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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
American Legion Post 372, 1532 Martin Ave., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
July—September 2009 Issue
Cherry Hill Memorial Post 372
American Legion
1532 Martin Ave
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-2060
WWW.ALCH372.COM
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
Inside this issue:
Commanders Message
Bits & Pieces
SALs Message
Ladies Message
Calendar
Riders Message
Vietnam Traveling Wall
856-665-3889
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2
5
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT No. 258
CHERRY HILL, NJ
Our Post hosted ―The
Wall That Heals‖ in April
2009. Captioned above
is Commander
Macukewicz at the Opening Ceremonies on April
14th. In Opening, Commander asks us to remember all veterans.
“While these four days
are dedicated to the
veterans of the Vietnam
conflict, please do not
forget all of our veterans
who have fought and died
for this country in all of
the conflicts that the US
has been involved in, including our troops that
are currently serving in
Afghanistan, Iraq and
other locations throughout
the world…”
Post 372 has just finished
its most busiest three
months of the year. As
most of you are aware,
Post 372 hosted the Vietnam ―Wall That Heals‖ in
mid April. During the four
days that the Wall was
here we had a total
visitation of over 5,000
people. There will be more
details on the ―Wall‖ within
this publication.
As usual we placed over
2,000 flags on veteran’s
graves at Locustwood
Cemetery prior to Memorial
Day. On Memorial Day the
Post held ceremonies here
and at Locustwood
Cemetery. I would like to
state that with a total
membership (Legion,
Auxiliary, SALS) close to
700 members, the attendance at these ceremonies
was
extremely poor. I hope that
next year our membership
will be more responsive in
order to honor our veterans
that fought for this country.
We participated at the
Memorial Day services of
the Township. My special
thanks go out to our Honor
Guard and Firing Squad
who participated at all of
these events.
On June 7th the Annual
Statewide Legion Memorial
Services were held at
Locustwood Cemetery.
After the services we
entertained well over one
hundred statewide
Legion members with
refreshments. Our thanks
to Dave Larsen who
acted as head chef for
this occasion.
In closing I would like to
advise all our members
that we are a very
healthy and active Post.
We are a credit to the
American Legion and we
stand tall and proud.
Please say a prayer for
all of our veterans who
have gone to ―the last
command‖, as well as
those who are suffering
from disabilities related to
their service for our country.
For God and Country,
Charles Macukewicz
Commander
July 12th, 2009
First Annual Post Softball Game
The Phil Beck Classic. Game starts at 11:00 AM. There will
be food on the grill and beverages. A sign-up
sheet is on the bulletin board at the post hall.
We need players, umpires, coaches, and
Fans!!
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
POST BITS and PIECES ...
Darn, it sure has been a busy three
months !...It started out with our Annual Easter Party,
which was a huge
success...many
thanks to all the Ladies who helped out
with the kids, stuffing
and hiding the eggs, the ―Easter
Bunny‖ and the food...once again
Doris Ihenfeld outdid herself with the
coordination of our
Annual Yard, Bake
and Hoagie
Sale...great job as
usual Doris!...Doris also headed up
the Ladies Fundraiser of the Bead
Flags and Earrings! ...and how about
us hosting the Vietnam Traveling
Wall in April ?!...we can’t thank Sue
Quinn-Morris enough for bringing
The Wall
That
Heals
here and
putting
our Post
on the
proverbial map!...(more info on the Wall
visit inside this issue)….her brother
and newly elected SAL Adjutant, Rob
Quinn, gave our parking lot lines a
fresh coat before the Wall visit,
painted our Legion signs outside, and
painted an American Flag on the outside of the chimney….the Post was
―spiffed up‖ in preparation of the
Wall—special thanks Ed
White, Bill Quinn, Ernie
Brosh, Phil Beck and
others that worked
many hours...the Wall
visit brought many
―inactive‖ Post members
out and we do hope that
they continue to become
involved in the many
veteran based events that we hold all
year round……....5 & 3 year old Ma-
rines, dressed in
full blues stole the
show, so to speak,
at the Cherry Hill
Township services!...Col Al Bancroft was elated ! …
Commander Macukewicz presented the family of KIA Capt
Greg Dalessio with Certificates
and a pin that Ed White had purchased
through the
Legion
Catalog...In
case your
are wondering what
Tom Wright is doing...he is working for Moreys Piers in Wildwood. Look him up and maybe
he can set you up with a free
ride of two.....―Energizer Bunny‖,
Phil Back lets his legs do the
walking to take him any place he
goes. His ―BMI‖ has to be less
than 20...Guess who has returned from a winter hiatus in
Melbourne, Florida?..none other
than Harry Price - the talented
creator of ―Soldiers Lament‖
which adorns our Canteen wall.
