JACKSON – Veterans Day 2024 took place earlier this week and one event to remember and honor those brave men and women who keep us free took place in the township a little earlier.
This year marked the 16th annual Wounded Warrior Escort where veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, as well as veterans from Vietnam, Korea, and WWII were provided transport from the Justice Complex to the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club on South Stump Tavern Road.
Veterans began to gather at the Justice Complex., preparing for their ride to the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club 30 minutes later.
Mayor Michael Reina brought his own motorcycle to the event and lead the pack of American Legion motorcycle units, motorcycle clubs and a long line of township police, fire and emergency vehicles.
“It is a beautiful day to ride,” he said. “This is Jackson’s way of saying ‘we appreciate you’ and this is the only way we can honor you by coming out whenever we can, not just Veterans Day and Memorial Day. I am proud of Jackson coming out, honoring and supporting our veterans. This is something we look forward to.”
American Legion Rolling Thunder leader John Suttles makes it a point to be at the event each year. “I left Vietnam in 1969 and left the Army in ‘91. I was in the reserves for a while. I did three tours of active duty and had 12 years in the reserves.” As a veteran he said he knows how important it is to be remembered for your service.
Bud Lecompte, president of the Jackson AMVET Riders said “this is my first event here. We have nine members here today and we were at Jackson Day.”
Some residents were stationed at sidewalks and roads along West Veterans Highway and South Stump Tavern Road in support of the veterans riding in the parade.
Al Dolce of the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club has also had a long association with the event. He told The Jackson Times about the long legacy his organization has. The veterans enjoy lunch and some time at the gun range after they arrive on the club grounds.
“It began in 1957 in a chicken coop on a farm,” Dolce said about the club. “Over the years members have continually made improvements, resulting in a first-class facility with 4,200 members. The scope of all the activities that take place there is truly spectacular.”
He added that along with a myriad of shooting disciplines the club hosts women and youth programs, provides scholarships and supports the Jackson Foodbank. Additionally, they have hosted Wounded Warriors since 2007. “It is always a big charge for the vets when the parade rolls into the club. There is a welcoming reception and orientation explaining the day to all present.”
The Warriors brought along members of their families. “We learned that it is not just the soldier who sacrificed. All are welcome to take part in all that CJ has to offer, and that includes all those in the parade. We offer shotgun, pistol line, really full rifle line, and archery,” Dolce added.
Dolce noted that all shooting is done under one-on-one instruction. “Several archery clubs send instructors such as Garden State, Black Knights, Garden State and WAXOBE. Much to my surprise the archery was the activity the Warriors enjoyed most; likely because it is so different from their service experience.”
Members have worked on home builds, aided veterans both physically and financially, and donated automobiles. “The Sportsmen and Women in New Jersey have been very good to the Warriors, not just with us. Warrior Day is the highlight of our Central Jersey Wounded Warrior program, but we work with and for Warriors all year round,” Dolce said.
He added, “we have been fortunate to have friends like Wall Speedway, and the Bergen County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs who always send us $500. Wegmans has been extremely generous with food and supplies over the years. Dunkin Donuts, All Star Bagel, Shoprite and Walmart supported, as did Farley’s Ice Cream until it was sold.”
Other recent sponsors of the past include Smokin 55 BBQ which “has delighted the Warriors, but regrettably had to cancel due to illness. We were fortunate to get Mission BBQ to step in,” Dolce said.
“The most important thing we can do for our Warriors is to get them out of the house, or out of their room. It matters less what they do, and more that they get to be out doing something with people,” Dolce said.
Dolce added, “we mourn every time we lose one of our soldiers. The efforts of our sportsmen and women go a long way to help in that regard.”
