American Legion Post 401

P.O. Box 82

Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852-0082

Lt. John Farnkopf American Legion Post 401

POST 401 NEWS PO Box 82, 148 Major Rd., Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852-0082

732-329-9861 alpost401@hotmail.com

Spring 2016 Volume 8, Issue 3

Memorial Day Service—May 30

Memorial Day Remembrance Services will be

held on the front lawn at the Lt. John Farnkopf

American Legion Post 401, 148 Major Rd, Mon-

mouth Junction, on Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m.

During the program, the Post will recognize Joe

Spataro for 70 years membership and Ralph Boc-

canera and Norman Schenck for 50 years.

Gary Cooper, Post commander, and Barbara Buhl,

Unit president, will present the ceremonial wreath

which honors those who gave their lives in mili-

tary service to the United States. Music will be

provided by the South Brunswick High School

Band. Refreshments will be served following the

ceremony.

Oratorical Contest Winner

The 2016 Middlesex County American Legion Oratori-

cal Contest finals were held January 30, at American

Legion Post 87, Woodbridge. Each contestant delivered

a prepared oration about some phase of the Constitution

of the United States, as well as an oration on a randomly

assigned constitutional topic.

Rishab Bhandari, sponsored by Lt. John Farnkopf

American Legion Post 401, an 11h grade student at West

Windsor-Plainsboro High School South, repeated as the

county winner. Placing second was Papa Yaw

Sencherey, a 12th grade student at East Brunswick High

School, sponsored by American Legion Post 25,

Milltown. Bhandari went on to compete in the district

contest on February 27 in Woodbridge with three other

contestants.

The purpose of The American Legion High School Ora-

torical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and

appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on

the part of all high school students.

Pictured at the Middlesex County competition are, from left:

Walter Zjawin, Middlesex County department executive com-

mitteeman; Gene Wiecek, county chaplain, Rishab Bhandari;

Daniel Dunn, county adjutant and regional contest chair.

Inside this Issue

Commander’s Corner………………………… NJ Military Service Medals.……....…………. Upcoming Events…………………………….. College Credits for Boys/Girls State…..…….. Spring Happenings..………………………….. Memorial List.………...…………………....… BG Doyle Veterans Cemetery……………From Your Service Officer ………….………. Our Delegates to Boys & Girls State……...….. Members in the News………….…………..….

Notable Legislation Signed into Law

Furthering his administration's commitment to New Jersey's veterans and military personnel, Governor Chris

Christie signed legislation from the 216th Legislative Session designed to assist both active military members

and veterans, along with their families.

"From the very start of this administration, we have focused on serving the needs of our veterans and the men

and women still in active duty, assisting them with everything from securing jobs to finding the proper health

care and social services," said Christie. "The bills I signed continue to make good on our promise to help those

who have given so much of themselves to defend and serve this nation find a seamless transition back to civil-

ian life and receive a helping-hand, when needed, no matter how long after their discharge from the military."

SA2935/S1325 Authorizes property tax deferment for deployed military personnel.

A2299/S239 Requires municipalities to exempt 100 percent disabled veterans from construction permit sur-

charge fees for improvements to promote living unit accessibility; appropriates $20,000 for municipal reim-

bursements.

A3552/S2636 Creates financial planning assistance program for disabled veterans and their caregivers.

S172/A2276 Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter

fees when their vehicles bear a disabled veterans or Purple Heart license plate or placard issued by New Jersey

Motor Vehicle Commission.

2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7

Boys & Girls State Delegates

American Legion Post 401 will send Rishab

Bhandari, an 11th grade student at West Windsor-

Plainsboro High School South, as a delegate to

Jersey Boys State at Rider University, June 19 to

24. The Post and Unit will also be sending Made-

line Whaley, an 11th grade student at Princeton

High, to Jersey Girls State at Georgian Court Uni-

versity during that same time.

Bhandari, pictured below with Gary Cooper, Post

401 commander, represented Post 401 at the coun-

ty and district levels of the Oratorical Contest the

past two years.

