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New Rochelle Student Celebrated For Work With Military Families

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – A New Rochelle youngster got a special treat in advance of Veteran’s Day on Monday, when State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins recognized him in front of an entire school of his peers.

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins with New Rochelle student Jake Gallins, who is working with military families.

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins with New Rochelle student Jake Gallins, who is working with military families.

Photo Credit: Contributed
State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins making an announcement to students celebrating New Rochelle native Jake Gallins, 12.

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins making an announcement to students celebrating New Rochelle native Jake Gallins, 12.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The Democratic Conference leader made an announcement on Monday over the public address system at Albert Leonard Middle School to celebrate 12-year-old Jake Gallin, who started his “Stars for Cars” initiative three years ago to assist and recognize military families.

Jake first started “Stars for Cars” when he was 8 years old, when he  saw First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) discussing the sacrifices military families make each and every day.

The website he started offers car magnets to those looking to support veterans and their families, with the proceeds going to benefit “Blue Star” families – those with members serving in the Armed Forces – and “Gold Star” families that have lost a loved one while serving the country.”

“In honor of Veteran’s Day, we take this time to remember our ‘Blue and Gold Star’ military families and thank them for their sacrifice, generosity, and we want the to know that we are part of their community,” Stewart-Cousins said in a statement drafted by Jake to the students.

The seventh grader first reached out to his senator this summer, explaining that he was starting a letter writing campaign to get New York State schools to make similar statements to the one Stewart-Cousins made on Monday. Thus far, he’s gotten nearly 50 schools to agree to spread the word to their community and students.

“As we mark Veteran’s Day on Tuesday, when we see a nation pause to remember and thank the veterans who have served our country, it is heartening to see the next generation also realizes the sacrifices made by their families, in the defense of our country and freedom,” Stewart-Cousins said. “Jake Gallin is an inspiration. He realized he could make a difference.” 

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