Business & Tech

A Free Ride To Say Thank You

Lindy's Taxi teams with Islip Town to provide returning service members a trip home at no cost.

Active duty members of the armed forces returning to Long Island through MacArthur Airport will find it a bit easier and to get home, thanks to a new program announced by Islip Town and Lindy's Taxi.

From Veterans Day through the end of the year, Lindy's is offering all service members free transportation from the airport in Ronkonkoma to their homes on Long Island, as a way of saying "thank you" for their service to the country, said Frank Paolino, the transportation company's general manager. In addition, the Islandia-based Lindy's will also provide free transportation to a service member's family member who is unable to drive.

Paolino, a disabled Vietnam veteran who served as a sergeant in the United States Army, said he and the owner of Lindy's hatched the idea for the free transportation program. "We were chatting one day and (the owner) is always looking for ways to give back to the community, especially in Islip. We started talking about the service personnel that come home through MacArthur Airport and he thought giving them a free ride home from the airport would be a great way to thank them for their sacrifices."

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He noted the free rides offered by Lindy's are of particular importance this time of year since many members of the armed services return home to celebrate the holidays with their families.

Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, who along with Paolino announced the free rides program at a press conference on Wednesday, applauded Lindy's for its effort in helping soldiers and sailors get home. "It's always wonderful when a private entity steps up to help serve our service members," she said. "Lindy's contacted me about the program and I told them I thought it's a great idea."

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Those seeking a free ride from Lindy's for a returning service member may call Lindy's at 851-0000.


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