Whaley, pictured below with Commander Cooper,

is the daughter of Post 401 member Jim Whaley,

and hopes to attend West Point.

The students were selected to attend based on their

outstanding qualities of leadership, character,

scholarship, loyalty and service to school and

community.

Commander’s

Corner By Gary Cooper

On Memorial Day, across our country,

in small towns, big cities, parks,

schools, community centers and veterans posts, people

will gather to place a wreath at the base of a monu-

ment in honor and memory of the men and women

who served our country in the military, but who are no

longer with us.

On that day we remember, whether they died in battle

or of old age; whether they served during war, during

peace, during conflict, police action or operation. On

that day their spirits are our honored guests.

When you pass a cemetery, notice the graves marked

by a small flag, indicating the grave of a veteran. I ask

that you not see a tombstone, or a marker, or a granite

slab, but a monument, similar to the one at our Post or

at the Municipal Building -- but a monument to one

veteran. A veteran, who may not have achieved fame,

may not have had a movie made about them, may not

have a street or park named for them -- a veteran who

achieved a fame of a different sort.

They are veterans whose stories would not make the

big screen, but whose lives and character endeared

themselves to their families and their friends. In

someone’s eyes they were a hero.

They each have stories to tell. From the crosses at

Normandy to the markers at Dayton Cemetery; from

the tombs at Arlington to the fallen heroes who rest in

places unknown.

Over 30 years ago as a young public information of-

ficer for veterans affairs in NJ, my first visits to our

Veterans Homes was quite intimidating. Other nursing

homes my mother dragged me to, to see relatives, had

mostly women, these had mostly old guys.

But on successive visits, as the activities directors took

me around, I and the old guys warmed up to each oth-

er, and I learned their stories – their fascinating stories.

I met Floyd Brewster, who surprisingly is still alive in

Menlo Park, whose rich baritone voice had been heard

at the LA Coliseum and the Met. He sang America the

Beautiful, “the proper way with intro” at every event.

Members in the News

South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese, a nine

year member, was named Public Official of the

Year during a recep-

tion of the Libraries of

Middlesex at the Pines

Manor. A member of

the South Brunswick

Public Library Board

of Trustees for 20

years, the mayor was

recognized for his

years of advocacy on

behalf of library services in South Brunswick and

for his support, both personally and as a public offi-

cial.

Former South Brunswick Councilman John O’Sulli-

van, a 15 year member,

was elected president of

the Old Barracks Muse-

um Association. He has

been a member of the

association for 14 years.

The Old Barracks is lo-

cated next to the State

House in Trenton.

Toll-free Contact Numbers

VA Entitlements: 1-800-827-1000

VA Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387

DoD Gulf War Veterans Hotline: 1-800-796-9699

DoD Direct Veterans Hotline: 1-800-497-6261

VA Crisis/Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

2 7

The drummer who toured with Jimmy Dorsey’s

orchestra.

The jovial Columbus, an exceptional classical

guitarist who I would coax to get his guitar out

at every event I attended.

A school nurse so loved there is a school named

for her in Burlington County.

A prisoner of war who kept his sanity by creat-

ing a different menu for each meal, never using

the same ingredients twice.

A professional clown, who would dress up for

the visiting kids at Halloween,

And I got to meet the first person to ever drive a

Good Humor truck.

From intimidated, I became what my boss, the

Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, re-

ferred to as the Mayor of Menlo Park because

everyone there knew me by name.

As I look at our memorial list, I have treasured

memories of those I got to know and whose fu-

nerals I attended and learned more about from

their families. Many were long-time members

and became good friends.

Nobody can replace these heroes – especially in

the eyes of their families, friends and comrades

– the best we can offer are shoulders to cry on,

a sympathetic ear and the assurance that their

loved one’s service, sacrifice and contributions

will not be forgotten.

To that end, let us never lose focus of what Me-

morial Day means. It is a day to honor each one

of those men and women and to remember the

treasured stories their monuments hold. In that

way they will be with us always.

