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Legion post hosts annual veterans picnic

| 18 Aug 2014 | 03:57
    Vietnam War Army Veteran and Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden of Green welcomes the veterans and their family members to the second annual veterans picnic held at the American Legion Post in Wantage.
    Vietnam War Army Veteran and Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden of Green welcomes the veterans and their family members to the second annual veterans picnic held at the American Legion Post in Wantage.
    PHOTOS BY CHRIS WYMAN Korean War Navy veteran Vincent Grey of Vernon hands a completed information form to Sussex Elks volunteer Carol Lee Spages. For Grey, it was his first year at the veterans picnic.
    PHOTOS BY CHRIS WYMAN Korean War Navy veteran Vincent Grey of Vernon hands a completed information form to Sussex Elks volunteer Carol Lee Spages. For Grey, it was his first year at the veterans picnic.
    Spanning over 70 years of military service are American Legion Past Commander and current Sussex County Senior of the Year Herman Terpstra, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, World War II Army Veteran John Sterbinsky, and Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden. McHose's husband Morgan is currently serving a tour of duty in Kabul, Afghanistan.
    Spanning over 70 years of military service are American Legion Past Commander and current Sussex County Senior of the Year Herman Terpstra, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, World War II Army Veteran John Sterbinsky, and Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden. McHose's husband Morgan is currently serving a tour of duty in Kabul, Afghanistan.

WANTAGE — The Pvt. Charles Auberger American Legion Post Number 213 hosted the Second Annual Sussex County Veteran’s Picnic on Saturday.

Attendance increased about 20 percent from the previous year with about 150 veterans and their family members coming out for the cookout held in their honor.

Vietnam War Army Veteran and Sussex County Freeholder Director Richie Vohden of Green welcomed the crowd and once again explained the Sussex County Veteran’s Program that is available to all honorably discharged residents. With a growing list of sponsors, the program offers veterans a county-issued ID card that is honored for discounts at dozens of area businesses and retailers. The card also is recognized as proof of military service since a copy of each veteran’s discharge papers, Form DD-214, is required to obtain the card.

As in the past, dozens of picnic tables covered with a canopy were alive with conversation as the vets shared stories and then their concerns with representatives the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Military Affairs.

Dozens of informative brochures and gifts were available for those who attended. The organizations’ representatives also offered follow-up meetings and special programs for veterans.

The event was the second of its kind and was sponsored by the Sussex County Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services, the Municipal Alliance and the Sussex County Veterans Committee. Representing state and county governments were Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Vohden. The veterans attending were from the Vietnam War Era along with several veterans of the Korean War and at least two World War II veterans, including Army Veteran John Sterbinsky of Sparta.

During the program, Lorraine Hentz, director of the Sussex County Division of Senior Services awarded door prizes including gift certificate, many of which were once again donated by County Clerk Jeff Parrott.

For additional information about services offered to veterans, contact the Sussex County Department of Human Services, Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 or via email at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.