OCTOBER 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 55
MISSION UNITED
HAVING VETERANS’ BACKS
Like many military veterans, Romann,
who traveled the world while serving
in the U.S. Navy, found transitioning to
civilian life to be easier said than done
after doing three tours over a decade.
Helping him reacclimate to life as a
married father of two young daughters
was United Way of Long Island’s
VetsBuild, a program that provides
career training for veterans in the
green construction industry. After
graduating, he’s now flourishing
as a program analyst with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs overseeing
contracts and budgeting for
the Long Island National Cemetery.
“Because of this incredible training
program, I gained the necessary technical
and leadership skills needed to
advance my career,” said Romann,
who did not want his last name used.
He added that it “helped change my
life for the better.”
VetsBuild is one of a suite of initiatives
within Mission United, a
signature program of the nonprofit
United Way of Long Island, part of the
worldwide network of the 132-yearold
global nonprofit. And with more
than 101,000 veterans on LI — home
to the nation’s second largest veteran
population — there is no shortage of
need.
Besides job training under VetsBuild,
Mission United, through its partner
agencies, provides key referrals to
secure careers, vital case management
services, and emergency
military family assistance.
Veterans also have access
to resources 24/7 by calling
211.
Romann’s success story
is emblematic of
what Mission United
aims to achieve
with its assistance. In recognition
of his integrity, perseverance,
and commitment to advancing his
education and leadership skills, Romann
won the 2019 John Kominicki
Memorial Rising Star Scholarship.
T h e scholarship recognizes
an individual
who, like
Kominicki — a
veteran and
the Pre s s’
late publisher
emeri tus
— displays
excellence in leadership and
a zest for learning.
To help support the cause, United
Way of Long Island invites the public
to participate in its 2019 Mission United
Veterans Day T-Shirt campaign.
Those who make a small contribution
will receive a Mission United T-Shirt
to wear on Veterans Day this Nov. 11.
United Way of Long Island President
and CEO Theresa A. Regnante said,
“Together we can help more military
families transitioning to civilian life.”
For more information, visit unitedwayli.
org/missionunited
-TB
ACTS OF KINDNESS
Romann won won the 2019 John
Kominicki Memorial Rising Star
Scholarship.
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