Boys State and Girls State are mythical fifty-first

states organized and administered for citizenship

training purposes under the auspices of the Ameri-

can Legion and Auxiliary. The programs are among

the most respected and selective educational pro-

grams of government instruction for high school stu-

dents. They are participatory programs where each

attendee becomes a part of the operation of a local,

county and state government. About 1,000 boys and

300 girls are expected to participate in the NJ

events.

“Rishab exhibited a keen interest in the Constitution

and the workings of government. His participation

in the Oratorical Contest helped him gain confidence

and skill in public speaking,” said Cooper. “I think

both he and Maddie will find this a truly enriching

experience and I look forward to hearing all about

their exploits during that high-energy week.”

From Your “Service Officer”

With the passing of our long-time Service Of-

ficer Rich Allen, those duties will be handled by

the other officers until we can fill that position.

So, just a reminder to everyone, it’s really im-

portant to let us know if any member is sick, in a

hospital or long-term care facility, or has passed

away. It’s important that they and their families

know that this organization has not forgotten

them.

I also remind you that if you need help with en-

titlements or if you know of a veteran or a Blue

Star family who needs some help to let us know

by email at alpost401@hotmail.com or call the

Post at 732-329-9861 so the bartender can get

the info to us.

It has been a while since the “in case of illness”

card was included in the newsletter, so it appears

at the bottom of this page. Don’t toss it with the

newsletter or stick it in your wallet, give it to

your next of kin or put it up on your refrigerator

so it’s visible.

When you think of your benefits, don’t forget

about those offered by New Jersey administered

by the NJ Department of Military & Veterans

Affairs. We highlight some in our newsletters,

such as burial benefits at the Doyle Cemetery in

this issue, but for a complete list and eligibility,

download the NJ Veterans Guide at http://

www.nj.gov/military/veterans/njguide/njvet.pdf.

6 3

MEETINGS

Post: 3rd Wednesday of the month—7 p.m.

Auxiliary: 3rd Tuesday of the month—7 p.m.

SAL: 2nd Tuesday of the month—7:30 p.m.

Medals from New Jersey

Did you know the state of New Jersey has a num-

ber of medals it awards to veterans or posthumous-

ly to their families? Just like American Legion

State Commander Michael Babli, pictured below

receiving his medals from BG Michael Cunniff,

you can receive the medals for which you qualify,

as well.

The Distinguished Service Medal is given to vet-

erans of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in time

of war or national emergency and meet the follow-

ing criteria: current resident of NJ or who was a

resident at the time of entry into military service or

who has been a resident of this state for at least 20

years in the aggregate; served in a combat theater

while on active duty during wartime or national

emergency; must have received an honorable dis-

charge or general discharge under honorable condi-

tions. Those recipients whose service was recog-

nized by the award of the Bronze Star, Purple

Heart, Air Medal or equivalent will also receive a

Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.

The Meritorious Service Medal is presented to

those honorably discharged combat veterans who

were not residents of New Jersey when they en-

tered military service, but who are current residents

and have resided in the state for the previous five

years.

The Korean Service Medal is presented for mili-

tary service in Korea, Japan, or the contiguous wa-

ters or airspace thereof on or after June 23, 1950,

and on or before January 31, 1955. Criteria: current

resident of NJ; attached to or served for one or

more days with an organization participating in or di-

rectly supporting military operations; or attached to or

served for one or more days aboard a U.S. Naval ves-

sel directly supporting military operations; or partici-

pated as a crew member in one or more aerial flights

into airspace above Korea or contiguous areas directly

supporting military operations; or served on temporary

duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive

days in Korea or contiguous areas, except that this

time limit may be waived for persons participating in

actual combat operations.

The Vietnam Service Medal is presented for military

service in the South East Asia Theater of Operations

from 1960 to 1975. Criteria: current resident of NJ;

served on active duty in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos or

Cambodia or the contiguous waters or airspace thereof

on or after December 31, 1960, and on or before May

7, 1975; received an honorable discharge from such

service or currently serving; meet one of the following

four "in country" requirements: attached to or served

for one or more days with an organization participat-

ing in or directly supporting military operations; at-

tached to or served for one or more days aboard a U.S.

