LIJ gives gifts to vets on their payroll

The North Shore−Long Island Jewish Health System surprised six of its employees who had served in the military since 2003 during an intimate luncheon Tuesday by giving each of them a check that made up the difference between their military pay and the salary they would have earned with the hospital had they been home.

“The purpose of this is to basically say ‘Thank you,’ ” said Michael Dowling, chief executive officer of North Shore−LIJ. “We do know that this is an extraordinary commitment that you make. This is just a brief recognition to say, ‘Thanks.’ ”

The health system handed out more than $182,000 combined to the employees.

North Shore−LIJ is the largest employer on Long Island and among the largest in the city. It has 25 employees who have served in the military within the last five years, including 10 who are still in service.

LIJ employees who served in military get holiday surprise