OUR STAFF:
Veterans Service Agency Director, Marcelle Leis, Retired CMSgt
Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Marcelle Leis; USAF/New York Air National Guard, retired with 24 years total service. Tours included 106th Mission Support Group First Sergeant (1999-2003), deployment to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait (2001), and multiple stateside tours in support of the National Guard Bureau’s enlisted force development initiatives (2004-2010). Chief Leis was activated for numerous humanitarian community relief efforts during her career to include Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Some of her notable military awards: 2 Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Air Force Commendation Medals, 3 Air Force Achievement Medals, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 2 National Defense Service Medals, NYS Conspicuous Cross, and the Humane Service to NYS Medal. After retirement she began working with the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project as a Veteran Peer Mentor and worked her way up to Director of Veteran Services, aiding veterans by offering support and connecting resources necessary to encourage wellness as they reintegrate from military service and transition to civilian life. Most recently, Marcelle was appointed Director, Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency. Additionally, Marcelle serves on numerous Veteran Advisory Boards to include the Long Island State Veterans Home.
Veterans Service Agency Deputy Director, James C. Brennan, Colonel USMC (Ret)
Colonel James Brennan, USMC retired after 33 years total service in 2017. A career field artillery officer and operational planner, he commanded at every level from the battery to the regiment. His overseas tours included: Operation Provide Comfort (1991), deployment to Zakho, in Northern Iraq during the Persian Gulf War; Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan (1992-1993); Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06.1 to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005; Operation Iraqi Freedom – 09 to Al Asad, Iraq in 2009; and Operation Freedom Sentinel to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2014. In addition to his operational deployments, he participated in numerous humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations throughout his career. These operations include the Haitian earthquake in 1991, California wildfire support in 1997-1998, Tsunami Relief efforts in Thailand, Maldives and Indonesia in 2004-2005, and Philippine post typhoon relief efforts in 2006. Some of his notable military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (x2), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x5), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x2), and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. After retirement he began working in industry providing night vision equipment to the military and first responders followed by working with the Town of Islip as an operational planner. James was appointed as the Deputy Director, Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency in April 2024.
Senior Veterans Service Officer, Gary W. Richard, Retired 1SG
Gary served active duty in the U.S. Army for thirty years. He was a Grenada, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan veteran. While in service he was a First Sergeant for the Airborne Infantry 151st TIOG/Special Operations Command. He was awarded the Bronze Star w/V device, Purple Heart w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM, AAM, Good Conduct Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, SWA Medal, AFRAM, ASR, NDSM w/BS, AOVSM, NCODP w/3, OSR w/2, IRAQ Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, GWOT Medal, ARCAM, Air Assault Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd award, Master Airborne Badge, Drivers Badge w/wheel and track, Expert Rifle Badge w/pistol and Machine Gun tab, Gold Recruiters Badge, Infantry Cord, Order of Saint Barbara Medal, Army Outstanding Unit Citation w/BS, Unit Meritorious Unit Citation. In December 2013, he completed his Master’s Degree in Human Services Leadership. He is an advocate for veterans and advocate of the Burn Pits issue.
Senior Veterans Service Officer, Brian Rooney
Brian served in the United States Navy for five years active duty as a Quartermaster onboard DDG-51 USS Arleigh Burke. Within those five years, his ship supported Joint-Warrior operations with all NATO ships off the coast of Scotland in 2009 and 2011, pirate operations off the coast of Africa in 2009, and in 2012, supported Israel in numerous operations. During his service on active duty, he has earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin. He served in the Navy Reserves as a Quarter Master First Class Surface Warfare from 2015 to 2021. In the reserves, QM1(SW) Rooney is on the funeral honor guard and services veteran families all over Long Island, and deployed to Bahrain in 2019-2020 in order to protect maritime merchant vessels. Brian has earned the Armed Forces Reserve medal enlisted, 3 Good Conduct medals, GWOT Expeditionary medal, GWOT, Navy Rifle Marksmen ribbon, military outstanding volunteer award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, National Defense medal, 2 Navy “E” Ribbons, Navy Pistol Sharp Shooter ribbon, 2 Sea Service Deployment ribbons, Inherent Resolve Campaign medal, Navy and Marine Corps oversea service ribbon and Surface Warfare Insignia. In 2017 Brian received his Bachelors degree for Human Services from St. Joseph’s College. Mr. Rooney takes pride in serving veterans and veterans families and continue his service to his community as a Veterans Service Officer.
