Ocean City’s Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 will again welcome two military families to “America’s Greatest Family Resort” on Sunday July 13th for a week of fun and festivities courtesy of the Post’s Rest & Relation Program.
The families will be given the use of a free condominium for the week, and a multitude of 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 service men and women for sacrifices made during their time in the military,” explained 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 families will be honored during a noontime welcoming ceremony held at the American Legion Post 524 building, located at 46th Street and West Avenue. During the ceremony, members of The South Jersey Quilts of Valor Foundation will present personalized, handmade quilts to both service members. The pattern and stitching will represent the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy designs.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian will present the families with a key to the city. They will also receive free beach and parking passes, restaurant dinners and local product baskets courtesy of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the local business community. The Cape May County Zoo has donated free admission passes.
“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, originally from Wichita, Kansas, works on jet engines and fuel systems for navy aircraft at Naval Support Activity Lakehurst. He enlisted in 2007 and has seen active duty in Bahrain, El Salvador, Italy and Iceland.
“Despite the unique experiences military life brings, our family hasn’t had the chance to truly relax and reconnect on a real vacation since the summer of 2017,” said Melissa Welch. “After years of sacrifice, separation and service, this trip means the world to our family and will allow us to celebrate being together,” she said.
USAF Staff Sergeant 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. He enlisted in 2015, with multiple deployments around the world, including Germany and Africa.
“We love the opportunity to spend a week at the beach this summer as a way to make up for the lost time and create lasting memories as a family,” said Heather Mims. “Additionally, our 10th wedding anniversary falls on July 26th,and this trip will be a wonderful way for us to celebrate.”
The public is invited to join the welcoming ceremonies on Sunday July 13th beginning at 12:00 noon. For more information, call Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 at (609) 398-1751 or visit www.legion524ocnj.org
