Friday, December 6, 2024
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I was so fortunate to have met Joe in NYC, December, 2001, while also volunteering with the Red Cross. I was young (19) and we were partnered to travel to all who were affected (by the tragic 9/11 events) but were unable to get to the established Red Cross Service Centers. We spent only a few weeks together but they were incredibly impactful! I always said hi to pigeons we passed; Joe asked if I always said hi to birds. I sure did :) So we said hi to all the birds on our NYC (boroughs included) volunteer journey.
Joe had spent significant time volunteering in NYC and helped personalize a vivid picture of the city’s recovery.
A fun memory I distinctly remember is at the Red Cross Holiday/Christmas celebration for us volunteers: Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York song started playing… we all put our arms on each others shoulders and high kicked to the song! Yes, Joe too!
We have stayed in touch- he would always ask if I still told the birds hi… Of course I tell the birds hi, Joe. ;)
We shared the fun NFL bantering- he being a Giants fan and me being a Vikings fan. Through the years we sent and shared a few jersey pictures during our occasional NFC match ups. He definitely one upped me with his impressive Giants collection!
Forever grateful to have met you. Joe sure loved his family!
Love you Joe- say hi to the birds with Gina
Mona Veil
