Post 184 American Legion Honors Community Heroes

WILDWOOD – Since its founding in 1919, the American Legion has had the motto “For God and Country” emblazoned on patches, pins, medallions and in its posts.
On Nov. 18, American Legion Post 184 (Byron-Pennington-Crocker Post) held an awards ceremony to honor the selfless sense of duty and humanity exhibited by a host of recipients, aged 5 to 70, in preparing and delivering aid to Lehigh Acres in Lee County, Fla. after Category 3 Hurricane Irma struck in September.
Recovery from Irma
Immediately after Irma, Post Commander Harry Weimar put together a relief effort, much as he did the year before when Winter Storm Jonas struck New Jersey, and in 2012 when the state was hit by Superstorm Sandy.
Weimar expressed gratitude to all who had helped with Irma relief. He said that the people of Lehigh Acres, due east of Fort Myers, could not believe the amount of material assistance that had poured from Wildwood.  
Trailers and truckloads of needed items were driven to Florida, requiring multiple trips in which Weimar participated in two.
The massive amount of goods was accumulated by legions of donors and was inspired by such citizens as 5-year-old Chase Fitzmaurice, 6-year-old Joselyn Gonzalez, and Kevin Boyer, all of whom received an award for being Hurricane Relief Special Angels.
Weimar was surprised with Certificates of Appreciation on behalf of state legislators Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblymen Robert Andrzejczak and Bruce Land (all D-1st), which was delivered by aide Justin O’Leary, Board of Chosen Freeholders delivered by Freehold Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson, and executive officers of the post.
Weimar Honored
Just when Weimar thought all recognition was over, he was honored with a birthday cake to celebrate 70 years.
Weimar also received a surprise from Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr.
Extolling Weimar as a “friend” and “brother,” Troiano handed over a declaration announcing that every Nov. 18 from that day forward would be known as “Harry Weimar Day” in Wildwood.
Weimar received a standing ovation.
Community Heroes
Post 184 also awarded the first Michael Metchnik and Bruce (Unk) McCausland Memorial Award to Sue Casey for all her hard work supporting the post, while her husband and Junior Vice Commander Jack was recognized as the Post’s Person of the Year.
Ocean City Patrolmen Brendan Gheen and Thomas Strunk were recipients of an appreciation award for the help they gave to a Cape May County veteran.
Every Cape May County fire, fire and rescue and police department received the “American Legion County Appreciation Award For All That You Do.”
Specific police and firemen chosen by department heads were also recognized as not only fulfilling their duties on a daily basis but going “above and beyond the call of duty in helping veterans and their families.”
To contact Christopher Knoll, email cknoll@cmcherald.com.