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On April 25, 2024 the Rumshock Veterans Foundation will hold its Third Annual Gala Cocktail Party at the Osiris Country Club in Walden, NY from 6-9PM when it will honor Captain Robert J. “Pete” Petry, USN Retired, recipient of numerous personal awards for his benchmark leadership and impact, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).

The event is sponsored by Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., providing electric and gas service energy for more than 300,000 households and businesses in six counties in New York and northern New Jersey. Orange and Rockland is also honoring its own veteran employees at this event and encourages others to “share their belief that veterans embody the true definition of service and that their dedication inspires us all and makes us a better company.”

Captain Petry is a native of Haverstraw, NY, enlisting in the Navy’s nuclear power program upon graduation from high school in 1970. Pete was to become a preeminent and well known leader across many Navy communities, always taking time to mentor and develop future leaders. His humor, great stories, leadership, and quiet and consistent pursuit of excellence made him a role model for countless enlisted and officers throughout his long career. Pete was noted for his positive impact on morale, retention, and the promotions of the many sailors and officers that he led.

His highly decorated 36 year Navy career is one characterized by exceptional achievement at every level and his superiors routinely called out his leadership impact and ability to operate successfully in the most demanding environments. He was the “go to” leader in times of challenge, as often cited within the evaluations completed by these same superiors. Pete achieved the highest possible rank of enlisted sailors (Master Chief Petty Officer), and the highest possible rank of Limited Duty Officers (Captain). On the way through his impressive career, he served on a number of submarines and surface ships, as well as being assigned to the USS George Washington, CVN 73, where he served as the Chief Engineer. Additionally, Pete was designated as an “Alongside Conning Officer” for important underway ship maneuvers which is a very rare designation. Captain Petry was also designated and entitled to wear a nuclear submarine qualification pin (enlisted) and the surface warfare pin (officer).

To obtain tickets to this special event, click on Rumshock Veterans Foundation’s website, https://Rumshockvf.org, to reserve your place. The staff and volunteers at Rumshock Veterans Foundation are working to do all it can to offer veterans the opportunity to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health as well as reconnect with society through meaningful activities. Upon receiving a grant from then New York State Sen. Jen Metzger of $400,000 in 2020, Rumshock sought a suitable location to acquire the land for “Rumshock Village,” a tiny home community that will be built to serve veterans confronting housing insecurity. Rumshock eventually purchased property in the Orange County city of Port Jervis where it will build a 10-unit village for veterans (see attached blueprint).

There are four components to the Rumshock Foundation’s sustainable program: 1) Rumshock Village, a tiny residential community of 10 affordable homes for veterans; 2) Employment with Hydroponic Farming, maintained by Village residents, and E-Waste Recycling, involving the recovery of materials to be used in future production; 3) Victory Transportation, to assist Village residents in making appointments to healthcare providers and other necessities; and 4) Canine Companionship for those veterans who require the emotional assistance that these trained animals offer.

The money raised by Rumshock will be used to begin building the project in Port Jervis. The 501 c 3 tax exempt organization welcomes donations and partnership opportunities with sponsors throughout the Hudson Valley. To learn more about this cocktail party and other upcoming events click on RumshockVF.org.