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HOLBROOK, N.Y. (June 6, 2019)—American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP)—a privately-held, independent broker/dealer which provides services and support to financial advisors throughout the country—has reissued its Silent Strength online video series, created at its on-site digital media facility, Studio 454, capturing fascinating and impactful stories of Long Island’s WWII veterans and their experiences in one of history’s Great Wars.
Filmed in a documentary style, Silent Strength was originally produced to commemorate the 70th anniversaries of D-Day and V-J Day through interviews with World War II veterans. To honor the veterans who served bravely to ensure our freedom, the firm now proudly reissues the documentary series to commemorate the 75th anniversaries of D-Day and V-J Day. The series includes 12 first-person vignettes from a generation of U.S. military veterans—many of whom are now in their 90s—retelling their stories of resilience and survival about their experiences during one of the deadliest wars in history.
Subjects for the Silent Strength series were chosen through their participation in Honor Flight Long Island (HFLI), a non-profit organization that provides military veterans with free trips to visit Washington, D.C., memorials. With full support and permission for access to resources of Studio 454 and the corporate communications team from AP, CEO and President Lon T. Dolber, along with Honor Flight board member and AP-affiliated financial advisor William P. Donahue, spearheaded the Silent Strength project with the aid of filmmaker Bob Pulick. Donahue states that the series is of vital historical importance because it “documents the stories of these WWII veterans, thus making it our hope to echo their sacrifices to future generations.”
The servicemen in the Silent Strength series exemplify the reasons why they are regarded as members of “the greatest generation.” Says Dolber, “The stoicism attributed to those who served during World War II, returning home and resuming with everyday life as if nothing happened, is remarkable after hearing and seeing these veterans tell their stories from more than 50 years ago. Truth be told, from one generation to the next, the price of war has taken a heavy toll on our veterans and their families. These are our true American heroes whose stories, while riveting to us, serve as a cathartic release for them.”
AP would like to formally acknowledge the participants of the Silent Strength series and respectfully thank them for their brave service to our country: Thomas Trabucco, Private First Class, U.S. Army/Expert Gunner, Carbine Marksman, U.S. Air Force; Martin Sylvester, Corporal, U.S. Army; Gil Blum, Technical Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army; Marvin Bochner, Regimental Sergeant Major, U.S. Army; Angelo Salerno, Private First Class, U.S. Army; Oreste H. Cariddi, Private First Class, U.S. Army; Leroy E. Barnes, Sergeant, U.S. Army; John J. Zaffuto, Private First Class, U.S. Army; Thomas J. Morris; Staff Sergeant/Engineer Gunner, Army Air Corps; Stanley M. Feltman, Corporal, U.S. Army Air Corps; Joseph James Federel, Radio Operator 3rd Class, U.S. Navy, K Division; and Alvin Gerson, Seaman First Class/Musician 3rd Class, U.S. Navy.
The entire video series can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/channels/789617/videos.
Most recently, the firm has pledged $25,000 in charitable funds, made possible through the American Portfolios Foundation, Inc., over a five-year period to HFLI. “American Portfolios is committed to serving the community, both near and far, by being good corporate citizens,” states Dolber. “It’s important for people to find a cause that’s near and dear to their hearts, and to actively seek to make a difference and effect change—be it by raising funds for a local charity or devoting time to organizations that are in need of a helping hand.” Of the HFLI donation, Chief Financial Officer Damon Joyner states, “AP is not only recognizing the service of our country’s active and retired military servicemen and women, but we are also striving to further awareness and appreciation for their sacrifice. This donation is our way of honoring those who have taken the oath to serve our country.”
About American Portfolios
Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology entity American Portfolios Advisory Solutions, LLC, collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 839 independent investment professionals located in 390 branch locations throughout the nation. It was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as one of the top Best Companies to Work for in the state of New York for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG).
*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded “Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year.
About American Portfolios Foundation, Inc.
American Portfolios Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was originally created in New York in 2004 and amended in 2018 and headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., is intended as a non-profit entity designed to advance awareness, assistance and support for charitable causes. Board members include AP CEO and President Lon T. Dolber, president; AP Chief Administrative Officer Dalchand Laljit, vice president; and AP Chief Financial Officer Damon Joyner, treasurer/secretary. Additionally, various roles are held by members of AP headquarters staff. The board meets on a quarterly basis to discuss its existing relationships with various charities and to determine the focus for various upcoming initiatives that will require the Foundation’s services and support.
About Honor Flight – Long Island
Honor Flight Network, of which Honor Flight Long Island (HFLI) is a part, has flown more than 180,000 veterans to Washington D.C. to see their war memorials—at no cost to them. While Honor Flight began as a program solely to honor WWII veterans, many “hubs” are now taking Korean War, Vietnam War and other conflict veterans to the nation’s capital to honor them for their service and sacrifice. HFLI operates on donations from local/regional organizations, businesses and individuals from across Long Island, New York. For more information, visit https://honorflightlongisland.org/.
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