Smithtown Hosts Street Renaming in Honor of Vietnam Vet & Purple Heart Recipient US Army Sergeant George P. Eisenhauer Jr.
The
Town of Smithtown joined with neighbors, family, and fellow veterans to
honor the life and service of George P. Eisenhauer Jr. on Saturday, September
21st. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim led the ceremony alongside the Eisenhower
family, neighbors and friends, representatives from various Veterans
Organizations, including the Vietnam Vets of America, the American Legion
Riders, the V.F.W., Smithtown & Nesconset Fire Departments, and the
Smithtown Public Safety Department. So. Plaisted Avenue from Hoffman Lane to
Garvey Drive was renamed “Sgt. Ike Avenue” in honor of Purple Heart Recipient
& Vietnam War Hero, US Army Sergeant George P. Eisenhauer Jr.
“There’s
a saying that a Soldier dies twice: once where he takes his last breath; and
again when his name has been forgotten. I’m honored to say that we will never
forget George P. Eisenhauer Jr. in Smithtown as we Dedicate this street in his
name today.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
George
P. Eisenhauer Jr. was the Grand-Nephew of President Dwight "Ike"
Eisenhower. Rather than avoid the draft or service during the Vietnam War,
George entered the U.S. Amy on July 27, 1966, opting to serve two tours in
Vietnam. Originally stationed with the 5th Battalion
6th Infantry at Fort Hood, Texas, George was promoted to the rank of
Sergeant and deployed with Company A 1st Battalion
46th Infantry to Vietnam. Sgt. Eisenhauer was awarded the Bronze Star,
the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Marksman Badge, and the Expert
Rifle Badge.
He
was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1972 and settled down in
the Town of Smithtown with his wife, Doreen. Together they raised their
daughter, Michelle. George continued to support his fellow soldiers as a member
of the Patriot Guard Riders of New York State. He passed away on January 12th,
2019, leaving his wife Doreen, his daughter Michelle and her husband Mike,
and his two grandsons Matthew and Michael to carry on in his memory.
“While
certainly not unfamiliar with having a good time, the word party is entirely
too restrictive. George knew how to live! Today, he continues to live in our
hearts and on this block.” - Don Lynch, Neighbor and Family Friend
Don
Lynch, George’s neighbor and friend, spoke on behalf of the family prior to the
unveiling. The benediction was performed by George’s good friend and neighbor
Reverend Arturo Maine of the Hauppauge United Methodist Church. After the
reverend’s inspiring words, George’s wife Doreen stood together with her
daughter Michelle, son-in-law Mike, and their children Matthew and Michael to
unveil the new street sign.