Welcome back Harry........Mr.
and Mrs. Merril Morrison of
Cherry Hill, NJ have donated a
WWII vintage Japanese infantry
rifle and a framed painting which
they dubbed the ―Unknown
Sailor‖ to the care, custody and
control of Sr. Vice Commander
Ernie Brosh...who turned the rifle
over to Jason Macukewicz who
is an expert in reconditioning
rifles. We hope to preserve the
rifle’s antiquity….our outside
smoking area is adorned with a
new used picnic table thanks to
Fran Keashan … a thanks to
Phil Beck on the upkeep of our
grounds with the lawn tractor...a
thanks to Ed White, Phil Beck
and others
that have
been busy
cleaning out
the storage
areas
lately…. welcome to Al Gargas, a
new General member of our
Post...Chief Gargas and Major
Kevin Skelly are teachers at
Cherry Hill West High
School...they are each recipients
of the ―Purple Heart‖ and are retired Air
Force...they are
also responsible
for the Air Force
Junior ROTC program at the
school...they were
recently awarded
―Outstanding Instructor‖ awards
placing them in the top twenty of
1930 instructors in the State of
New Jersey that received this
award..congratulations men and
by the way ―Thanks for your service and continued service to our
country‖...Post
372 awards a
total of $5000 in
money to the
ROTC participants...this years
winners are Matt D’Arcy ($2000)
for Drexel University, Danielle
Cohen ($1500) for University of
New Mexico and Jessica Savercool ($1500) for Camden County
College...speaking of the Jr
ROTC, Col. Al Bancroft, Freeholder Ed McDonnell and Sue
Quinn-Morris recently presented
the young men and women with
Certificates of Appreciation for
their outstanding help
and support
with the
Wall….Tim
Kraft and his
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Sue Quinn-Morris
(856)495-7270
WEBSITE DESIGN
REALTOR
DPC Corporation
Cherry Hill, NJ
Main Street Realty
Collingswood, NJ
Call Charles Alberti for rates and
deadlines. 856-665-3889
J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
Restaurant & Pizza
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
NEW OFFICER LIST
OFFICERS & TRUSTEES OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 372
2009-2010
Commander: Charles Macukewicz
Senior Vice Commander: Ernest G. Brosh
1st Vice Commander: Bill Quinn
2nd Vice Commander: Tim Kraft
Adjutant: Ernie Linden
Finance Officer: Tom Adams
Judge Advocate: Reynold ―Chin‖ Johnson
Sgt of Arms: Dave Larsen
Chaplain: Chester Malik
Service Officer: Bill Coneby
Historian: Andy Jackson
Public Relations: Phil Atkinson
Trustees; Charles Alberti, Art Capilli, Sean Cook, Jim Gallagher, John
Murphy, Paul Pollard, Ray Rubel, Ed White.
Sons of the American Legion
2009-2010
Commander: Gary Gottron
Senior Vice Commander: Tim Viguers
Vice Commander: Rich Derer
Adjutant: Rob Quinn
Finance Officer: Jim Ihlenfeld
Sgt-at- Arms: Dave D’Orazio
Historian: Fran Keashan
Chaplain: Michael Lalena
Ladies Auxiliary
2009-2010
President: Carol Doyle
Vice President: Sue Quinn-Morris
Treasurer: June Fitzgerald
Secretary: Shannon Spillane
Membership: Annette Romano
Sunshine: MaryEllen Murray
Historian: Doris Ihlenfeld
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Bits & Pieces (cont’d)
buddies with Deer Park Fire Company provided their food/drink Rehab vehicle during the Escort rally
in Carneys Point—thank you
Tim!...Phil Atkinson and Ron
Colucci presented our Post wreath
at Opening Ceremony and boy did
they look
sharp!... Did you
know that our
own Ray Rubel
was a Lieutenant
Colonel and is
also retired Air
Force? Commander Macukewicz awarded Al
Walker with a Certificate of Appreciation and engraved Plaque commemorating his many years of loyal
and dedicated service to Post
372…
unfortunately, Al
passed away on
June 23rd ...he
will be sorely
missed…..Bill
Connors continues his recovery from a stroke...he
was recently seen in a golf cart on
a personalized tour of Vietnam
Wall...Fran Keashan and Brian
Bush are attending to the matter of
installing a handicapped ramp at
Bill’s house….just another example
of Legionnaire’s commitment to
those in need…as you may recall
we held a Welcome Home for
Leo in January,
he was home
on leave..well
he’s come
home from his
deployment—Nadina is one happy
lady for sure….Leo and Nadina
joined our Post back in January
and we hope to see them
soon!....Welcome Home Leo…..the
328th MP Group has returned from
Iraq as well … you may remember
meeting some of them when we
held a Luncheon for
them before their
deployment last year
….WELCOME
HOME TROOPS!
