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Council Honors American Legion for Excellence Award

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Ocean City American Legion Commander Bob Marzulli accepts the American Legion Post Excellence Award from New Jersey Department Commander Mike Babli. This is the fourth time in the last five years that local Post 524 has been recognized. City Council on Thursday invited Korean War veteran Dick Mathers to share some of the success stories of Morvey-Miley American Legion Post 524 in Ocean City. The post won the prestigious Post Excellence Award from the New Jersey Department of American Legion for the fourth time in the last five years. Ocean City ranks among the most successful of New Jersey's 326 American Legion posts, Mathers said. Post Commander Bob Marzulli accepted the award from New Jersey American Legion Department Commander Mike Babli during a recent county meeting. In order to be considered for the Excellence Award, Post 524 had to exceed its previous year’s membership, sponsor youth activities, work actively in its community, and demonstrate service to America’s troops and veterans. During the last year, Post 524 increased its membership by 10 percent and sponsored local youth in Boy Scouts, the American Legion National Oratorical Contest, and at Boys State leadership conferences. The organization was also active in the Ocean City community by sponsoring activities at The Shores at Wesley Manor and taking part in Memorial Day ceremonies Service to military personnel and families was rendered through the Veterans Rest & Relaxation Program, at the Vineland Veterans Home and during the local Walk for the Wounded and Run for the Fallen events. “This award is extremely meaningful to our American Legion family, especially as we build our new Post building at 46th Street,” said Commander Marzulli. “We look forward to expanding our community presence, increasing our membership base and continuing our work as ‘Veterans Serving Veterans.’ ” Mathers said it's a dream of post members to turn the key on the Legion's new home at 46th Street and West Avenue by Memorial Day.