Naval vessel directly supporting military operations;

participated as a crew member in one or more aerial

flights into airspace above Vietnam and contiguous

waters directly supporting military operations; served

on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-

consecutive days in Vietnam or contiguous areas, ex-

cept that this time limit may be waived for persons

participating in actual combat operations.

The POW-MIA Service Medal is presented to indi-

viduals who, while serving in any capacity with the

U.S. Armed Forces in a combat theater of operations

during time of war or emergency, was taken prisoner

and held captive and/or listed as missing in action.

Criteria: current resident of NJ, resident of NJ upon

entry on active duty; served in a combat theater and

was officially listed as a prisoner of war or missing in

action by the US Dept. of Defense; received an honor-

able discharge.

Individuals applying for these awards must forward a

completed NJ Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs’

Application for Award /Program form or a similar re-

quest in writing along with a copy of the service mem-

bers DD Form 214 (Separation from Active Duty) at-

testing to the fact that an honorable discharge was

granted. (Note: No person shall be entitled to more

than one award of the medal.)

BG William C. Doyle

Veterans Memorial Cemetery Serves

NJ Veterans and Their Families

In operation since 1986, New Jersey's first state-

operated veterans cemetery was dedicated by then Gov.

Thomas Kean as "a lasting memorial to those men and

women who put their lives on the line to defend our

country's honor and freedom." As a state shrine, the

Doyle Cemetery honors the men and women who have

served in the Armed Forces. Approximately 15 burials

occur each business day and the cemetery is visited by

thousands of visitors each year.

In 1989, the cemetery was named for the principal guid-

ing force behind its development U.S. Army Brigadier

General William C. Doyle. Doyle was the only New

Jerseyan to serve as National Commander of The Amer-

ican Legion.

The facility was funded jointly by the state and federal

governments and is managed by the Department of Mil-

itary and Veterans Affairs. It is open to eligible New

Jersey Veterans; residents who are members of the

Armed Forces or reserve units on active duty at the time

of death; certain dependents and certain merchant ma-

rines and civilians who have been awarded veteran's

status. Rules and eligibility requirements were estab-

lished within the guidelines of the U.S. Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA), Washington, D.C.

The cemetery is located in Arneytown, North Hanover

Township, Burlington County at 350 Provinceline

Road, which intersects Route 664 to the north of the

cemetery and Routes 537 and 528 to the south. It's cen-

tral location, 15 miles southeast of Trenton, makes it

easily accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike, the

Garden State Parkway and Interstates 195 and 295.The

cemetery is a contemporary memorial type with all

grave markers flush with ground level. It covers 225

acres and was designed to accommodate 154,000 veter-

ans and their family members.

To provide privacy and protection from the elements for

the bereaved, a chapel is provided for committal cere-

monies. The United States and New Jersey State flags

are flown in the front court of the chapel in tribute to all

veterans buried in the cemetery.

Contact the cemetery to preregister at 609-738-2400.

I am a proud member of

the American Legion and Post 401

IN CASE OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR

MY PASSING TO POST EVERLASTING,

please contact POST 401 immediately at

732-329-9861 or at alpost401@hotmail.com

Legislation Permits College Credits for

Boys/Girls State and

Gives Excused Absence for Students

Honoring Veterans

Governor Christie signed into law a bill recog-

nizing the importance of American Legion Boys

State and the Auxiliary’s Girls State programs

that authorizes institutions of higher education

to grant college credit to high school students

who complete the Jersey Boys State or Jersey

Girls State program. The bill permits public and

independent institutions of higher education to

grant up to three college credits. The bill was

sponsored by senators Sandra Cunningham, and

Thomas Kean, and assemblymen Patrick Die-

gnan, Raj Mukherji and Daniel Benson.

Another bill, sponsored by assemblymen Bob

Andrzejczak and Daniel Benson, was signed

into law providing students who help honor or

assist veterans on Veterans Day an excused ab-

sence from school. Activities could include at-

tending a ceremony honoring veterans or an ac-

tive duty member returning from deployment,

or assisting a veteran at a hospital or food shel-

ter. The student would have the absence record-

ed by the school district as excused upon

providing documentation of participation in the

activity.