…. Vietnam Memorial Fund Site Managers, Gunny
and Debbie, absolutely loved their
visit with us ..Gunny and Debbie
also joined our Post … Commander Mac insisted that they not
pay for it ...Gunny was presented
with a special
―friend‖ for the
road, much to
Debbie's dismay...don't
worry Debbie,
she’s full of hot air—
literally!...<smirk>….now what to do
with the male version that pulled
Security duty under Steve Funkhouser’s direction?....….….some
Post members are
talking about organizing a trip to Amer.
Legion Post 242 in
Quakertown PA August 15th when they
host ―The Wall That
Heals‖...or to Gettysburg in October when the ―Wall‖
visits there...look for details on our
website and on the bulletin
board...The Annual Statewide Services at Locustwood were held in
early June, followed by a luncheon
at the Post...the following week
was the American Legion Wildwood Convention….about 20 of our
Post members ventured off to Wildwood for the
Convention and
the parade,
which was fantastic....after the
Parade Post
members visit all
the motels along the strip where
other Posts are staying..... wonderful time to mingle with fellow Post
members...Ron and Carol’s annual
pig roast which is held at the end of
June each year, was a huge success…....July 3rd was MaryEllen’s
1/2 birthday—mark your calendars!...in case
your wondering
where the KIA
Markers left
from the Candlelight Services are, they
now adorn Sue Quinn-Morris; backyard ...Kudos to all our newly
elected Officers…....thank you to
Dave Larsen and Phil Beck on getting the kitchen in tip top shape ..
Thanks to Tom Parkhill for fixing
the stove...please be sure to visit
our website and register on the Bulletin Board to receive late breaking
news and updates...you can also
post your news
there… well
wishes go out to
our members
who have been
battling some
health issues...we are all praying for you!...
www.alch372.com
Congratulations to Post 372
Auxiliary for
winning the
VA&R
Award for
2009. The
VA@R
Award is
given to an
Auxiliary
Unit each
year in recognition of their
work for Veterans Affairs
and
Rehabilitation.
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BOYS STATE REPORT
Boys State interview were
conducted April 20, 2009 at the
American Legion Post 372 by Sr.
Vice Commander Ernest G. Brosh
and his staff. Once again, Cherry
Hill West Counselor Barbara
Mitidieri and C.J. Davis of Cherry
Hill East are to be congratulated for
submitting outstanding candidates
for ―Boys State‖ consideration. The
delegates began a week of classes
at Rider University on Fathers Day,
June 21, 2009. Sr. VC Brosh had
an impressive array of veterans to
interview the boys. Ernie Linden,
Dave Hartzell, Chester Malik, Tom
Adams, Steve Spillane, John
Murphy, Art Capilli, Tim Kraft, Ron
Colucci, Dave Larsen and Russ
Craft. Each veteran gave a brief
synopsis of their military experience
and career. Fourteen delegates
and one alternate were interviewed
on a cold, rainy and dismal
evening. Sr. VC Ernie Brosh broke
tradition by inviting the parents of
the boys and received many complimentary comments during
informal discussions following the
interviews. This was the most
impressive group of young men
that I have ever interviewed and
the first time that each boy received
a grade of excellent. Fifteen ratings
of excellent from twelve different
interviewers is unusual to say the
least and to have such a large turnout and the help I received from my
fellow comrades restored my enthusiasm for the entire program
which quite frankly, had been waning. I was impressed with the parents. I informed them ―Boys State‖
was only one of many programs
sponsored and conducted by the
American Legion and strongly emphasized that we are an organization of veterans continuing to serve
America. It was not our intent to
persuade their sons to join the military. Quite the opposite. Our fervent wish is by a better understanding of our democratic principles
they will be able to prevent our nation from engaging in further military conflicts. Thanks to Lisa, part
owner of Johnny’s for providing the
pizzas. Johnny’s Restaurant has
been our veterans choice for many
years because of the continued
―quantity and quality‖ of their fare.
Thanks also to all who assisted in
cleaning and preparing the hall after a week of unprecedented
crowds while hosting the Vietnam
Traveling Wall.
Submitted by Senior Vice
Commander Ernest G. Brosh
Thanks to all General Members, Sals and Ladies
Auxiliary for their support and help in making our
Annual Yard/Bake Sale, April 25, a big success. To all members and
friends who donated baked good and items for the Ladies Auxiliary
table, your donations are greatly appreciated. We look forward to
another successful Yard/Bake Sale next year.
The Bead Flag Pins and Earrings made by the Ladies
Auxiliary were completely sold out by our exceptional salesperson
Mary Ellen Murray. Many thanks to her and the Post Bartenders for
their help.
Doris Ihlenfeld—Yard/Bake Sale Coordinator
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS - July - September 2009
IN MEMORIAM
It is with deep
regret that we
inform you of
the passing of long time
General Member Alexander “Al” Walker on June
23, 2009. Al belonged to
the American Legion for
25 years and served in
numerous official
positions. He will be
sorely missed.
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July 2, 2009 - Erlton Independence Day Parade 6pm.
