By Doug Otto

At it’s January membership meeting, Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 said “thank you” to the town’s Police Motorcycle Squad by donating $1,000 to their privately funded maintenance program.

The Post and the Motorcycle Squad have worked hand-in-hand on a number of patriotic projects, but none is more prominent than the American Legion’s Rest & Relaxation Program for returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans and their families.

Each spring and summer, Post 524 welcomes vet families to “America’s Favorite Family Resort” and treats them to a week of free lodging, dinners at local restaurants and boardwalk activities for the services they have rendered.

The Ocean City Police Motorcycle Squad plays an active role in each R & R ceremony by escorting guest families across the Route 50 causeway, down Bay Avenue and into the Post parking lot. All the way, the motorcycle squad is a visible reminder of the sacrifices that vets and their families make while protecting our country.

“This donation is in recognition of the Ocean City Police Department’s support and backing of our R & R Program,” said Post Commander Bob Marzulli. “Nothing compares to the sight of the squad’s motorcycles leading the way for our veteran families, demonstrating the patriotic spirit that exists in our town.”

Last year, Post 524 welcomed five returning vets with police motorcycle escorts. Also taking part were Ocean City Fire Department vehicles and the American Legion Motorcycle Club riders. The popular program is scheduled to start-up again in June.

Ocean City Patrolman Karl Ruf (left) accepts a $1,000 check from American Legion Post 524 Rest & Relaxation Committee members Rob Cozen and Steve Cole, as Sgt. Brian Trostle looks on. Watching the award from behind is Post Commander Bob Marzulli.                            (photo by Jack Hagen)