By MADDY VITALE
Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Ward and his family received a warm welcome Sunday afternoon as a procession of military, police and fire officials escorted them into Ocean City.
The Wards were honored by the Ocean City American Legion’s Rest & Relaxation Program. The program, in its eighth consecutive year, provides a complimentary one-week vacation in the resort each year for a member of the military.
“This is very humbling. I am at a loss for words right now,” Ward said into the microphone as he looked out at the crowd that assembled in the legion parking lot at 46th Street and West Avenue. “You join the service for various reasons. No matter why you join, while you are in, you gain an appreciation for what you do and what others do.”
Video courtesy Martin Fiedler of Just Right TV Productions
Ward, a native of Warner Robins, Ga., is a 20-year active duty 605 AMXS Flightline Expediter currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
His deployments have included the Horn of Africa and Operation Freedom Sentinel (Afghanistan), where he participated in force protection, logistical support, and counterterrorism activities.
As part of the R&R program, the Wards received baskets filled with products donated by the American Legion and local businesses. Some of the goodies included ride tickets, amusements, and an array of gift cards to restaurants and food markets.
Ward thanked Post 524 and other military leaders, for selecting him for the R&R program, providing a way to enjoy quality time with his family.
“We are looking forward to this week of relaxation,” he said.
He also said he was grateful to his wife, Donna, and their children, Hannah, 15, Alivia, 12, Trevor, 18, and 21-year-old Cierra for supporting him throughout his military career.
Ocean City resident and Post 524 member Jim McPeak donated his condominium to the Wards for the week.
“You will have a great week. I’m just thrilled to do this,” McPeak said to the Ward family.
Jerry Bonner, chairman of the Rest & Relaxation Committee, could not attend the event, but his daughter, Kim Bonner, spoke on his behalf.
She noted that her father wanted to thank everyone for making the program possible, especially to those who have donated their condos, such as McPeak, for the weeklong vacation.
The Legion Riders, of Somers Point and Williamstown, led the motorcade into town. Two members presented Ward with spending money for he and his family to enjoy as they like during the vacation.
Among some other highlights of the ceremony was a gift presented on behalf of Cape May County by Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Hayes announced a special treat for the Ward family — a private backstage tour of the zoo.
“You will be able to see the animals up close. You could feed the giraffes and see the new baby monkey,” Hayes said.
She also commended the legion members for all they do for the veterans.
“What the American Legion does here is second to none,” Hayes said. “The legion is known across the state and the country for what they do for our veterans.”
In addition to gifts and a vacation, Ward received a piece of custom made appreciation – a Quilt of Valor – crafted for him by the Quilts of Valor Foundation. The quilt was wrapped around him, signifying comfort.
Post 524 Commander Bob Marzulli addressed the Ward family.
“On half of Post 524, we welcome you to Ocean City. Please have a good time and thank you for your service. God bless you and God bless America,” Marzulli said to applause from the crowd.
Any Ocean City condo owner who would like to donate a one-week vacation to a military family should contact R&R Chairman Jerry Bonner at (609) 525-0258 or bonnerjerry@msn.com.
