10-30-2023 5:04pm

Sergeant Beau Fusco Celebrated Return Home From Overseas

David Pepa Editor

On October 21, the Long Island Monarchs 2015 AAA hockey team has welcomed their coach home from military service in the Middle East. Their beloved coach is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Beau Fusco.

Sergeant Fusco, a Long Island native and Smithtown resident, is an 18-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves and was called to service in Jordan in June. He returned from his tour on October 6 and his absence has been felt intensely by his family and the team, and all were overjoyed to see Fusco reunited with his wife and three children, including his son, Dominic, who plays Forward and Wing for the Monarchs.

"We are thrilled to have Beau back with us. His dedication to both our team and his service to our country is truly remarkable," said Head Coach Derek Kern, spokesperson for the Long Island Monarchs 2015 AAA hockey team. "We encourage the entire community to join us in welcoming him back and showing our gratitude for his sacrifices and contributions.”

The Monarchs, part of the Long Island Royals hockey club, a Tier 1 Elite “AAA” ice hockey organization based in Kings Park, is a squad of highly skilled seven- and eight-year old hockey players, all native to Long Island, with the majority residing in Suffolk County. They compete with other Long Island-based teams, as well as with teams from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England.

He has been the assistant coach for the Monarchs for the past three years. Before the game on the 21st began, they had a ceremony, performed the national anthem and had a discussion about where he was and when he returned.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be able to come back and help the kids and get a nice welcome,” Fusco said.

Fusco plans to continue to be the coach as long as his kids are still playing. He enjoys coaching the players and watching them progress. It is clear that Beau Fusco has given much in his military service and through his coaching of the Monarchs. It seems only right that he derives so much in return. Welcome home.