American Legion Honors Air Force Staff Sgt.

By Doug Otto Ocean City American Legion Post 524 welcomed another service member to “America’s Greatest Family Resort” on Saturday, May 18, when it honored U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andre Pazmino and his family for a week’s vacation, courtesy of the organization’s Rest & Relaxation Program. The Pazmino family was honored during a lunchtime welcoming ceremony at Post 524, located at 4562 West Ave., following a police and fire department motorcade and an escort into town by the Legion Riders. The family will be given the use of a free condominium for the week, as well as a multitude of gifts from local Ocean City businesses as a way to say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice.” “This is the sixth consecutive year that Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 has hosted military service personnel and their families while they enjoy our shore community and its many amenities,” said Jerry Bonner, chairman of the R&R Committee. Pazmino, a 13-year veteran of the Air Force, was deployed to Iraq and most recently Somalia, Africa. Serving out of a joint base, McGuire/Dix/Lakehurst, he is a resident of Queens, N.Y. “I am truly appreciative of this honor and the generosity of the American Legion,” Pazmino said. “This means so much to my family and me.” Staff Sergeant Pazmino is awarded a Quilt of Valor by the South Jersey Quilts of Valor Foundation for his years of service. Attending the ceremony with Pazmino, were his 6-year-old son, Mason, and his 5-year-old daughter, Isabella, his parents and sister. A multitude of gifts, such as dinners at local restaurants and product baskets, as well as accommodations, such as free parking passes and free admission to the Cape May County Zoom, have been donated by Ocean City businesses. During the week, Pazmino and his family will receive the keys to the city from Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian. “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,” Bonner said. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment and we support their efforts as well.” Post 524 veteran Steve Cole presents Mason and Isabella Pazmino with a commendation medal and a special citation for demonstrating strength while their father was deployed overseas. Rest and Relaxation Program Chairman Jerry Bonner thanks Ray and Eraena Gogola for donating their Ocean City condo to the Pazmino family.