By Doug Otto
Ocean City American Legion Post 524 will again welcome two military families to “America’s Greatest Family Resort” on Sunday, July 14 for a week of fun and festivities courtesy of the Post’s Rest & Relaxation Program.
The families will be given the use of two free condominiums 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.’
United States Air Force Staff Sgt. Dustin Panaccione, his wife Alexa and their three sons–10-year-old Hudson, 6-year-old Weston and 3-year-old Lawson– will join USAF Senior Airman Isaiah Shwarber, his wife Shauna and their three children: 6-year-old Emma, 1-year-old Eleanor and 3-month-old Isaiah, Jr. for the week’s activities.
“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 Panacciones and Schwarbers will be honored during a lunchtime welcoming ceremony held at the American Legion Morvay-Miley-Cruice 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 Air Force colors and designs.
On Wednesday, July 17, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian will host the families and present them with a key to the city. They will also receive free beach and parking passes, restaurant dinners and local product baskets. 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.”
Panaccione, originally from Homosassa, Florida, is a 12-year active duty crew chief with the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS), currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. He has been deployed throughout the Pacific region, including Asia, the Middle East and Korea.
“I put a lot of time into my work, both on the clock and at home,” said Panaccione. “My mind is always thinking about how I can further and improve our mission and my troop. Being selected for this incredible vacation opportunity, that we otherwise could not afford, is such a blessing to my deserving wife and kids.”
Schwarber hails from Winchester, Ohio and is currently stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. He enlisted in 2017, with multiple deployments including Qatar.
“We have not had a family vacation in four years,” commented Senior Airman Schwarber. “Our oldest child, Emma, will be turning 7 in July and has been begging us for a vacation. This trip is perfect, since it’s the week before her birthday.”
The public is invited to join the welcoming ceremonies.
For more information, call Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 at (609) 398-1751 or visit www.legion524ocnj.org
