BEAR Treasurer

SGT USMC '64 - '67

RVN '65 -'66

FAVORITE THING IS RIDING MY BIKE

Ray McCarthy - Founder and Board Member

When the picture of a mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq appeared in our local newspaper, the photograph spoke volumns.  It was the picture of immeasurable loss and suffering.

The haunting image kept me up at night. I put it up on at my restaurant at Sullivan County Airport, the Cup and Saucer, and it created a stir. “It’s sad, but they volunteered”, some would say, “let the government take care of their families.” The comments continued: “I support the war and I support the troops. I’m against the war but I support the troops.”

But what is anyone REALLY doing to help the troops that everyone says they support? The question repeated in my head like a drum beat. Soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice also sacrifice the lives of their families. Isn’t there something we can all do to help?

And so, one by one, we started amassing a civilian volunteer unit of our own. We have no political ties or agendas. Our aim is to raise money through events and initiatives and to divide the funds equitably among the families of soldiers who have died. We also assist those who have returned wounded.

Maybe you know people who have served and are serving. Or maybe, like so many members of our Committee, you can hear the sometimes muffled yet steady cry for assistance from our friends and neighbors who have suffered grievous losses. 

If so, please join us. There’s a lot to be done.

Contact Info for Ray

Christine Schiff - Asst. Treasurer

Chrissy Schiff was born Christine Shamro in Napanoch, NY.  She moved to Sullivan County after graduating from High School in Ellenville NY in 1990. Met now husband Michael A. Schiff, worked for Rite Aid Corp. for 3 yrs. then had first child Reia (now 18) and became a full- time housewife and mom when daughter # 2 Lila came to this world in 1995. Later she had Dara in 2000 and along came prince David in 2002.
Christine has volunteered for Girl Scouts, Little League and other agencies through out that time. In 2005 Christine created Team Schiff, an ad agency that promotes many political and non-political events. Her first political agenda was her husband, Michael, who she successfully worked on getting elected for Sullivan County Sheriff. That year is when she became a member of Families for Iraqi War Vets.  Since then she has volunteered endless hours of time trying to raise money for our families. You can contact
Chrissy on face book or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Contact Info for Christine

Michael O'Leary - Secretary

Michael is currently the Director of Technical Operations for VegasHD creating Television programming for major TV networks such as NBC, ABC and Discovery.

When he is not busy on the road doing shows like Miss America and Miss USA he also serves as the webmaster of this website.

Shirley Sutphin - Board Member                      

22 Spruce Peak Road

Middletown, NY  10940                                                       

(845) 344-4700       

I have over 25 years of demonstrated marketing and sales ability while exercising my efforts to recruit, train and motivate people; also coordinating

conferences, seminars and workshops pertaining to life and business skills. I am also very confident in the start-up of new projects.  I am a graduate of 2005 Class Leadership Orange.   I have over 20 years in the Retail Fashion Industry.

 My expertise:

 Ÿ  Fundraising, Public Relations and Community outreach

Ÿ  Sales/Marketing

Ÿ  Proficient PC skills including Microsoft Word and Publisher.

Ÿ  Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Ÿ  Will represent a company with the highest level of professionalism.

Ÿ  Interacts effectively with churches, schools and community leaders from

     various backgrounds.

Ÿ  Proven ability to coordinate and handle multiple projects and events.

 Program Development / Event Planning :   Plan and spearheaded many functions though-out the county.

 1997 to present:  Honoring women in Orange County who are making a positive difference in their community during Women History Month.

Fund Raiser to benefit Saint Luke Hospital breast cancer research

over $1500.00 was raised.

 Developed and hosted a brunch fundraiser for Judge Elaine Slobod campaign.

  Campaign Chairperson: Winslow Therapeutic Center in Warwick.

March is Women’s History Month

Honoring grass-root women that are doing outstanding   contributions in making their community a better place

   to live. 

Silent Contributors Awards Banquet:

   For Women who are behind the scenes doing great things for

   all people.

Honoring Orange County Ten Most Distinguished Men:

   Powerful men selected:  County Executive, Lawyers,

   Doctors, Legislators, Local businessmen to our County Historian

   and many more who are in support of women achievements.

Holiday Outreach Dinner for needy families in Orange County.

   Select local family in need and provide gifts from their

   Wish List and host dinner at a sponsoring restaurant.

Shirley conducts seminars, workshops and conferences encompassing staff development and supervision, project management, public relations and fundraising.  A member of Orange County Arts Council.

Darren Wiseman Board Member

Darren lived & traveled extensively in europe and the middle east in the mid 1980's .

He then worked for over 20 years in  film & television production based out of New York City.  He currently lives in Bethel, N.Y and works in the Real Estate field.