Nov. 8 is declared ‘Barry Fixler Day’ in Rockland following the veteran’s acts of service throughout his post-military years.

Fixler is a U.S Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. He tells News 12 that witnessing wounded service members return from overseas has pushed him to step up and help.

‘Semper Cool’ is a memoir written by Fixler that discusses his time in service. He has donated all proceeds to wounded warriors; in 10 years since the book was published – half a million dollars has been donated.

"I served with guys who died, how could I charge somebody for this for my service? I finally realized if I do not charge anybody and I donate this book to America and all the proceeds go right back to our country, it’s like a burden off my shoulders,” says Fixler.

The retired service member-turned author was named Veteran of the Year in 2009.