July 12, 2009 - Sunday. First Annual Post Softball
Game - The Phil Beck Classic. The pick-up softball
game starts at 11:00 AM and will run to about 2:00
PM, There will be food on the grill and beverages.
July 14, 2009—EBoard Meeting
July 16, 2009—Camden County Meeting (General Members) - Pine Hill
July 17,2009 - SAL meeting canceled
July 27, 2009—Legion Riders meeting July 27th at Cherry Hill 7:30pm
August 1, 2009—Riders Rodeo Aug 1st Cherry Hill 1:00pm tickets available at post
August 11, 2009—EBoard Meeting
August 19, 2009 - SAL Meeting at 7:30 PM. in the Legion Hall. The focus will be on planning Family Day. We need volunteers to help set-up and break-down the event, sell
September 2009
raffle tickets, etc. We need your support.
August 20, 2009—Camden County Meeting (General
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
Members) - Gibbsboro
August 24, 2009—Legion Riders meeting August 24th
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
at Gibbsboro 7:30pm
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14
15
16
17
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September 8, 2009—EBoard Meeting
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21
22
23
24
25
26
Sept 14, 2009 - 7:30 pm—Ladies Auxiliary Meeting
27
28
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30
September 16, 2009 - SAL Meeting at 7:30 PM. in the
Legion Hall. This will be our final check on Family Day.
September 17, 2009—Camden County Meeting (General Members) - Brooklawn
September 19, 2009 - Family Day 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM. This is our
major get together of the year. There will be a roast pig, steak,
chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, clams, salads, and beverages. There will also be a DJ, raffles, and just one heck of a good
time. Tickets will be available at the post in mid-July.
September 22, 2009—General Members Meeting
September 28, 2009—Legion Riders meeting Sept 28th at Cherry
Hill 7:30pm
Register on our BULLETIN BOARD to receive late breaking news
and updates via email. Go to www.alch372.com
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GIRLS STATE WINNER
JASMINE WALKER
Post 372 Auxiliary Girls State
Chairperson June Fitzgerald is
happy to announce that Jasmine
Walker (Camden Catholic High
School) won Governor in Girls
State this year!
High school girls who have completed their junior year spend an
intensive week of study, working
together as self-governing citizens
at Auxiliary-sponsored Girls State
programs in every state (with the
exception of Hawaii).
Participants learn how to participate in the functioning of their
state's government in preparation
for their future roles as responsible
adult citizens. Two girls are selected from each Girls State pro-
gram to attend Girls Nation, a
national government training
program. Girls Nation "senators"
meet for a week in Washington,
D.C., where they run for political
office, campaign for the passage
of legislation and possibly meet
with state representatives and
senators. Capping off the week
of Girls Nation is oftentimes a
meeting with the President of the
United States at the White
House.
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
MESSAGE FROM THE SAL’S
I would like to
thank my fellow
SAL’s for
entrusting me as
SAL Commander.
I, along with my
fellow SAL
Officers, am
looking forward
for an interesting year working with
the General Members and Ladies
Auxiliary on our various projects.
The SAL Officers are:
Sr Vice Commander: Tim Viguers
Vice Commander: Rich Derer
Adjutant: Rob Quinn
Finance Officer: Jim Ihlenfeld
Sergeant-at- Arms: Dave D’Orazio
Historian: Fran Keashan
Chaplin: Michael Lalena
The Induction of Officers was
held May 27. I would like to
thank Brian Fitzgerald for 5 years
of great service as SAL Commander. Brian is starting his second year as Camden County SAL
Commander.
The induction was followed by
an excellent buffet dinner provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Our Ladies have incredible culinary skills.
Please come out to SALs meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM in
the Post 372 Legion Hall. Our
next events are the Erlton Parade
on July 2nd and Family Day in September. We can always use some
additional volunteers
for our projects. Phil
Beck is also putting
together a Legion
Family a pick-up softball game together in
July. There is a signup sheet at the post.
Our mission as SALs
is to support our Veterans.
For God and Country
Gary Gottron
SAL Commander
MESSAGE FROM THE LADIES PRESIDENT
More information to follow on
our website at www.alch372.com
About Girls State/Girls Nation
American Legion Auxiliary Girls
State is a nonpartisan program that
teaches young women responsible
citizenship and love for God and
Country. Since the inception of the
Girls State program in 1937, nearly
1 million young people have had
the opportunity to learn firsthand
how their state and local government works.
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PHOTOS AND VIDEOS are on our website—be sure
to check them out!
www.alch372.com
POST your news on our BULLETIN BOARD
Let Us Know About
FAMILY MEMBER
DEPLOYMENTS
Let’s give our Post members and family
members serving in harms way the recognition and prayers they deserve. Any
Post member or relative of a Post member who is serving anywhere outside the
US homeland will have his/her photo
posted on the Posts Deployment Board
Post Flag to
Fly in Honor
of...
July - BARNHADT, Paul L.
August - ROTHSTEIN, Abraham J.
