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Congers Troop 29 Honors Local Heroes at Gethsemane Cemetery This Memorial Day

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3 weeks ago

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CONGERS, NY — In a heartfelt Memorial Day tradition, Boy Scout Troop 29 of Congers placed American flags on the graves of veterans and first responders at Gethsemane Cemetery. Their efforts honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Among those remembered was U.S. Army Corporal Justin Garcia, a native of Valley Cottage, NY, whose legacy continues to inspire the Rockland County community.

Justin Garcia was born on July 26, 1980, in Queens, NY. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2003 with a degree in criminal justice. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation.

While attending college, Justin met his future wife, Michelle. They married in July 2005 at St. Paul’s Church in Congers. Less than a year later, he deployed to Iraq as part of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

On November 14, 2006, while riding in a Humvee during combat operations in Baghdad, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated next to the vehicle. Justin and a fellow soldier were killed in the blast. He was just 26 years old.

That Father’s Day, just months before his death, Justin learned he was going to be a father. His son was born three months and two days after Justin’s passing.

Despite losing both parents as a teenager, Justin remained focused on building a better future. He was determined to give his children the love and support he had once lost. His courage, sacrifice, and deep sense of duty reflect the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“We will never forget Cpl. Justin Garcia,” said a local scout leader. “It’s important that our young people understand the cost of freedom and take time to honor those who gave everything for it.”

Through their Memorial Day tribute, Troop 29 shows that remembering our fallen heroes is more than a gesture—it’s a lasting promise to keep their stories alive.

          Visit the Rockland Report on Facebook for more photos.

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Community

Summer Detour on Route 9W: CHPE Cable Work Underway at Farley Bridge Starting June 16

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1 day ago

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June 14, 2025

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Beginning June 16, the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project will implement a detour on the northbound lane of the Farley Bridge on Route 9W to allow for the installation of CHPE cables beneath the bridge.

  • Northbound traffic will be diverted to Lowland Hill Road to bypass the bridge.

  • Southbound traffic will remain on Route 9W, though drivers should expect reduced speeds in the construction area.

This detour will remain in place throughout the summer.

Access will be maintained for:

  • Residents of Lowland Hill

  • Visitors to Charles Eccher Park

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CHPE project team at:

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

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Community

Rockland’s Roxanne Watson, Recovering From Second Heart Transplant, How You Can Support Her Recovery

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4 days ago

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June 11, 2025

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Update: Rockland’s Roxanne Watson, a heart transplant recipient that has dedicated her life to helping others recieve organ donations, is currently recovering from her second heart transplant. Roxanne has signed up over 13,000 people to the National Organ Donor Registry.

Roxanne is truly an amazing person and the United Women of Rockland are helping her as she recovers.

(Via United Women of Rockland) We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has donated gift cards or funds to support Roxanne Watson and her family. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference.
We’ve been in touch with her son, who shared that Roxanne is currently recovering from her second heart transplant. While this is a hopeful step forward, she still has a long road to healing and remains in the hospital.
The family asked us to extend their heartfelt gratitude to each of you. They are truly touched by the outpouring of love and support.

As Roxanne continues her recovery, her son is still making the daily trips to be by her side, and the travel expenses continue to add up. We are still collecting gas or Visa gift cards, or donations to help purchase them, to help ease this burden during such a challenging time.

How You Can Help:

📬 Mail a gift card to:
United Women of Rockland
P.O. Box 105
Stony Point, NY 10980

📲 Or Venmo your donation to: @UWRinc

(We’ll use it to purchase gift cards directly.)

Roxanne and her family are deeply thankful for your kindness. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she focuses on healing.

Thank you again for standing by her.

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