Master Sergeant Joe Farrell and his family (left to right: Aiden Joseph, Alyssa Rose, wife Sharon, Joseph Robert (back row) and Liam, prepare for a week’s vacation in Ocean City, thanks to the efforts of American Legion Post 524 and its Veterans Rest and Relaxation Program, now in it’s third year of serving vets and their families.
For the third consecutive year, Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 will welcome veterans and their families to "America’s Greatest Family Resort" for an all-expenses-paid, one-week vacation.
“The Veterans Rest & Relaxation Program began in 2013 as a way to pay tribute to servicemen and women for sacrifices made during their time in the military,” said program chairman Steve Cole. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment and we support their efforts as well.”
On Saturday (June 13), Army Master Sergeant Joseph Farrell, his wife, Shannon, and their children Joe Jr., Allysa, Liam and Aiden will be escorted across the Route 52 causeway by the American Legion Riders motorcycle team and the Ocean City Fire and Police departments. They will arrive at Post 524 on Bay Avenue and be welcomed with gifts from local merchants and the keys to a “free” condominium on the island.
Farrell entered the service in 1980 and trained in the Army’s Special Forces as a medic. He retired earlier this year after 35 years and advancing to Senior Battalion Medic. He saw action in Operation Desert Shield (Saudi Arabia), Operation Desert Storm (Kuwait), and later in Afghanistan. During his career, Farrell earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Local businesses supporting the Rest & Relaxation Program include:
- Artisan’s Alcove ($50.00 gift certificate)
- Ward’s Bakery ($20.00 gift certificate)
- Hoy’s 5 & 10 ($50.00 gift certificate)
- Sun Rose Words & Music ($25.00 gift certificate)
- Fashion Nails (Free Manicure)
- Kay Jay’s Doll House ($20.00 gift certificate)
- Yoasis Yogurt ($30.00 gift card)
- ShopRite ($100.00 gift certificate)
- Mallon’s Stickey Buns (one dozen buns)
- Ocean City Home Bank (beach balls, caps, towels and gift certificates)
- Acme Markets ($100.00 gift certificate)
- Ocean City Coffee Company ($50.00 gift certificate)
- Shriver’s Candies (candy and salt water taffy)
- Mia’s Christmas Shop (a gift box assortment)
- Henry’s ($25.00 gift certificate)
- YoGo Factory Yogurt (gift cards and free sundaes)
- 34th Street Market ($100.00 gift certificate)
- Manco & Manco ( gift certificates)
- Spinning Wheel Florists (a bouquet of flowers.)
The City of Ocean City is also involved in the R & R Program offering free parking during the family’s stay, passes to the Municipal Golf Course, and a free one-week’s pass to the Aquatics and Fitness Center. The Chamber of Commerce has donated a welcome basket and a private tour of the Cape May Zoo is being offered by Cape May County.
“The intent of this program is to say ‘Thank You for your service’ to our military heroes who have helped keep us safe,” said Steve Cole. “And we do this because it’s not only the right thing to do, it just feels good.”
— News release from Doug Otto for American Legion Post 524
