Rocky Point Middle School eighth-grade students recently visited the newly expanded Suffolk County WWII & Military History Museum at VFW Post 6249, where they learned about military history from local veterans and enjoyed a barbecue lunch provided by members of the post. 

The trip was organized by Dean of Students John Mauceri, Principal Dawn Meyers and eighth-grade adviser Tom Reilly after an invitation from Joe Cognitore of VFW Post 6249 located in downtown Rocky Point.

This Suffolk County WWII & Military History Museum is the only museum of its kind in New York state operated through a VFW post. The museum is curated by Rocky Point High School teacher Richard Acritelli and features exhibits and artifacts spanning multiple periods of U.S. military history. 

Students explored two buildings filled with military artifacts, exhibits related to the Sept. 11 attacks, local military history displays and tributes to veterans from the Rocky Point community. They also learned about Rocky Point High School graduate Lt. John Fernandez, Class of 1996, a Purple Heart recipient who is honored with a roadway dedication near the VFW.  

Another highlight was learning that one of the veterans associated with the VFW served as the inspiration for the character Lieutenant Dan in the film Forrest Gump. 

One of the most meaningful parts of the visit was hearing veterans share firsthand accounts of their military service. Students connected those stories to the artifacts on display, creating a learning experience that reinforced concepts studied in their eighth-grade social studies classes. 

The visit concluded when VFW members hosted a barbecue lunch for the students, serving hamburgers and hot dogs and providing an opportunity for additional conversations with veterans.  

The district thanks VFW Post 6249, Joe Cognitore, Richard Acritelli and the veterans who helped make the experience possible.