Veterans Service Officer, Keith O’Reilly
Prior to joining the Veterans Agency, Keith spent a number of years in private industry/Retail world i.e.- Drug Stores, Supermarkets working as a supervisor or manager in the security safety end of the business world. Keith’s Military service encompassed 4 years of Active Duty in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Butte (AE-27) based out of Early Naval Weapons Station in Earl New Jersey as a member of the Deck Department. Keith then served on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) based out of Norfolk Naval Base as a member of the deck department where he received his promotion to Petty Officer 3rd Class Boatswain’s Mate. Keith received letters of appreciation and commendation from the commanding officers of the USS Eisenhower for work during various shipboard work. He was awarded the Navy Battle “E” ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.
Veterans Service Officer, Cody Kilroy
Beginning in 2009 Cody served 6 years with the New York Army National Guard as a 31B Military Police Officer. His service began at Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he attended OSUT (One Station Unit Training) for basic military training, and military police training. Upon completion of his initial training he was assigned to the 442nd Military Police Company in Jamaica, NY. In 2011 Cody was transferred to the 107th Military Police Company in Utica, NY as part of a team being called to active duty to deploy to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to assist with the Detainee Operations mission in direct support of OIF / OEF operations. While deployed Cody attained the rank of Specialist (E-4) and served as a team leader in his platoon which functioned as the quick reaction force responsible for tactical response to emergencies in and around the prison facilities. Upon completion of his active duty service Cody was transferred back to the 442nd Military Police Company which assisted in the disaster response efforts during hurricane Sandy, as well as assisting with security operations for various events throughout the state. Prior to joining the Veterans Services Agency Cody served in various law enforcement positions at the federal, state, and local levels for several years. For Cody’s military service he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” device, the New York State Long and Faithful Service Ribbon, the New York State Humanitarian Service Ribbon, and the New York State Operation Enduring Freedom Service Ribbon. Cody is also attending Suffolk County Community College where he is working towards a degree in Human Services. Cody is proud to be a member of the Veterans Services Agency and to help make a difference in the lives of veterans.
Veterans Service Officer, Phil Vanrossum, Retired SFC
Phil served in the New York Army National Guard for twenty-one years from 2002 – 2023 as a 91X Heavy Wheel Mechanic. After completing basic training and AIT, he was assigned to the 642 Aviation based in Ronkonkoma NY, where he had his 1st deployment in 2004- 2005 in Iraq in support of operation OIF. He performed his MOS all of two months. The rest of the deployment he did force protection and quick reaction force(QRF) for the base. During that deployment, Phil received his E5 and upon completion he was transferred to the newly developed 222 Chemical company, based in Brooklyn NY, where he was assigned as a squad leader for a squad of eight mechanics. In that unit, he was a part of a state side chemical mission which was named CERF P, he worked with over eight different federal/state agencies. In 2016, Phil was requested in the 369th sustainment brigade to deploy with them in support of Operation Spartan Shield. He was attached to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, as a K9 Liaison on Air Base Ali Al Salem Kuwait, working directly for CENTCOM. After his 2nd deployment Phil was transferred to the 133rd Composite Supply Company based in Brooklyn NY as a platoon sergeant. As an E7, he was placed as an acting 1SG during the covid mission and his unit, the 133rd CSC, was the 1st unit to be activated to the Jacob Javits Center. There he and his unit were responsible for creating the main warehouse for all medical supplies for the covid mission and to setup/uproot the makeshift hospital in the Javits Center. During this mission Phil worked with several different federal and state agencies. Throughout his 21 years, Phil has a number of awards and medals which includes Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM), Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon(3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, overseas Service Ribbon(2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device and a number of state medals. Phil is happy to be a member of the Veterans Service Agency and to continue his service helping veterans and their families.
