His support for veterans is more than a passing interest
Nov, 03-2009 3:48 pm
By JACKIE HANUSEY
Staff Writer
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – VFW Post 8098 on Franklin and Spruce avenues in Cardiff has a new pavilion thanks in part to a Pennsylvania motorist’s quest for a better route to the shore.
“I found this shortcut to our Ocean City home because my wife and daughter like the mall,” said Bob Greene, owner and president of Pioneer Pole Buildings, headquartered in Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
“Both of my grandfathers were veterans,” Greene said Saturday, Oct. 31 at a dedication ceremony.
He said he saw a need, so after regularly passing by the post home for about a year, he stopped one day to tell the veterans that he was going to give something back. Greene decided to donate a new pavilion to the VFW.
“It answered my prayers,” said Jim Simmons of Egg Harbor Township, senior vice commander of Post 8098.
“I was thinking about how I was hoping no one was around when it (the old building) falls down,” said Simmons, a member since 1965.
Post 8098 recently merged with Pleasantville Post 2389. The sale of that building has helped pay for improvements at the Cardiff site.
The new building, measuring 20 feet wide, 60 feet long, and 10 feet high, was constructed by the Pioneer volunteers. The total value of the project is $16,128, with the VFW incurring none of the cost.
Others also volunteered to help out.
Heuman Construction Company donated materials, labor, and time toward construction of a concrete pad for the entire pavilion, material and grading for parking area and new concrete steps for the front of the building. Penn Jersey Concrete, Atlantic County Concrete and Ralph Clayton and Sons Concrete also volunteered and made donations.
Individuals honored for their work include Mike Platt, Chuck Simmons, Roger Prescott and Rick Heuman.
“This will be a place to have barbecues and clambakes,” said Post Commander Williard Beall of Egg Harbor Township.
Mayor James “Sonny” McCullough, who was in attendance at the dedication of a plaque to the Greene family, said he has many fond memories of events at the VFW.
“I hope veterans will come back from war and consider joining the VFW,” said McCullough, calling it a warm and welcoming group.
The VFW hall and pavilion are available for functions. For information call (609) 645-1395 or see http://home.comcast.net/~post_8098/site.
To comment on this story email Jackie.Hanusey@catamaranmedia.com.