With few schools closed anymore for Veterans

Day, this legislation now permits students to

properly honor their family members who have

served in our military and learn why Veterans

Day is celebrated in our country. POST 401 News is the official newsletter of

Lt. John Farnkopf American Legion Post 401. It originated to keep members informed on Post activities and accomplishments, and to keep our many members who have moved to other states up-to-date on what some of their old

friends are up to. Opinions expressed herein are those of the editor or columnist

and are not necessarily those of the National, Department, County or the American Legion Post.

Any member may submit news of interest to the editor. Editor: Gary Cooper

PO Box 82, 148 Major Rd., Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 732-329-9861

POST 401 email address: alpost401@hotmail.com POST Website: http://post401.angelfire.com

National American Legion Press Association member

Upcoming Events

May 1st—Poppy Distribution Begins

7th—County Convention, Post 211,

Sayreville, 9 a.m. 10th—SAL meeting 7:30 p.m.

17th—Auxiliary meeting 7 p.m.

18th—Post meeting, 7 p.m.

30th—Memorial Services, 11 a.m.

June

8th—11th—State Convention, Wildwood

NO POST MEETING

July

12th—SAL meeting 7:30 p.m.

19th—Auxiliary meeting 7 p.m.

20th – Post meeting, 7 p.m.

August 26th—National Convention,

Cincinnati

NO POST MEETING

2016—2017 Officers

Commander: Gary Cooper

1st Vice Commander: Robert Blum

2nd Vice Commander: Dennis Collingwood

Finance Officer: George Jaccoud

Service Officer:

Sergeant at Arms/Bar Chair: Hank Eichler

Chaplain: Hank DeGroff

Adjutant: Michael Zdep

Auxiliary President: Barbara Buhl

SAL Commander: Richard Charzewski

Spring Happenings

Purses for the Homeless

The Auxiliary is collecting

purses and items to fill those

purses for the homeless. Items

needed are pocket tissues,

pocket combs, mini toiletries,

tooth brushes, toothpaste, lip

balm, etc. Barbara Buhl, Unit

401 president, will be bringing the collection to

the State Convention in Wildwood. Drop off all

contributions at the Post.

Super Summer 50/50 Kicks off

Memorial Day

Don’t be left out. Send in your Super Summer

50/50 tickets coming this month, or get ‘em at

the Post. Prizes will be drawn at our September

18 Karaoke dance. All proceeds are used for

Post building improvements. Last year’s top

prize was over $800!

NJ Legion License Plates

Why not swap those boring license plates you

have on your car for some new, spiffy plates

with the American Legion logo?

The simple form is

available from De-

partment Headquar-

ters. After filling it

out and returning it

with a check for just $15 and a copy of your

membership card, the Legion’s license plate co-

ordinator will process it and you will get your

plates in a few days. Support the Legion and

show pride in your membership by proudly dis-

playing American Legion plates on your car.

Call Headquarters at 609-695-5418 for the form.

Pool Tournaments

You don’t have to play like Minnesota Fats, but

if you want to have a good time plying eight-

ball and winning some cash, come out to the

monthly SAL Pool Tournaments. Check Post

for dates and sign-up sheet.

4 5

In Memoriam 2015-2016

Richard “DJ Doc” Allen (42 years)

Samual Arcadu (PUFL 16 years)

Raymond Beauregard ( 7 years)

Steve Csontos (37 years)

Past Commander Matthias “Irv” Demarest (37 years)

Francis “Wimpy” Hansen (PUFL 53 years)

Donald McCauley (25 years)

Juan Sanchez (6 years)

Mabel Davenport (17 years)

Sign Up for myLEGION.ORG

myLegion.org is a website designed to connect mem-

bers of The American Legion to their Post and De-

partment leadership, other veterans with similar inter-

ests, and the vast array of services offered at every

level of the organization. Check it out & register!