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Sandy Victims From Long Island Get Inauguration Tickets From Schumer

MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Massapequa family that was displaced by superstorm Sandy now have their hands on the hottest tickets in Washington, D.C.

The Pfails hadn't planned for a road trip to the nation's capital next week, but Sen. Charles Schumer invited them to the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The family had been in touch with Schumer because they needed help dealing with FEMA.

"Just the other day, he mentioned to us that he had some tickets available and he would make them available for us," Jim Pfail told WCBS 880 reporter Monica Miller.

Sandy Victims From Long Island Get Inauguration Tickets From Schumer

He said Sandy dumped four feet of water on the first floor of his south shore home.

"We were out for close to two months, you know, living somewhere else, living with my in-laws," he said.

He and his family moved back into their home right before Christmas, and they say they appreciate the belated present.

 

Jim Pfail Inauguration Tickets
Jim Pfail with is tickets to the inauguration (credit: Monica Miller / WCBS 880)

"I'm going, my wife's going, and my daughter who is away at college in Seton Hall will be going. It's great for her because she just voted in her first election," he said. "I've never been to a Presidential inauguration. I think it's part of what makes America great."

He said that after going through so much, it's nice not to be forgotten.

The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Capitol on Monday.

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