In celebration of Veterans Day, the Aid Our Troops club at North High School hosted its fifth annual Honoring Our Veterans event on November 7. On the school's front lawn, North High students and staff were joined by school administrators, Board of Education trustees, elected officials, members of the Alert and Vigilant volunteer fire departments, and representatives from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) for a special ceremony to honor Corporal Raymond Ocasio.

Cpl. Ocasio is a familiar face at North High and around the entire district, having been employed by GNPS for over 30 years. He currently serves as the district messenger and mailroom operator. 

Cpl. Ocasio, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is trained as a microwave equipment repairman (tactical communication gear). He served at Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, CA, in support of Operation Desert Storm and is the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Mast, and National Defense Service Medal. 

Aid Our Troops club officers presented Cpl. Ocasio with an American flag flown over the Capital Building in Washington, D.C., as a symbol of their gratitude for his service to our country, our community, and our schools.  Elected officials representing the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, and New York State were also on hand to present him with proclamations and certificates in recognition of his service. 

Under the guidance of faculty advisor Mr. Ceasar, the Aid Our Troops Club raises awareness of the service and sacrifice of all members of the United States Armed Forces. The club supports active, reserve, and retired members and military organizations through fundraisers, drives, and events within the school community.