Bethpage-Tribune_2011-07-29

              PUBLIC LIBRARY
Pro/uHy Serrino^
Bcf/jpi/oc\ P/cuuedge, WicksvUk,
Seaford, Island Vrees,
Phunvunr and Old Bethpaoe
Volume 49 Number 28 P.O. Box 399, Bethpage, NY 11714 July29-Aug. 4,2011
For Over 40 ) ^ears
Email: Nuz2u@aol.com 50 Cents A Tradition of Heroism and Patriotism In Bethpage
Many Bethpage residents know Bud Steubing, as he is the Past Post
Commander of the Butehorn Brothers Post 4987 here in Bethpage. Several
weeks ago Bud received a priority mail package from his grandson in
Oklahoma that was truly amazing.
You see Bud's grandson Lt. Col Raymond Cirasa, is Commander of the
71st Logistics Readiness Squadron in Vance, Oklahoma. He has also been
deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. In June he was presented
with a Bronze Star during a commander's call at the base. Being presented
with the Bronze Star is quite an achievement and honor.
Now, this alone would certainly be reason to celebrate and deserves true
praise and admiration, but what happened next is where this story will really
touch your heart. You see, Lt. Col. Ray Cirasa has a few things in common
with his grandpa in Bethpage. Ray and Bud are both members of the
Butehorn Brothers Post 4987 in Bethpage and now both he and his grandfa-ther
have unbelievably received the Bronze Star. Bud received his for heroism
during WWII's Battle of the Bulge. How amazing to have both grandfather and
grandson be presented with such an honor and distinction!
And about that priority package...well to Bud's surprise when he opened it
he found his grandson's Bronze Star and pin with a letter that read:
Pop,
I thought you might like to wear the pin, and was wondering if you'd
iteep the medal somewhere close to yours for me. Love, Ray
There really is no way for to explain just how overwhelmed with pride Bud
and his wife Tess must have been at that moment. Not only do they share
such an honor, but obviously there is so much love, respect and pride shared
between these two heroes!
The Tribune contacted the Enid News & Eagle, a newspaper printed in
Oklahoma and with permission below you will find a portion of the article writ-ten
by Jeff Mullin about Lt. Col. Cirasa. Special thanks is also given to Bonnie
Vcuiek for allowing us to reprint her photo.
The Tribune congratulates Lt. Col. Cirasa along with the Steubing Family.
What an honor and what amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing it with
us!
REPRINTED from June 16, 2011
Enid News & Eagle, Written by Senior Writer, Jeff Mullin
Lt. Col. Raymond Cirasa surprised his wife Stephanie and daughter Malda,
Tuesday afternoon by receiving the Bronze Star during a commander's call at
Vance Air Force Base.
But Cirasa wasn't the first member of his family to receive this honor.
His grandfather, Bud Steubing, received a Bronze Star for heroism in
WWII's Battle of the Bulge.
"We're not a military family, per se," said Cirasa, commander of the 71st
Logistics Readiness Squadron at Vance. "We've had that link, that thing in
common through the years. I guess this is another pretty cool thing to have in
common."
Family members aren't told of the honor until the medal is presented to the
recipient, so Tuesday afternoon, Cirasa hadn't had a chance to talk to his
grandfather, who lives in Bethpage, New York about the award they now
share.
"I don't know if I'll call him or if I'll send it to him," Cirasa said with a chuck-le.
"He's always been real proud and this will be no different. I look forward to
t ^ l l t - p l i u /J^i 30VdHI39
3AV T13AAOd Zt^
an aovdHiaa
saidOD e
9ooo»»v mooion
Col. Thomas Gibson (left), commander of the 71st Mission
Support Group, presents the Bronze Star to Lt. Col.
Raymond Cirasa, at Vance Air Force Base.
Photo by Bonnie Vcuiek
chatting with him about it."
Cirasa received the Bronze Star for meritorious achieve-ment
during his time as commander of the 387th Expeditionary
Logistics Readiness Squadron, based in Kuwait.
From late August 2010 to early March 2011, Cirasa's team
of 322 airmen, the Air Force's only combat line haul unit, suc-cessfully
completed 99 convoy missions into Iraq, escorting
3,600 vehicles more than 4.5 million miles to deliver 140,000
tons of cargo to and from 23 bases.
BETHPAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AUGUST 4-6, 2011
BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE
BOOK OF 44 RIDE COUPONS
One Coupon Per Person. Good All Day
Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Discounts
No Reproductions Accepted
Coupons Are Also Available
At Many of Your Local Merchants!
19 as