Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has named Dr. Franklin Lackee as November’s Citizen of the Month Award recipient.
Lackee, a dentist with a practice in Middletown, was recognized for his participation in Freedom Day USA for the last seven years and his dedication to local veterans. Lackee provides free dentistry for retired or active veterans each year on Freedom Day USA.
“Ensuring our veterans have access to quality and affordable health care should be a priority for all, and I want to thank Dr. Lackee and his team for generously providing free dental services to our veterans,” Neuhaus said. “Both our retired veterans and the young men and women in service to our country now have greatly benefited from the services provided, and I know that Dr. Lackee is proud to offer them. With Veterans Day approaching, it is the perfect time to recognize him for his dedication to our veterans.”
According to its website, Freedom Day USA is the country’s largest military thank you event, with businesses offering a token of appreciation to veterans in the form of free services, gifts, and special offers. The event was held on Thursday, October 14th this year and Lackee and his staff provided free basic dental care, including cleanings, extractions, fillings and other procedures to more than 40 veterans.
Lackee, who resides in Johnson, was inspired to participate in Freedom Day USA by his father, also named Franklin Lackee, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Dr. Lackee said that his father survived an explosion on his ship at the age of 18 and lived the rest of his life with shrapnel in his head.
Moved by his father’s service, Lackee completed his residency at Manchester (N.H.) VA Medical Center. Lackee is proud that his staff also donates their time to veterans on Freedom Day USA. He and his team also donate to the Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Club and the Mental Health Association of Orange County.
“I have a wonderful staff that is dedicated to Freedom Day USA and I couldn’t do this without them,” Dr. Lackee said. “Veterans can be forgotten, which broke my heart when I was in residency, but they should never have to worry about medical and dental care. Freedom Day USA helps to say thank you and allows us to reflect on how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms for which they have fought. I want to thank County Executive Neuhaus for recognizing my office and Freedom Day USA.”
Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information.
For more information about Freedom Day USA, go to https://www.freedomdayusa.org/.
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