NJ Veteran Journal - Spring 2009 Edition

Veterans News & Views

Supporting The Deployed

State American Legion Commander Richard Zalinkanskas, (r), shares a story with Lt. Col. John Scanell, 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion commander during an New Jersey Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve business and civic leader visit to the unit. New Jersey Catholic War Veterans commander Frank Kowalski and Marine Corps League state commandant Phil Uecker were among the veterans service organization leaders on the trip. The Battalion trained at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. prior to being mobilized in January for a one-year deployment to Iraq. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA.

Let The Sunshine In

Up to 20 residents of the Vineland Veterans Memorial Home will be able to enjoy gardening year round as a greenhouse donated by the American Legion was dedicated on Nov. 6, 2008. State Senator Jeff Van Drew joined past state commander Frank Calandrilo and past department president Dolores Gonzalez at the ceremony. The greenhouse which features wheelchair height work stations is part of the 2007-2008 State Commander’s Project’s. Other American Legion projects included the donation of two vehicles to assist the participates in the Veterans haven transitional housing program for homeless veterans. Photo by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA.

Scouts Good Deeds

To complete requirements for Eagle Scout Edward Gorman Jr. of Avenel developed his project to provide a recreation opportunity for the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home residents. Gorman looks over the instructions to install the six-hole putting green, which was designed by www.backyard-golf.com, that fellow Boy Scouts and adult leaders assisted in constructing in the back of the home near the amphitheater. Photo by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA

Memorial Dedicated

Assemblyman Matthew W. Milam (l-r), District 1, joins Dennis W. Moriarty, Commander, Shore Chapter #701, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Sam Haspel, past state Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Vineland Veterans Memorial Home Chief Executive Officer Joseph Romano for the dedication of the Purple heart Memorial at the Veterans Home on Nov. 8, 2008. Photo by Kryn P. Westhoven, NJDMAVA/PA.

Contribution For Lady Victory

Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New Jersey officers, Adjutant Robert Pinto (l) and Commander Richard C. Bradshaw (r) present retired Col. Stephen G. Abel with a $20,000 donation for work on the New Jersey World War II Memorial on State Street in Trenton.Photo by Wayne Woolley, NJDMAVA/PA.

Cadets Honors Warriors

Civil Air Patrol Cadets Jose Avila (l), Jimmy Stewart Composite Squadron and Emily Speziale (r), Pineland Composite Squadron, place a wreath on the grave of Maj. Francis Burke, the only Medal of Honor recipient buried at the Brig. Gen William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 13, 2008. Cadets placed more than 100 wreathes at the state cemetery, one of a half dozen New Jersey wreath events that were synchronized with the Arlington National Cemetery wreath-laying ceremony. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kryn P. Westhoven, JFHQ-NJ/PA.

Birthday Kisses

Paramus Veterans Memorial Home resident John Lemenmeier gets special treatment from the Liberty Belles when he celebrated his 100th birthday on Feb. 20. During the ceremony he was presented with the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. In addition to the staff and residents who attended the birthday bash, Lemenmeier was joined by more than 30 members of his family. Lemenmeier was born in Austria in 1909. His family moved to the United States and Union City in 1912. Lemenmeier served in the Army during World War II and saw combat service in both North Africa and Italy. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, NJDMAVA/PA.