The military families are given a motorcycle escort to the American Legion Post for the welcoming ceremony. (Photos courtesy of Doug Otto)
Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 welcomed two military families to Ocean City on Sunday for a weeklong vacation courtesy of the post’s Rest & Relaxation Program.
The families will be given the use of a free condominium for the week and gifts from local Ocean City businesses as a way to say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifices.”
“American Legion Post 524’s 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 Joe Masington, co-chair of the R&R Committee. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment, and we support their efforts as well.”
Following a police and fire department motorcade and an escort into town by the Legion Riders motorcycle brigade, the Welch and Mims military families were honored Sunday during a welcoming ceremony at the American Legion building at 46th Street and West Avenue.
The welcoming ceremony includes a group photo outside the American Legion post.Navy Chief Petty Officer Brandyn Welch, originally from Wichita, Kansas, works on jet engines and fuel systems for navy aircraft at Naval Support Activity Lakehurst, N.J. He enlisted in 2007 and has seen active duty in Bahrain, El Salvador, Italy and Iceland.
USAF Staff Sgt. Patrick Wade Mims Jr. hails from Chesterfield, Virginia, and is currently the flying crew chief of the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron stationed at Joint Base McGuire, N.J. He enlisted in 2015, with multiple deployments around the world, including Germany and Africa.
“Post 524 is proud to welcome this year’s R&R families,” said Jerry Bonner R&R Committee co-chair. “We thank all our members – veterans, Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion for their many contributions to these deserving, patriotic families.”
Navy Chief Petty Officer Brandyn Welch is joined by his wife and three children.
USAF Staff Sgt. Patrick Wade Mims Jr. is joined by his wife and two children.
