By: Ryan Morton, ASA-Dix Public Affairs
November 26th, 2009
FORT DIX, N.J., Nov. 26, 2009 -- Escorted by a police and motorcycle brigade, more than 150 Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors who are currently training at Army Support Activity, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (ASA JB MDL) for ongoing contingency operations were transported by buses to a Thanksgiving feast at America’s Best Value Inn Ballroom in Cherry Hill Nov. 26.
Motorcycle clubs including Riders of the Lamb, Warriors Watch Riders, American Legion Riders, Last Patrol Inc., Yellow Ribbon Club, South Jersey Riders, and the Nam Knights paved the way for the buses, which delivered the guests of honor to the extravaganza.
Hundreds of people showed up to welcome, give salutations and thank the heroes who could not be home with their families as they walked off the buses to thunderous applause. This is the sixth annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted for training military personnel by ASA JB MDL Honorary Commander Eric Spevak and Post 126 of the Jewish War Veterans of Cherry Hill.
"We’re all standing here because you are the VIPs," said Bernie Epworth, New Jersey Jewish War Veterans post commander.
"For every one of us who wore the same uniform you wear, we’re here for you. We will make sure the support you need is there. We want to give you a little of that hometown feeling. Thank you and God bless," he said.
Once the troops were inside, they were thanked formally by Spevak, the Jewish War Veterans, and various dignitaries including Congressman John Adler, NJ 3rd Congressional District, Senator Steve Sweeney, NJ State Senate president-elect, Sen. Jim Beach, NJ 6th Legislative District, and Brig. General James Grant, NJ National Guard chief of Joint Staff.
Also on hand were various local celebrities including former National Football League (NFL) player and the inspiration for the movie “Invincible” Vince Papale, former NFL player and television and radio personality Gary Cobb, former Major League Baseball player and Vietnam War Veteran Gary Maddox, and former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Pervis Ellison.
"You have something inside you that a lot of us don’t have, a desire to protect the dream. Thank you so much for helping to maintain and protect the American dream. You brave young men and women are truly invincible," said Papale.
The Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
"We didn’t know this was going to be this big," said Army Maj. Perry Jarmon, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) commander, whose unit from Atlanta, Ga. is currently training at ASA JB MDL.
"This is very special and memorable. This is a great Thanksgiving, the response is overwhelming, and it’s more than we could have imagined," he said.
The servicemembers were told they were going to an undisclosed location to celebrate the holiday, but had no idea what it would be like.
"We figured it would be more of a small-scale affair and we’re pretty overwhelmed. Many of us were actually fighting back tears," said Army Staff Sgt. Paul Campos, 318th Psychological Operations Company from St. Louis, Mo."
The military personnel on-hand also were given another surprise treat-tickets to the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers game against the Atlanta Hawks, which took place the following night, and a meet-and-greet with various 76ers players following the game.
After the meal, they competed in a sports trivia game where they earned prizes including T-shirts and DVDs, and each Soldier, Airman, and Sailor was given goody bags upon his or her exit.
"What they do means everything in the world. A lot of people forget why we have the safety, freedoms, and everything we have because of what they do. It’s great to have the opportunity to express the gratitude and how thankful we are for them," said Ellison.
"This is something we should do every day. It’s never enough," he said.
