Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo recently recognized two local veterans for their service and sacrifice. Proclamations were presented to Lance Corporal Mark Beyers and Corporal Mark O’Brien, Marine Corps veterans, who were wounded in action, during M1 for Vets’ presentation held recently at the Aurora Fish & Game Club.

“I am honored to recognize Lance Corporal Mark Beyers and Corporal Mark O’Brien on behalf of the Erie County Legislature. The injuries sustained by these two brave men have forced them to face many challenges they probably never imagined, but they have done so with courage and commitment. We can’t thank them enough for what they did for our country, but we can use this opportunity to honor them in hopes that they know Erie County supports them 100 percent,” said Majority Leader Lorigo.

M1 for Vets’ mission is to recognize the service and sacrifice of combat wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Within that mission are several goals it works toward to assist the recovery and rehabilitation of our combat wounded. One goal is to provide a sense of community and comradeship similar to that experienced in active service. A comfortable, supportive environment populated by other wounded veterans where they can talk about shared experiences, problems and special needs. This enables a healing of the mind and spirit that, in our experience, translates to a faster recovery of the body.