Media Contact: Doug Otto (609) 399-0502

FIFTH VETERAN FAMILY TREATED TO OCEAN CITY VACATION COURTESTY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 524   AND LOCAL MERCHANTS

Popular R & R Program Continues

By Doug Otto

   For the fifth time this season, Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 will pay tribute to the sacrifices made by a returning veteran and his family with an  “all expenses paid” week in America’s Greatest Family Resort.  On Saturday September 21^st, the post’s popular Vet Rest and Relaxation Program will welcome National Guard Captain Jon Santana, his wife Kelly, and their two children, Rafael and Isabella, with a police/fire and motorcycle escort into the city, followed by a reception at the post headquarters on Bay Avenue.

Captain Santana, a 14-year Guardsman, recently completed his tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he commanded a field tank crew. Returning to his family in Highland, New York, he will begin a civilian job with Verizon, following his Jersey shore vacation.

Vet R & R Committee Chairman Steve Cole has once again gathered together local merchants and private citizens to present the Santana’s with the use of a donated condominium, restaurant gift certificates and passes to entertainment.

“Military family members are very important to our project,” said Cole, “because the families always share in the sacrifice of deployed service members.”

Mrs. Santana is a career Spanish teacher, who also serves as a Family Readiness Group Leader for her husband’s National Guard unit. Ten-year old Rafael loves science and superheroes, while his six-year old sister, Isabella, favors animals and dressing-up as a princess.

Post 524’s R & R Program is in it’s second year of honoring returning service personnel with the generous help of the Ocean City business community. Saturday’s festivities will begin at The Ocean City Welcome Center on the Ninth Street Causeway at about 9:00 AM, where Post Commander Bob Marzulli will greet the family, along with Cape May County Freeholders Marie Hayes and Gerry Thornton. Later in the week, Mayor Jay Gillian will present the Santana’s with a key to the city, during a ceremony at City Hall.

One additional veteran will be treated to an R & R vacation during October. The Post will be announcing those plans early next month.