" offers a unique combination of sports, patriotism, and military and city service to this nation over his lifetime.
Jim Connell
A creative and talented technology teacher at East Islip High School, Jim Connell has been a true asset to this museum. Before our opening, Jim helped with the hanging of antique weapons and military artifacts. Jim has the quick ability to identify innovative patriotic ideas and to showcase the importance of military history for others to enjoy in the museum. He has unique ideas in establishing a greater sense of technology in showcasing the veteran's pictures, stories, and resources to all visitors. Jim built important stands for the impressive collection of military helmets that make it easier for the visitors to enjoy and presented insightful advice on the layout of the museum that was well received during our opening last December 7th. Armed with a sheer willingness to find the best ways possible to present the importance of American military history, Jim comes from a family of veterans. This past year, Jim donated his time in building a Non-Commissioned Officer rank structure to honor the backbone of the military. For this upcoming school year, Jim will be working on military wood works projects with his class of special needs students for this museum. His father was in the United States Marine Corps and served in South Vietnam. Jim's father was a Sergeant who served in the field against the North Vietnamese Army and the Vietcong, he unveiled the Vietnam War black granite in the museum. His brother was an Army Ranger who served during the heavy fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This educator was a talented runner at Sayville as a young man, after graduating, Jim ran at the University of Oswego and later coached at East Islip School. In college, Jim ran cross country, winter and spring track and held several running records at Oswego. Jim is a supportive parent who watches his daughter Ellie play lacrosse, run cross country and his son Grant is an avid biker and he enjoys playing baseball and basketball. Currently, Jim and his kids have rescued a black lab who was neglected, has nursed "Lenny" back to health, and enjoy the company of their new pet. Since 1999, Jim has been a Ferry Captain from Sayville to Fire Island, where he enjoys seeing many friends who he grew up with and traveling across the Great South Bay with customers who enjoy the beaches and the beauty of Fire Island.
Gary Suzik
VFW Post 6249 Junior Commander has a strong mid-Western accent from the great state of Michigan. Always an upbeat figure who puts in a tremendous amount of time and effort in keeping this VFW run through the rentals, school programs, the Wounded Warrior Golf Outing, the PTSD Run, presenting the colors at Calverton National Cemetery, Gary Suzik in one of the main cornerstones of this post. Growing up on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Gary played football, hockey, and was a downhill skier. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was stationed on the USS LaSalle, where he helped guide the landing craft. As it turned out, this was one of the last ships to be built locally at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Gary said he is immensely proud of his duty on a vessel that saw naval missions for more than 40 years in every corner of the world. The ship and crew even helped retrieve the Gemini capsule, a spacecraft carrying two astronauts, after it landed from an early space mission. Gary participated in operations in the Mediterranean Sea, where he visited ports in Italy and France. He was also deployed to Cuba and the Caribbean during the Dominican Civil War in 1965. It was common for this ship to carry about 400 sailors and 500 to 600 Marines who utilized landing crafts to assault enemy forces in hot spots around the globe. Leaving the Navy, Gary was married, had four children, and nine grandchildren. For twelve years, Gary worked for Grumman, and spent the rest of his career, he was employed by the New York State Supreme Court. Outside of his love for his grandchildren and fishing, Gary his a highly valued and proud member of this post A native of Farmingdale who was a talented football player, wrestler, and track runner. Joe attended Dakota Wesleyan University and attained a teaching degree. Once he graduated, Joe was drafted into the United States Army in 1969, was sent to Fort Polk to "Tigerland" to train for being deployed to Vietnam. As the war was in its last phase, Joe was a Platoon Sergeant that operated near the Ho Chi Minh Trail, went on Search and Destroy Missions, and operated in Cambodia. This VFW Commander worked with American and South Vietnamese military forces, and he took prisoner North Vietnamese and Vietcong. Returning home, Joe was a a teacher, was married to his life long partner Cathy, and had two sons Joseph and Cristopher. His son Joseph, is currently a Colonel and a high ranking figure within the Michigan State Military Command who attended the War College and was deployed to Afghanistan and South Korea. For decades, Joe was in a leadership position at Coca-Cola and always donated his time to support Rocky Point High School. When the First Gulf War began, Joe became a more active member of the Rocky Point VFW to help ensure that our local soldiers were properly supported at home and abroad. For decades, Joe has been in a number of leadership positions in the VFW on the local, state, and federal levels. He was a key member and now the organizer of the Wounded Warrior Golf Outing Committee that has raised over $300,000, been involved in the homes for veteran's project, key advocate for PTSD Awareness through the VFW Post 6249 PTSD Run and the Joseph Dwyer Statue, helped organize the Rocky Point Concert Series, was a key member of the Diamond in the Pines 9/11/01 Learning Site, and supported the Rocky Point High School Veterans Wall of Honor. Always armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude, Joe is one of the most important Veteran's Affairs Advocates in New York State. VFW Post 6249 is one of the most productive posts in this nation and it has flourished under his leadership.
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