On Saturday April 25, 2026, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Levittown – Island Trees Post 9592 will host A Birthday Jubilee Jazz Concert where we will celebrate Post Member and World War II Veteran Dominick Critelli’s 105^th birthday.

            Dominick Critelli was born in Calabria, Italy in 1921 and came to the United States, through Ellis Island, at the age of eight years old. He learned to speak English while attending school. During the depression and at the age of thirteen he taught himself how to play five different types of saxophones. The saxophone was his instrument of choice because he enjoyed the swing songs he would hear on the radio.

            At the age of twenty-two, Dominick was drafted into the United States Army and was trained as an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic.

            Dominick arrived in France a week after the June 6, 1944, allied invasion of Normandy. His time in the European Theater he served with the 95^th Infantry Division, Headquarters Battery. His job as an aircraft mechanic was to keep his Artillery Unit’s Piper Cubs flying properly so the crew could carry out their mission of gathering intelligence, conducting reconnaissance and documenting coordinates of enemy troop formations and equipment.

During the Battle of the Bulge, Dominick flew many missions behind enemy lines, many times at tree-top level, with his piper cub pilot and was instrumental in hand dropping much needed ammunition, food, clothing and medical supplies to infantry units that were cut-off and isolated by the advancing German forces. For his actions he was awarded the Air Medal.

After the defeat of the German Army at the Battle of the Bulge, Dominick and his unit moved into Germany, where he remained until V-E Day when the Nazis surrendered in May 1945.

            Dominick, like many returning Veterans of that time, came home started a family then went to work. He found employment in construction and trucking and then he became a high school teacher in Brooklyn.  He has a music degree and a master’s in education He also continued to practice his saxophone and was known to play with his band at VFW Post 9592 on occasion.

            In a recent interview he was asked about his secret to longevity. Among other things, he said finding a passion and for him it was music. Dominick’s daughter said in the same interview that music "it brings him joy”. Continuing, she said - "He has this joy, this love affair with music. He could never live without music. It brings him alive”.

            So, with his love of music in mind, VFW Post 9592, along with some very talented musicians who attend Hofstra University, have put together an evening concert of Jazz and Big Band music for Dominick and we are inviting you to attend.

See the attached flyer and registration form for more information.

Sincerely,

Kevin Honig

Kevin Honig

Commander, VFW Post 9592.

CONCERT FLYER AND REGISTRATION FORM BELOW:

CONCERT PROGRAM

5PM DOORS OPEN - GUESTS CHECK-IN

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6PM - NATIONAL ANTHEM

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INTRODUCTIONS

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BAND'S FIRST SESSION

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INTERMISSION

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GUEST OF HONOR BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION

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HORS D'OEUVRES SERVED / CASH BAR AVAILABLE & 50/50 SALES

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BAND'S 2ND SESSION

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CONCERT FINALE

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CAKE & TEA/COFFEE AVAILABLE