Jersey Shore Pops Held Tribute to Veterans at Patriotic Concert

COURT HOUSE — Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak took time out of their busy schedules to attend the patriotic concert of Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore Pops on July 6, 2013 at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center. Senator Van Drew was at the very first debut concert for the orchestra in 2009 and has been a supporter of arts in the county for years.
Senator Van Drew took the stage after intermission for a powerful and emotional message and tribute to our troops and veterans. He then introduced Assemblyman Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak, who received a standing ovation from the audience for his bravery in duty. Lower Cape May Regional High School in 2004 and joined the United States Army in 2005 as a member of the infantry.
In 2006, Sgt. Andrzejczak was deployed to Iraq for his first tour, stationed in Ryad and Hawija. His tour was initially set for 12 months, but around Christmas his deployment was extended to 18 months. He suffered a leg wound during an attach during this tour, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor. Sgt. Andrzejczak was deployed again in 2008, this time to Bayji, Iraq. Just two months into his second tour of duty, his unit was moving through a local market when they were attacked by a lone combatant who threw an anti-tank grenade into the truck in which he was the rear gunner stationed in the truck’s turret. After the grenade exploded, Sgt. Andrzejczak unhinged himself from the turret in order to secure the area and provide cover for his comrades. It wasn’t until he determined that the rest of his men were alive that they told him that his left leg had been blown off by the grenade. For showing incredible courage under fire, he received the Purple Heart, the military’s greatest honor. The audience was incredibly moved by his appearance on stage and his words.
This marks the 4th Official Summer Concert Season for the fabulous and exciting orchestra. The Jersey Shore Pops was founded in 2009 by current music director and conductor for the orchestra Linda Gentille. She comments, “We were so honored to have Senator Van Drew and Assemblyman Sgt. Bob Andrzejczak attend the concert and tribute our veterans and troops. The audience was truly moved by both their speeches and it was a powerful concert because of it. We also had the honor of having many World War II veterans in the audience including Marvin Hume of Cape May County.”
After the concert, the Senator and Assemblyman took the time to attend the after concert “Meet and Greet” reception with the orchestra members and season ticket holders at the Avalon Golf Course. The orchestra members were so honored that they took the time to not only attend the concert, but to mingle with the orchestra members and other veterans who also were in attendance. One of the owners of the Avalon Golf Course, Russ Buckingham commented, “Avalon golf club has always been a proud supporter of the arts and is happy to host the Jersey Shore Pops “After Glow Receptions.”
Middle Township Deputy Mayor Tim Donohue attended the previous concert and was so impressed with the orchestra and their presentations. He commented, “”Supporting the arts is a key component to building a vibrant and diverse community.” Deputy Mayor Tim Donohue added. “It was a special night for me and my mom, remembering and enjoying the Irish music that’s been such a big part of our lives. I encourage residents and visitors alike to come out for Broadway quality entertainment right here at the shore. Entertainment that’s affordable for the whole family.”
The Jersey Shore Pops will continue to perform in Middle Township but plans to expand their outreach in 2014 with performances at the Ocean City Music Pier, The Strand Theater in Lakewood, and the new Convention Center in Cape May. To purchase tickets for future concerts, please call the JSP Ticket Office at 800-838-3006 for credit card orders or 609-628-4544 for cash orders, or go online at www.JerseyShorePops.org The Middle Township Performing Arts Center is located at the Middle Township High School , Exit 10 (GSP) in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.