America's Vet Dogs Receives Support From Two Hofstra Alumni

James C. Metzger and E. David Woycik, Jr., two Hofstra alumni, recently combined their commitment to Long Island nonprofits by providing renewed support to five community and education organizations that are addressing fundraising, operation and volunteer concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Woycik is a retired United States Army colonel and a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at Sanders, Sanders Block, Woycik, Viener & Grossman, P.C. of Mineola. Metzger is founder, chairman and CEO of Whitmore Agency, a leading Long Island insurance brokerage and financial services firm headquartered in Garden City. He also supports community, athletic and education programs on Long Island and throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

To honor Woycik's volunteer commitment to the people of Long Island, Metzger is sharing a total of six figures in financial support to five Long Island organizations identified by Woycik. One nonprofit beneficiary is America's VetDogs of Smithtown.

“This is a difficult time for all of us,” said Metzger, “for our seniors, our children, our businesses, and ourselves and our careers. Nonprofits support our communities in many ways that include providing our children with guidance, giving a helping hand to veterans and others in need, and supporting students to advance their education. The current health care crisis also has affected the operations of our local charities and educational institutions, curtailing some of the vital services on which so many depend. Whitmore Agency wishes to lend a hand and, at the same time, salute a close friend who has honorably served our country and is associated with each of these organizations. David has demonstrated a true commitment to the people of Long Island. For many years, he has been an active supporter of many organizations.”

The additional local organizations to receive support are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, Canine Companions for Independence, Hofstra University Athletics and Hofstra University Maurice A. Deane School of Law.

Improving Lives With Service, Guide Dogs

America’s Vet Dogs programs provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to live with pride and self-reliance. The organization specializes in placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing and vision loss, and seizures. Woycik has been instrumental in raising funds through gift giving and the annual golf outing honoring military veterans. A room at Vet Dogs recently was dedicated in honor of his father, Maj. Edward D. Woycik, a World War II P-47 Fighter Pilot with 97 missions fighting the enemy in France, Italy and Africa. Vet Dogs is located at 371 East Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown (631-930-9000).

Woycik received his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University. He was a member of the varsity lacrosse team and the Crown & Lance Fraternity. As past-president of the Hofstra Alumni Organization, Mr. Woycik was instrumental in instituting Alumni Appreciation Day for all alumna to donate their time and/or resources to the university.

Colonel Woycik served overseas in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. He is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. He is married to Carolyn Sanchez from Los Angeles and they reside in Garden City, New York.

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Mike Virgintino is the author of Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History, the story about America's theme park located in The Bronx. Published by Theme Park Press, it can be found on Amazon, eBay, Goodreads and other retailers.