#NeverForget #NeverQuit
23nd Annual Ocean City, NJ Iron Soldiers SWIMRUN ~ July 13, 2024
A .75 Mile Ocean Swim (parallel to shore/with the current/large beach patrol buoys for sighting) and a 3.1 Mile LOW TIDE Beach Run
This year we are honoring ARMY SPC David P. Mahlenbrock of Maple Shade, NJ. SPC Mahlenbrock was killed in action December 3, 2004 when an improvised explosive device detonated as he was clearing a route in Kikuk, Iraq. He was assigned to the 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. David graduated from Maple Shade High School, where he was a member of the football team and Captain of the wrestling team.
Our team at Philadelphia “Treats for Troops” are all civilians and never had the honor of serving our country. The Iron Soldiers SWIMRUN event is our way of paying back a debt we can never fully repay to our brave warriors.
Please ONLY join us if you feel the same way. We promise to do everything possible to make this night special for you and the family of SPC Mahlenbrock.
Music Credit: Joe Kenney “Remedy”
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Good Morning All and Happy 4th Of July
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Earlier Today was in Philly for their annual Vet Fest where hundreds of people came to Philadelphia City Hall to honor U.S. military veterans at Vet Fest 2024.
The event was organized by the City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s office. The event began with a ceremony and speakers including Mayor Cherelle Parker and Johnson awarding 44 veterans individual city commendations and medals.
Music Credit: Joe Kenney “Remedy”
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
The Battleship New Jersey returned to it’s Home in Camden, NJ after three months in Dry Dock at the Philadelphia Naval shipyard on June 20, 2024.
USS New Jersey (BB-62) is an Iowa-class battleship, and was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named after the U.S. state of New Jersey. She was often referred to fondly as "Big J". New Jersey earned more battle stars for combat actions than the other three completed Iowa-class battleships, and was the only US battleship used to provide gunfire support during the Vietnam War.
While watching this video bear in mind the ship was traveling at 5 knots (5.8 mph) Shot using a GoPro 12 camera mounted in the Hot Shoe of my Nikon camera.
Music Credit: Fesliyan Studios Background Music
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Earlier Today the city of Ocean City, NJ unveiled their POW/MIA National Chair Of Honor at their Community Center located at 1735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ.
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Celebration Of Life Remembrance Of 1st Lt. Kenneth M. Ballard KIA 30 May 2004
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Friday afternoon in rainy, cold weather at Washington Crossing National Cemetery Hector Bonilla, Homeless Vietnam ARMY Purple Heart Veteran was honored at his full honors funeral ceremonies by fellow Veterans and supporters.
Special thanks to Washington Crossing Honor Guard, Warriors Watch Riders, Marine Corps League All Divisions Detachment #231, Rolling Thunder® Inc. and Robert Haley, USMC, Hospice Sales Consultant/Veteran Liaison, Gentiva Hospice (Formerly Kindred} and Chaplain Danny Vanhoose.
Music Credit: Joe Kenney “Remedy”, Amazing Grace on Bag Pipes, Fanfare for the Common Man
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
This presentation yesterday at the Wilmington VA Medical Center was made possible by Washington, DC Vet Center Director Ed McEvoy.
On 25 March WWII Marine Purple Heart recipient Cpl. Robert Leroy James Quinn celebrated his 100th birthday. Two days later while at the Cpl Michael J. Crescenz Philadelphia VAMC got to mention this fact to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
It has been a very busy week, this ceremony took place last Wednesday.
Vietnam War Veterans Day At Barnegat NJ 3-27-2024
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
On 29 March 2024, National Vietnam War Veterans Day was honored and humbled to present the Marine Corps wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Stories Told At “The Wall”
Remembering SP5 Rosendo Montana US Army
Honored on Panel 11W, Line 8
Date Of Casualty 15 April 1970
Music Credit: Joe Kenney “Remedy”
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Happy 100th Birthday To Cpl. Robert Leroy James Quinn
In August 2022 got to meet then 98 year old Tarawa Marine Cpl. Robert Leroy James Quinn who received his Purple Heart from wounds suffered during the Battle for Saipan.
A Big Thank You to the Delaware Patriot Guard riders for their Motorcycle escort to the Atterbury VFW
God Bless This American Hero!
Semper Fidelis, Oorah!
Music Credits: Birth of a hero_Besound.com
The Marines Hymn Slow Version
Washington Memorial Chapel Service
In Honor of Vietnam Veteran’s Day 22 March 2024
Dinner Served at 6 p.m. ~ Followed by Service at 7 p.m.
Welcome to Washington Memorial Chapel! We are glad that you are worshiping with us today. Rector, The Rev’d Tommy Thompson, Priest Associate, Rev’d Timothy Steeves.
Guest speaker Captain Louis A. Cavaliere (US Navy Retired), Vice-Chair of the board of The Chapel of Four Chaplains
Music Credit: Birth Of A Hero Besound.com
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY BB62 DEPARTS FOR DRY DOCK
The Battleship New Jersey makes her historic departure for dry dock maintenance today, March 21. A celebration event was held prior to her departure featuring comments from New Jersey dignitaries, the U.S. Navy, and Battleship New Jersey leadership.
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Maris Grove Veterans Club Vietnam Pinning Ceremony 18 March 2024
Music Credit: Fanfare For The Common Man
Trumpeter Terrance Fareed Simpson, Piano Thomas Weaver
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY DEPARTS FOR DRY DOCK ON MARCH 21
The Battleship New Jersey will make her historic departure for dry dock maintenance on Thursday, March 21. A celebration event will be held prior to her departure featuring comments from New Jersey dignitaries, the U.S. Navy, and Battleship New Jersey leadership.
“Today’s announcement has been the culmination of months of hard work and preparations,” said Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial. “We want to give the Battleship a proper sendoff that celebrates her decades of service and many years educating the public. The Battleship New Jersey is truly a treasure and we hope this event will prompt more people to visit her and learn about her incredible history and legacy.”
This will be the first time in 30 years that the Battleship will undergo dry docking. The process removes the Battleship from the water allowing maintenance crews to perform critical work and repairs on her exterior portions that sit below the waterline. This work will ensure that the nearly 900-foot-long ship continues to awe and educate for decades to come.
Once in dry dock, the public will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take walking tours under a dry docked battleship while it undergoes maintenance work. Tour spots will be limited and can be purchased. A special “Curator’s Tour,” led by Battleship New Jersey curator, Ryan Szimanski, is also available.
Music Credit: Joe Kenney “Remedy”
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Earlier Today on the Anniversary of Marine Neil McCrossen’s burial visited and paid respects along with fellow Marine Chuck “Graves” Roth.
#NeverForget #NeverQuit
Ralph Galati 52 years ago Today on 16 FEB 1972
Ralph shared with me that today is a very special day as it was 52 years since his plane was shot down over Vietnam.
Life is so precious as he explained the details of the worst 15 minutes of his life which turned into horror for 14 months as a POW.
Many didn’t make it home, so sitting here with Ralph talking shop on how we can make this world better is my gift.
