Theresa A. Regnante, President & Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Long Island, and Thomas Hayes
Islandia, NY — On May 7, 2026, veterans, supporters, community leaders and partners came together at The Heritage Club at Bethpage for a memorable evening celebrating and advancing the mission of United Veterans Beacon House. The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate care, clean and safe housing, and meaningful services for those with physical disabilities, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, mental health issues and addiction.
Among the veterans recognized during the United Veterans Beacon House gala was Thomas J. Hayes III, a Marine Corps veteran, U.S. History teacher and lacrosse coach at Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School, and also both a volunteer and staff member at Pal-O-Mine.
“Getting hands-on with horse is a beautiful part of Pal-O-Mine’s programs, and it’s been an awesome experience partnering with Beacon House for our Fall-In Fridays program,” said Hayes. “Finding that new community, with other veterans, helps you build a bond and express issues you may be having. The people that Pal-O-Mine serve come from all different backgrounds, but you get to see the human side of everybody.”
Pal-O-Mine provides equine-assisted therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and many others. Their programs for veterans, active military and first responders, all provided at no cost, include Fall-In Friday, a weekly drop-in equine therapeutic group focused on fostering trust, resilience and camaraderie through structured horsemanship and peer connection; Roping for Service, which teaches basic horsemanship through weekly riding lessons and group roping sessions that help reduce stress, anxiety and trauma-related symptoms; Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning sessions; a Women Veterans’ Retreat onsite at Pal-O-Mine that features a host of equine therapeutic programs and wellness activities; and VetFest, an annual community-wide resource fair (this year held on October 11), that connects hundreds of veterans and their families with essential services.
Thomas Hayes, Joe Patucheck, David Fuertes and Dan Singer, who served together in Weapons Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines
“It is a privilege to recognize and congratulate Tom, whose impact reaches far beyond the uniform,” said Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine. “Tom’s commitment to the Pal-O-Mine Military Program has been steady, reliable and driven by a deep sense of purpose. What truly sets Tom apart is the character he embodies. He carries the values of a Marine: honor, courage and commitment while also reflecting the humility, grit and independence often associated with the cowboy spirit. He never seeks recognition but earns respect in every space he steps into. Pal-O-Mine is stronger because of Tom.”
At the event, Hayes — who was joined by his wife Elizabeth, a registered nurse who works at Northwell and Pal-O-Mine — was added to Beacon House’s Wall of Honor, which pays tribute to veterans’ sacrifice, courage, resilience and dedication to others.
For more than three decades, United Veterans Beacon House has dedicated itself to supporting those who served our country. This year’s event raised a record-breaking $460,000 that will help provide veterans experiencing homelessness, hardship and crisis with stable housing, critical support services and the resources they need to regain independence and look toward a brighter future.
To learn more about Pal-O-Mine’s free programs for veterans, active military and first responders, call 631-348-1389, or email military@pal-o-mine.org.
