TWU Local 252 Honors Veterans With New Patch

Transport Workers Union Local 252 announced that Suffolk County Transit Operators who served in the armed services will be honored with a special patch on their uniform.  

The patch, which is a gold-bordered United States flag with the word “veteran” stitched in silver, was the brainchild of Suffolk County Transit Driver Luis Mercado, a U.S. Marine Corps and Navy Reserves Veteran. Mercado came up with the idea a few months ago and Local 252 worked with the Suffolk Bus Corp, EBT and North Fork Transit to implement the new patch. Mercado also chairs Local 252’s Veterans Committee and serves on the Transport Workers Union’s Veterans Committee.  

“Suffolk County is the first county in the country to honor their Veterans in this way,” said Debra Hagan, President of TWU Local 252. 

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa, who serves as chair of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee was on hand at the Ronkonkoma bus depot to thank the drivers, mechanics, and office staff for their service to our country and their dedication to the Suffolk County Transit system. 

“Suffolk County is very proud of the job that our transit workers do every day. We’re especially proud to know of the men and women who serve our system and who also served our country. These are great people doing great work. The distinctive patch is a well-deserved thank-you for their service,” said Legislator Caracappa. 

Hagan, Caracappa, SBC President John J. Corrado, SBC AVP Joseph Corrado, SBC Director of Transit Angelo Carbone, and three Veterans — Mercado, Walter Lacy, and Vincent Williams – were on hand to celebrate the new patch at the bus depot. The veterans all proudly displayed the new “veteran” patch on their sleeve.