SGT Sean Cassidy is January’s Coalition Member of the Month
SGT Sean Cassidy is January’s Coalition Member of the Month.
SGT Cassidy graduated from Infantry One Station Unit training as an 11B Infantryman in the United States Army. He has been a member of the National Guard for seven years and has worked as a Civil Operations Specialist in the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force for the past four years. He and his team work with coalitions to address alcohol and substance use concerns within the communities of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. They assist coalitions in identifying needs within the community and help address them by using the Strategic Prevention Framework. Coalitions like the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth use this framework.
Going ABove and Beyond
Since SGT Cassidy began working with the Riverhead Community Coalition in 2016, he has consistently gone above and beyond to demonstrate the essential role that the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force plays in coalition work and preventing youth substance use within local communities. He has partnered with the coalition to host annual Medication Take Back events within the Town of Riverhead. These events, in addition to the Medication Drop Box at the Riverhead Police Department, have resulted in the safe disposal of over 7,700 pounds of medication, reducing youth access to prescription drugs.
SGT Cassidy has also worked with the coalition to host five Meet and Greet events. During these events, community stakeholders and leaders learn about current local trends in youth substance use. They also learn about what the coalition is doing to address these trends and how these issues impact the health and safety of our community. SGT Cassidy works with the Riverhead Youth Coalition at this event to educate community members about the projects they implement to prevent and reduce substance use.
SGT Cassidy has worked closely with coalition staff and the Prevention Resource Center to facilitate a community mapping project with our adult and youth coalition members. This project provided the coalition with substantial data and assisted with the planning and implementation of coalition-driven strategies that targeted areas within our community where youth are accessing substances and engaging in substance use. He has also delivered several presentations to coalition and community members on various topics such as community scanning, vaping, and stimulant use among youth.
A Role Model for Youth
In addition to SGT Cassidy’s coalition work, he has been a Riverhead CAP volunteer for the Pulaski Street Prevention Education Program for the past three years. SGT Cassidy not only provides students with tools to make healthy decisions and avoid substance abuse, he also serves as a role model through his interactions with the students. As a result of his contributions to this program and the positive impact that he has had on Riverhead youth, SGT Cassidy was selected as the honored guest for the 33rd Annual Say NO to Drugs March in June 2018. During this event, he delivered a speech to over 1,000 students, guests and elected officials. He offered advice and expertise, encouraging students to make healthy choices that will lead them down a path for a successful future.
Riverhead Community Coalition Coordinator Kelly Miloski sat down with SGT Cassidy to talk about his experience with the coalition. Here are the highlights:
why did you become involved in the coalition?
“I joined the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force in 2016 because it provided me with another way to serve communities on Long Island. I have seen the impact that substance use has on individuals and families within our communities and I wanted to be part of the solution. As a new Civil Operations Specialist, I was advised to work with the Riverhead Community Coalition so that I could partner with a coalition that operates effectively. After working with the coalition, I found that the group is comprised of members who are committed to reducing substance use within the community and that this was a group I really wanted to stay involved with.”
What is your favorite coalition Activity?
“My favorite coalition activity is the Pulaski Street School program. Out of everything I’ve done on Counterdrug, participating in this program and being asked to lead the CAP March have been the most rewarding, even if it changes only one life. Kids have the biggest voices in their schools and community. They can make a huge difference through simple actions like helping a friend and being a positive role model. I love that I am able to help students learn the necessary skills to lead a healthy lifestyle through this program.”
Name Three Words That Best Describe You.
“Motivated, caring, and innovative.”
What adventures are still on Your Bucket List?
“I would love to take a road trip throughout the United States to visit every state.”
Besides Coalition Work, What Else do You Like To DO?
“In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, working out, and practicing for shooting competitions.”
Interested in learning more about coalition membership?
To learn more about joining the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth , contact Kelly Miloski at (631) 727-3722 ext. 106 or Kelly.Miloski@RiverheadCAP.org.