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

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12 months 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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Help Protect Turtles Crossing Western Highway in Blauvelt During Migration Season

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1 day ago

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May 20, 2026

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Volunteers are needed to help protect turtles during the annual turtle migration season in Blauvelt.

During May and June, nesting mother turtles will once again cross Western Highway in search of safe areas to lay their eggs. The volunteer group “Turtles of Western Highway” is seeking community members to assist turtles in safely crossing the roadway and to help reduce injuries caused by traffic during migration season.

Volunteer efforts will take place from May 18 through June 21 and play an important role in protecting local wildlife during this critical nesting period.

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more is encouraged to call 914-772-6164.

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Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

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3 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

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