Emma, Ryan, Jr, and Eleanor were honored by Ocean City American Legion Post 524 for their service to America. Local merchants donated a wide variety of gifts to say “thank you for your service.”
On Saturday Sept. 5, Army Captain and Senior Combat Arms Officer Ryan Bailey, his wife, Laurie, and their children Emma (9 yrs. old), Ryan (6 yrs. old) and Eleanor (4 yrs. old) were escorted across the Route 52 causeway by the Ocean City Police and Fire Departments to a welcome home ceremony held at American Legion Post 524.
The Bailey’s were the third military family honored this year by the service organization’s Veteran’s Rest and Relaxation Program.
Each summer, Ocean City’s American Legion Post 524 offers an all-expense paid, one-week vacation to families of military personnel. Twelve families have been feted since the program’s inception in 2013.
“Thanks to the generosity of our local merchants and officials, we can pay tribute to these brave military families and present them with a memorable Ocean City experience,” said R & R Program Chairman Steve Cole.
Besides the free use of an island condominium, given by a local community member, the City of Ocean City gives free beach tags and a week’s membership to the Aquatics and Fitness Center. The Freeholder Board of Cape May County offers tickets and a special tour of the Cape May Zoo.
Captain Bailey has 19 years military service (three active and 16 reserve) and has led over 100 missions through hostile territory. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Commanded a Scout Platoon in Kabul Afghanistan, and was embedded with the Afghan National Army’s premier strategic fighting force.
Local businesses supporting the 2015 Rest & Relaxation Program include:
- Acme Markets ($100 gift certificates)
- Artisan’s Alcove ($50.00 Gift Certificates)
- Bernie’s Barber Shop (Haircut and Shave gift certificates)
- Dak’s Kayaks (kayak rentals)
- Fashion Nails (free manicures)
- G & T Linens (bedding and towels)
- Henry’s Jewelers ($25.00 gift certificates)
- Hoy’s 5 & 10 ($50.00 gift certificates)
- Jays Crab Shack ($25.00 gift certificates)
- Johnson’s Popcorn (a tub of popcorn)
- Kay Jays Doll House ($20.00 gift certificates)
- Mallon’s Sticky Buns (gift certificates for 1 dozen sticky buns)
- Manco & Manco (pizza gift certificates)
- Mia’s Christmas Shop (gift boxes with assorted gifts)
- OC Aquatics and Fitness Center (use of pool and gym)
- Ocean City Chamber of Commerce (gift basket)
- Ocean City Coffee Company ($50.00 gift card)
- Ocean City Home Bank (beach bag with ball caps, beach towels, drinks)
- Ocean City Municipal Golf Course ( a round of golf)
- Ocean City Parasail Parasail (ride gift certificate)
- Ocean City Water Park (park passes)
- Ocean County Zoo (tickets and a tour)
- Playland (ride tickets)
- Shirt Shack (gift certificates)
- ShopRite ($100.00 gift certificate)
- Spinning Wheel Florist (a bouquet of flowers for each spouse)
- Sun Rose Words & Music ($25.00 gift certificate)
- Ward’s Bakery ($20.00 gift certificate)
- Windjammer Restaurant (gift certificate and welcome sign message)
- Yesterday’s Restaurant (gift certificate)
- Yoasis Yogurt ($30.00 gift card)
- YoGo Factory Yogurt (gift cards for free sundaes)
- 34th Street Market ($100.00 gift certificate)
— By Doug Otto for American Legion Post 524
