WAYNE, NJ—Embrace Relief, in partnership with the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program (DCVYP), the Turkish Cultural Center of New Jersey, and the Peace Islands Institute, proudly hosted its first annual Veterans Day Dinner on Nov. 6, 2025, at the Harmony Point Cultural Center in Wayne.
The event welcomed approximately two dozen veterans for an evening of good food, conversation, and community appreciation. The dinner, prepared and served by DCVYP founder Dion Cucuta and his exceptional culinary team, celebrated the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans while emphasizing the importance of supporting their mental health and well-being.
Guest speakers included Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider of New Jersey’s 37th Legislative District and Wayne Mayor Christopher P. Vergano, who both shared messages of gratitude and reflection. Assemblywoman Haider also presented special proclamations honoring five individuals – four of whom are former veterans themselves – who have dedicated their lives to serving veterans and their communities in meaningful ways:
- Rob Barea, founder, APEX Solutions
- AJ Luna, founder, Vet SOS
- Michael Volpe, Detachment 744
- Deborah Flowers, advocate for veteran housing and support
- Craig Perrella, police officer (posthumous)
This special evening represented Embrace Relief’s growing commitment to connecting with and uplifting veterans across New Jersey through its Embrace USA initiative.
“We stand proudly with all those who have served our country,” said Kevin Meacham, Director of Embrace USA and lead organizer of the Veterans Day Dinner. “We hope this is the first of many events where we can show our appreciation for all of the veterans who sacrifice so much to protect the lives and freedoms of all Americans. We are proud to stand beside organizations like the DCVYP and others like them, who are devoted to ensuring that veterans everywhere receive the support, care and recognition they deserve.”
Embrace Relief extends its sincere thanks to Dion Cucuta and Stephanie Taylor-Cucuta of the DCVYP, the wonderful event hosts at the Turkish Cultural Center of New Jersey, and our longtime partners at the Peace Islands Institute; as well as to Assemblywoman Haider and Mayor Vergano, for helping make this meaningful event possible.
About Embrace USA:
Embrace USA is the local and community-based initiative of the Embrace Relief Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fairfield, NJ, and dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving quality of life for people in need around the world. Embrace USA aims to provide our nearest neighbors with the support they need, including food, water, household items, resources for mothers and families, support for military veterans, and disaster relief. As with Embrace Relief’s international programs, Embrace USA strives to create sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
For more information, visit www.embracerelief.org/embrace-usa.