Veterans Service Officer, Scott McCord
Scott served as a member of the US Navy on Active Duty for 5 years as a member of Auxiliary Division on board the USS Key West, a fast attack submarine stationed out of Polaris Point Submarine Base in Santa Rita, Guam. During his service there, he earned his Submarine Warfare Qualification Pin, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Global War on Terror Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, and Oversea Service Ribbon. He then transitioned into the Naval Reserve where he was station with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 8 headquarters in Newport, RI, earning the Battle “E” Ribbon for each of the 5 years he was attached to them. After deploying with MSRON, Scott transferred to Surgemain NYC, supporting Portsmouth Naval Shipyard working with the Pipefitters shop. During his time in the reserve, Scott also supported the Funeral Honors team, performing hundreds of veteran funerals and other color guard events across Long Island.
Veterans Service Aide, Nicholas Westcott, Retired SSgt
Staff Sergeant (Ret) Nicholas A. Westcott; USAF/New York Air National Guard, retired with 23 years of total service. A career Security Forces Base police officer, SSgt Westcott was assigned to 436th Security Forces Squadron, Dover AFB, Delaware (1997-2002) and 106th Security Forces Squadron (2003-2021). Overseas deployments include: Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 363rd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, two tours to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait with the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and one tour to Kirkuk, Iraq with 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. SSgt Westcott, graduated from the New York State Municipal Police Training Council Basic Course for Peace Officers (2008). SSgt Westcott while on AGR tour achieved and completed his Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from SUNY Empire State. Some of his notable military awards: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (x2), Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award (x8), Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (x3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (x1), Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (x2), USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, New York Long And Faithful Service Award (x1), New York Aid To Civil Authority Medal (x1), New York Humane Service To New York State Medal. After retirement he began working with Macy’s Inc Hampton Bays, NY as an Asset Protection Detective, preventing shortage and reduction to company merchandise. After two years with Macy’s Inc, he transitioned into his dream job as a Veteran Service Aide with Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency.
Veterans Service Aide, Marc Rossi
Staff Sergeant Marc Rossi USAF, currently serving in the New York Air National Guard and has served for the past 10 years and counting. He enlisted as a Security Forces member in April 2014 and in June 2015, he served with the 386th Expeditionary Forces Squadron. He performed flight operations and was selected to perform Aircraft Security Team duties, accomplishing 40 missions during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2016, he served as a federal technician for one year with the 106th Security Forces Squadron before he accepted a position as an Active Guard Reserve member with the 106th Security Forces Squadron in 2017. After accepting the position, he attended several instructor courses to include, Breacher Instructor, Principles of Instruction, and Leader Led Trainer Course, certifying him as an instructor for all mission essential training requirements. In September 2019, he was selected as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of a 48-hour protection mission of Air Force 2. Some of his notable military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medals (2), the Air Force Achievement medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (3), Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 ‘M’ Device. Marc resigned from his position as an Active Guard Reserve member, and now as a full-time student is in pursuit of becoming a commissioned officer. Marc is an active advocate for those in need and thoroughly enjoys helping a fellow veteran. Marc started his career the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency in October 2024 as a Veterans Service Aide.
Veterans Service Aide, Charles Hughes
Captain Charles Hughes, USMC started his Marine Corps career in Quantico, Virginia in 2009. A Logistics Officer by occupational specialty, he commanded at the platoon level based out of Camp Pendleton, CA, as the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (1/1) Battalion Motor-Transport Officer. During this period, he deployed to Afghanistan, and eventually served as the 1/1 Battalion S4 Officer. His overseas tours included: Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013 in Kajaki, Helmand Province, Afghanistan: in Jordan training members of the Jordanian Armed Forces for their combat deployment to Afghanistan; and deployed to Guatemala in support of a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment. His military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Afghanistan), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1-star), Global War on terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal-ISAF. Charles spent his entire tenure in the operating forces with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, “First of the First”. He has a bachelor’s degree in human relations from Saint Joseph’s College. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in August 2014. He spent time in the New York City Fire Department as a firefighter. Charles has now started his career in October 2024 as a Veterans Service Aide.