Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today appointed Lee Covino, Vincent McGowan and Job Mashariki to the Veterans Advisory Board. The board consists of five members, three appointed by the Mayor and two appointed by the City Council. The Veterans Advisory Board is mandated by the New York City Charter to advise the Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, Michael J. Handy on all matters concerning veterans.

"The individuals appointed to this board are uniquely qualified to advise my office on matters regarding veterans affairs," said Mayor Bloomberg. "It is an honor to have these heroes serve our City."

Lee Covino is a veteran of the US Army and the founder of the Veterans Action Coalition. Covino is a resident of Staten Island and is currently the Director of Contracts and Procurement for the Staten Island Borough President and a member of the Mayor's Vietnam Memorial Committee.

Vincent McGowan is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Hudson River Park Conservancy. McGowan is a combat veteran of the US Marine Corps and has produced every Veterans Day Parade since 1994. He is a resident of Manhattan who has received the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the Secretary of the Army.

Job Mashariki, a resident of Brooklyn, is a veteran of the US Army. Mashariki is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Black Veterans for Social Justice, the largest private veteran service organization in New York City.