September - NEVINS, John A.
What a great year for
our post, unit and
squadron this has
been. We showed we
can work like a well
oiled machine. Our whole Legion
family came together to bring
―The Wall that Heals‖ to our post.
Through the efforts of many but
especially Sue Quinn-Morris our
post was able to accomplish what
many thought was impossible.
We were able to show what it
means to be a part of the Legion
and how much respect is owed
to all veterans, by the veterans
and the support groups of the
post .From providing meals(
Thank you kitchen/hospitality), to
arranging the ceremonies, honor
guards, basic maintenance of the
grounds and assisting in every
way we did it with help from our
friends and comrade posts.
Our own veterans from the Viet
Nam era were given a chance to
show their pride and put to rest
some old feelings others had
about their service .It was won-
derful to see the Jr ROTC come out
to help in the pouring rain to set up
and take down the Wall, nursing
home and school groups come to
learn and pay their respects. The
Jewish War Vets, VFW’s , Amvets
and of course the Vietnam Veterans
of America all came together with
the various groups of Police, Fire
and Motorcycle organizations to
make this happen for our post. I
thank them all. Their comradery
makes me proud to say I am from
Post #372.
Of course we did other things this
year like sending the troop packages, welcome homes, and honoring our local fallen service people.
Our unit should be very proud of our
accomplishments on behalf of the
veterans, active military and of
course our community. We held our
annual yard sale with great success
, flag pins were sold, and Chapel
Ave looked spectacular for the few
weeks in May as we show our pride
to honor the fallen. Again thank you
to all that helped us.
The state Convention in Wildwood
was a great time. Groups from the
entire state came out to ―Show their
Spirit‖ and provide a great parade
for us to watch. We always have a
great time meeting people, getting
together to gather ideas and make
new friends from the various posts
across the state.
Finally I would like to wish everyone
a healthy summer, as many know
quite a few members have been
having health problems. Hopefully
all will be back to keep up our good
efforts in September. I would like to
wish a special get well to Judi Grady
Martorano who is the
proud recipient of a
new liver and say
watch out folks she is
feeling much better
and will kick some
dust up in a few more weeks. Keep
all our members in your thoughts
and prayers as well as our service
people who are in harms way.
For God and country,
Carol Doyle
Auxiliary President
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MESSAGE FROM THE RIDERS
The Riders have been active with
our usual veterans welcome home
activities as well as attending Father
Paul Van Sant’s Blessing of the
Bikes in Whiting New Jersey where
for the third year in a row we went
home with the "Best Represented
Club‖ trophy.
John and Sue Boehm are making
plans for the Riders annual big road
trip. This summer it will be to New
Hampshire where we will ride
through the mountains and take in
the sights and views of the
beautiful New England countryside.
HALL RENTALS
The Legion Hall is available for
rental for birthdays, anniversaries,
weddings, etc. For more information contact Commander
Macukewicz at 856-482-6855 or
at the Post at 856-665-3889
Riders Rodeo
Food / Games / Beer / Soda / Fun
August 1, 2009
Rain n or Shine
12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM
Cherry Hill American Legion Post
372
Martin Ave at Marlboro
Advanced Ticket Sales 2 for $35 or
$20 each at the door
Tickets are available at Cherry Hill
Post 372, Oaklyn Post 84,
Gibbsboro Post 371
Watch the website
ALRPOST84.ORG for
details and meetings. Last year’s
trip to the Dragon’s Tail at Deals
Gap Tennessee is legendary.
Of course, our big summer
event is the Riders Rodeo with
fun, food and
traditional biker games. It’s always a blast and everyone is welcome.
Ride Safe,
George ―Cheeze‖ Giebel
Director,
American Legion Riders
SJ Chapter
DID YOU KNOW…
…that as a qualifying veteran you may be eligible for a $250 deduction from your real estate tax bill?
… that all veterans qualify for a free burial plot..
...that as a veteran you may qualify for medical benefits at one of
our VA Hospitals..
