Addabbo invites veterans to his annual Veterans BBQ event in Howard Beach this September

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s annual tradition of treating local veterans to a wonderful afternoon of free food, fun and entertainment continues this year.

On Saturday, September 25, Addabbo invites veterans from the 15^th Senatorial District to join him and his staff for the annual Veterans BBQ from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Howard Beach Motor Club, located at 59 Russell Street in Broad Channel.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, Addabbo has been hosting this free event since he became a member of the Senate in 2009.

This year’s event will be an in-person BBQ once again. In 2020, As New York was still mostly closed down due to COVID, Addabbo held a grab-and-go lunch for the veterans where they drove up to the Motor Club, took a pre-packaged meal, and headed home to enjoy their free lunch in the safety of their homes.

“COVID prevented us from having a traditional barbecue last year, but I am happy to announce that this year will we will be able to invite the veterans and their guests back inside at the Howard Beach Motor Club to have a real barbecue,” Addabbo said. “Although we are back inside this year, in the interest of safety, we are still adhering to COVID protocols and limiting this year’s event to only 100 people. That will allow us to socially distance while we are inside and keep our veterans, staff and volunteers safe.”

If COVID-19 or the Delta variant worsen, additional safety measures will be put in place in order to ensure a safe event, Addabbo noted.

Veterans who wish to attend the event are asked to call Addabbo’s Howard Beach office at 718-738-1111 to make a reservation. Due to space constraints, any veteran who RSVPs may bring only one guest with them.

In addition to a traditional BBQ, any veteran who wishes can drive up to the event, say hello to Senator Addabbo and grab a free take home lunch.

“I like to say that every day is Veteran’s Day, and it is an honor to spend time with the area’s veterans and provide them with some free food, music, friendship, and good times,” Addabbo added. “I look forward to having a successful and safe event!”