BRIDGEWATER – The sacrifices made by service members and their families were recently honored during the Proud to Be an American Day organized by Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) Social Studies teacher Ed Graf and his students. The event was held at VFW Post 2290 in Manville due to the construction of new facilities at SCVTHS.
Attendees heard from a variety of dignitaries who all acknowledged the debt owed to the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces. While the day honored the Gold Star Families who have paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation, two service members were selected for special honors. Eileen Daly of Brick, mother of Army Ranger and Silver Star recipient Sargent Ronald Kubik, who was killed in Afghanistan, and Stacie Beals of Pennsville, mother of Marine PFC Dalton Beals, who died while in training, received special recognition for their sons’ service and sacrifice.
“As an Air Force veteran myself, I have known men and women who have lost their lives in service to their country,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “My heart goes out to their loved ones, our Gold Star Families, who go on despite the pain of loss, who continue to be Proud to Be Americans, and who spend a lifetime celebrating the memory of their loved one.”
In addition to the recognition of Gold Star families, US Navy Vice Admiral John Gumbleton, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Major Patrick Hartung, NJ State Police Major David Sierotowicz, and Gold Star Mother Janice Chance talked to the audience about service and patriotism.
Also honored were two SCVTHS students. Washington Campground Association Trustee Michael Minaides presented Anushka Dasari of Princeton and Sasha Kapur of Bridgewater with $500 scholarships, citing their “excellence and enthusiasm in their study of American history and their tremendous contribution to bringing about this event, honoring those who serve and sacrifice for our nation.”
Rounding out the day were displays from military branches, a demonstration by the Union High School National Champion Drill Team, a performance by the “American Bombshells” singing group, and a fly-by and landing of a USMC UH-1H Huey helicopter, followed by lunch which was served by SCVTHS students.
All funding for this annual event comes from donations and from the efforts of SCVTHS students.
In the photo:The crew of the USMC UH-1H Huey helicopter that landed at the Gold Star Family Day held recently at the Manville VFW Post 2290 are joined by SCVTHS students. Pictured with the Marines are (l-r) Alex Arguello of Hillsborough, Logan Russomanno of Bound Brook, Cole Russomanno of Bound Brook, Joseph Arena of Bridgewater, Matthew Boyce of Hillsborough, SCVTHS teacher Ed Graf, Michael Connors of Bridgewater, Jeffrey Huxley of Skillman, Brayden Andusko of Bridgewater, Cody Booker of Neshanic Station, Hunter Sibilia of Raritan, Austin Heywood of Hillsborough, and George Ghanime of Bridgewater.
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