For questions, contact our Service Officer, Bill Coneby
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
AFTER WALL REPORT (cont’d)
lice Department
Nam Knights
Patriot Guard PA
POW/MIA Awareness
Red White & Blue Freedom Riders
Second Brigade/
Vietnam Vets
STAR Riders
Warriors Watch
Willingboro Police Department
Barb’s Harley Davidson
COORDINATORS & 24/7
Thanks
Charlie Adams, Dave Larsen, Sean
Cook, Jim Arcinese, Maggie Thomas, Ed White, Phil Beck, Mike Lobascio, Doris Ihenfeld, Gus Branco
Carol Doyle, Sgt Brit Henderson
Steven Funkhouser, Bill Quinn,
Ernie Brosh, Rob Quinn, Barb Laning, Tom Beitz, Ernie Linden,
American Legion Canteen Bartenders and Management; (Chin Johnson, MaryEllen Murray, Mary Leonardo, Evelyn Fritsche, Kim Bierbach, Val Norton, Patti Hohwald,
Dexter, Jeanie Rooney)
SPONSORS
ADCO Properties Charlie Adams
Al & Mary Walker
Al Sacca
Alden Café
All Wood Flooring/Dan
Mancuso
Amer Leg Post 522
General
Amer Leg Post 84
General
Amer Leg Post 84 Ladies Aux
Amer Leg Post 372 Bartenders
Amer Leg Post 372 Ladies Aux
Amer Leg Post 372 SALS
Amer Leg Post 519 General
Amer Leg Riders Post 414
American Carriers
Amer Legion Riders 84
Andy Jackson & Sons Plumbing
Art Capilli
Benash Liquors
Bill & Sheryl Coneby
Bill & Val Norton
Blossoms of Cherry Hill
Burt Ferguson
C&H Mechanical
Camden Catholic High
Capt Aaron Johnson
Cpt Diane
Charles & Terry
Macukewicz
Cherry Hill Fire Officers
Cherry Hill Mall
Chester Malik
Church Rd Civic
Comcast
Dan & Laura Macukewicz
Dave Larsen
Dennis & Maureen McCormack
Deterding Market
Dot Wahl
Ed White
Edward & Rose Gribbin
Erlton Fire Co.
Ernie Brosh
Ernie Linden
Fritz Giebel
George Purkins Jr.
USMC Ret.
Haddonfield Lions
Club
Herman Goldner
Co. Inc
Home Depot
Ingelsby Funeral Home
Jeff Buchanan
Jewish War Veterans Post 126
Jewish War Veterans Post 395
Jim & Edna Gallagher
Jim Sirianni
Joan Donahue
Joe Dolan
John & Joan Dexter
Joseph & Jeannette Messier
June Quinn
Korean War Vets
Lexus of Cherry Hill
Marge Dantonio
Masso's Deli & Pizza
Mayes Electric of Delran
Main Street Graphics
Mayor Bernie Platt
McMillans Bakery
Norton Funeral Home
Pauls Tree Service
PMB Bill Quinn
PNC Bank
Quality Inn FREE
ROOM
Ray Rubel
Roger Auker of Hollingers Sports
Ron & Dolores Reamer
RPM
Sean & Eileen Cook
Secunda DiGiacomo P&S Ravioli
Shirley Ackuff
Shop Rite
Somerdale Bar
Somerdale Liquors
SJ Soft Pretze & Water Ice
Stephenson Brown Funeral
Sue Quinn-Morris - DPC Website
Sunoco
The Barking Lot & Cats Meow
Thomas Sharp
Town Tavern
Tracey White Almedia
VFW 1270 Men's
Auxiliary
VFW 2445
Victor & Jacqueline
Pettyjohn
Wegemans
Westmont Bagels
Wetzels
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AFTER WALL REPORT (cont’d)
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
AFTER WALL REPORT
by Event Coordinator Sue Quinn-Morris
Bob Henderson
Bob Phillips Jr.
Brit Henderson
Carl Trinko
Catherine
Park
Chris Camp
Christopher
Verone
Cindy Curran
Each and every one of you were an
intricale part of educating the unknowing and helping to bring some
peace and comfort to many veterans, their families, friends and comrades.
I’d like to suggest that everyone
go to our website as we have hundreds of photos up and also video
of the Opening Ceremony and the
Candlelight Services.
For God and Country,
Sue Quinn-Morris
Ladies Aux. VP
Wall Event Coordinator
THANK YOUS
SECURITY & VISITOR ASST.
VOLUNTEER THANKS
American Legion Post 372
Volunteers (too numerous to name
individually)
AnnLynne Benson
Barbara Laning
Barbara Stebbins
Bernadette Kooi
Bernie & Gloria Henderson
Daniel Colombi
Daniel Wine
Dave Palmieri
David
Schumacher
Ed Fuller
Edward Devine
Frank & Marie
Baker
Fred Giebel
Fred Kraft
Fritz Giebel
George Giebel
Holly Hill
James Sweeney
Jeff Brown
Jeffrey Fry
Joan Pearce
Joann Fearn
Joe Skenesky
John & Madeline
Maslak
John & Sandy Mink
John Miller
John Moyer
Joie Gates
Judy Wasylyszyn
Kathleen Noon
Kathy Bruton
Kirk & Diane Hehl
Last Patrol
Libby Weisberg
Lillian Brady
Maggie, Cybil & Erik Thomas
Maria Fitzpatrick
Michael Eckert
Michael Strackbein
Paul & Dolly Gibelyou
Peter Flowers
Phil DeRoxtra
Phil Steinberg
Pledge Webb
Richard Drapczuk
Richard Kranz
Rita Knox
Robert Luebkemann
Ron Saunders
Roy Flannigan
South Jersey Vietnam Veterans
Stephanie Selah
Terry & John Brasko
Tom Lydick
Tom Young
Tony Halas
Tony Laudicina
Vince Borrelli
American Legion Post 372, with
the help and support of numerous
people and organizations, brought
―The Wall That Heals‖ to our community from April 16th-19th, 2009.
The Wall That Heals exhibition featured a half-scale replica of the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington, D.C., a Museum and
an Information Center.
The following is a summary of the
Wall visit;
ESCORT - The Wall That Heals
was escorted to the Post on Tuesday, April 14th under the direction
of Escort Coordinator Tom Beitz
SET-UP – Set-up of the Wall was
done on Wednesday, April 15th.
There were approx 50 volunteers,
20 of which were the ROTC kids
from Cherry Hill West High School.
Some volunteers spent the day
ESCORT GROUPS
American Legion Riders Post 84
American Legion Riders (from
other Posts in NJ)
Blue Knights
Centurions NJ
Cherry Hill Police Dept
HOG
Last Patrol
Leathernecks
Medford Twp Po-
the dangerous road conditions.
Prior to the Wall arrival, Post 372
members
adorned the 2
mile Chapel Avenue route with
flags. While the
flagging was essentially for our
annual Patriotic
9-11 and Gratitude Week, the
timing couldn’t
have been better as it provided the
perfect back drop for the escort.
The Cherry Hill Fire Dept set up
trucks and the big American flag on
Chapel Ave as the children from
Joyce Kilmer Elementary school
and Cherry Hill West High School
lined the sidewalks awaiting the
arrival of the Wall.
and Sgt Brit Henderson of the
Cherry Hill Police Department. The
escorts rally point
was the rest area
in Carneys Point,
NJ. CHFD—Deer
Park provided
their food/drink
rehab vehicle at the rest stop. Although the weather was rainy,
approx 100 bikes
showed up for
the escort – an
incredible number considering
ing signs and Wall signs were
placed around the community. 10
Port-a-Potties were delivered,
along with 275 rental chairs. The
weather report for Thursday – Sunday was great, so we didn’t need to
make arrangements for plywood
walkway or tents. 3 10 x 10 tents
(thanks to Richard Drapucuk and
Jeff Brown) were erected to provide
cover/shelter for the Camden
County KIA displays that Sue
Quinn-Morris made,
Dave Larsen’s Vietnam Display and
Gunny’s friend, Lewis’,
tribute bike. Steve
Funkhouser (CHFD)
was a tremendous
help with the generator, the RV, and helping with set-up/break down for
every Ceremony.
ATTENDANCE – According to the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Director, Dan Schenk, attendance
was between 7000 – 7500 people
in the 4 day period.
ACCOMMODATIONS
An RV was supplied by a member of the Cherry
Hill Fire Department for volunteers that needed
a rest between
shifts, after long
working out the electrical needs
drive, etc. The Post Hall was open
(Bill Quinn & Jim Arcinese), while
24 / 7 offering bathroom facilities,
the ROTC and others worked on
the kitchen, seating & tables. All
assembling the Wall and the Wall
Volunteers were provided with food
truck tent – in the midst of some
and refreshments 24/7 in the Post
pretty nasty weather – cold, windy Hall. Many thanks to our Hospitality
and rainy again. Finishing touches Coordinator, Carol Doyle, and all
were made by adding flags behind the Hospitality Committee members
the Wall, 24 palm plants with
(Gus Branco, Dave Larsen, Doris
smaller flags in between to form the Ihenfeld, George Dubell and othwalkway in front of the wall. Park- ers) for their time and efforts. Many
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J uly — Se pt e mbe r 2009 I ssue
AFTER WALL REPORT (cont’d)
the family members, friends and
comrades of the 88 Camden
County men (and a few from other
counties) that were killed in action
during Vietnam to invite them to the
Ceremony
honoring their
loved ones.
Family and
comrades
CEREMONIES – All ceremonies
from as far
went as scheduled –a job well done
away
as
Wisconsin,
Illinois,
Florida,
by everyone involved. Cherry Hill
Kansas,
New
York
,
Virginia
and
Fire Department lent us the poDelaware attended. It was a very
dium, sound system and stage for
emotional and touching ceremony.
the ceremonies – and set-up and
PARKING
broke down for each ceremony. DJ A Medal Ceremony was held on
4/18 at 11am. Ltc Al Bancroft preParking was managed by numerBob Sworg also provided some
ous volunteers. The Legion drivemusic/sound system for a couple of sented Medals to local Vietnam
veterans. The Closing Ceremony
way was manned by volunteers to the ceremonies.
was held on 4/19 at 4pm.
approve who got in
The Opening Ceremony was held
Thank you
and out of our lot. All
at 6:30pm on 4/16. A Candlelight
goes out to
parking lots were
Ceremony was held on 4/17 at 7pm
the following
manned during our
—Sue Quinn-Morris reached out to
people and
biggest ceremony,
organizations
the Candlelight
Captioned
that particiCeremony, to enhere is Sr.
pated in the
sure parking went
Vice
Ceremonies;
Post
372
Commander
Commander
smoothly. Many thanks go out to
Charles
Macukewicz,
Post
372 Sr.
Ernest G.
Sgt Brit Henderson of the Cherry
Vice
Commander
Ernest
G.
Brosh,
Brosh
at
the
Hill Police Department for assisOpening
Cherry
Hill
Mayor
Bernie
Platt,
tance with Parking (cones and barCeremony on
Congressman John Adler, State
ricades) and the
April 14th.
Senator James Beach, Freeholder
Cherry Hill Fire
Senior Vice
Jeffrey Nash, Freeholder Bruce
Police for assisCommander
Bobbit, Freeholder Joe Donnelly,
tance in manning Brosh affirms
Ltc Al Bancroft, Col John Rawley,
parking lots durour
Bagpiper Curt Anderson (VVA),
ing ceremonies
commitment to all veterans;
“ The Vietnam war was the longest in Cherry Hill High School Air Force
alongside our
Jr. ROTC, Bob Patterson, Rev.
US history and like the Korean war,
Parking Volunteers (Ed White, Phil
Bernie Henderson, POW/MIA
unpopular
and
in
many
ways
divided
Beck, Brian Fitzgerald, Cybil Thoour
nation.
The
toll
in
suffering,
sorrow
Committee - Bob Jonas, Tony Hamas and others).
and turmoil can never be tabulated.
las, Bugler Bobby
thanks to all the sponsors who donated
food/drinks for our volunteers as well.
The VVMF staff
stayed at the Quality
Inn in Maple Shade,
NJ. One room was
generously donated by the Quality
Inn. Several other
out of town quests
stayed at the Quality Inn at a discounted rate.
gion property to help deter any vandalism. A concern during planning
of event was neighbor complaints
due to the expected crowds and
parking. According to the Cherry
Hill Police, there were no complaints from any of the neighbors
during the Wall visit.
There is an inscription from WWII on a
SECURITY & NEIGHBORS
British war monument in Burma which
We had round the clock security of
reads’” When you go home, tell them
the Wall beginning Tuesday, 4/14
of us and say for your tomorrows, we
at 4pm until
gave our today.” We, who have made
it home, are here to do just that, to
Monday 4/20.
honor those who made the supreme
Cherry Hill Posacrifice and affirm that never again
lice also left an
will one generation of veterans
unmanned police
abandon another.”
car on the Le-
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AFTER WALL REPORT (cont’d)
Mac, Chief Master Sgt AF Alexander Gargas, Charles Gallagher
(SJVV), Bob
Henderson
(Last Patrol),
Marty Seroter (Camden
County
Honor Guard
Bugler), William Mead (State Vocalist), Chaplain Chester Malik, Cherry Hill Boy
Scouts, Cpl Edward Slavin, SJ
Chapter 82nd Airborne Div Assn,
Camden County Commander Tom
Adams, SALs Commander Brian
Fitzgerald, Ladies President Carol
Doyle, Val Norton, Phil Beck, Dave
Larsen, Sabrina Gottron, South
Jersey Vietnam Veteran Escorts,
Color Guards—
American Legion
Post 372, American Legion Post
371, VFW Post
2445, Vietnam
Veterans of
America #899,
AMVets Pennsauken, Cherry
Hill Fire Dept, Cherry
Hill Police Dept,
Cherry Hill West Jr
ROTC, Marine Corp
League 1775, Marine
Corp League
Giordano Detachment .
VOLUNTEERS: We
had over 200 people
step up and volunteer
for various positions.
Many thanks to Volunteer Coordinators
Charlie Adams,
Maggie Thomas, Jim
Arcinese, Sean Cook,
and Dave Larsen
Event Coordinator Sue Quinn-Morris
sums up her sentiment in this quote There were also quite
from the letter she sent to the families, a few volunteers that
practically lived at the
friends and comrades of the KIA.
“Organizing “The Wall That Heals” visit Post during the visit—thank you.
has had a profound effect on me—one
I will never forget and is hard to adequately express in words. Preparation
for the Candlelight Services began
with just a list of KIA names. I never
dreamed of the life that list would take
on—the heart and soul of each of your
loved ones came shining through.
Each name became a person, a life, a
story—the common thread being their
unfortunate ending. But I can see now,
that while their lives were cut short,
they live forever in and through each
of you and I feel honored to have had
the opportunity to learn about your
loved one—heroes of our country—
without such individuals our freedom
would not exist.”
The outpouring of support was phenomenal. It was very inspiring to
see just how many people stepped
up to help out. Without everyone
pulling together, working together
as a team, it wouldn't have worked
out so well. The words ―Thank You‖
don’t seem adequate enough.
On the following pages you will find
individual thank you’s—I apologize
in advance if I’ve overlooked mentioning anyone. Please know everyone’s help was very much appreciated.