Cole slaw for a cause
PBA Locals support‘ Buy a Vet a Meal’
■ BY BRITTANY KRUGEL
■ PHOTOS BY ED CARATTINI JR.
There’ s nothing better than a plate of barbeque ribs, cole slaw, and mac and cheese. It’ s what some might call comfort food. But at this event, this food helped heal the soul and the souls.
On May 6, members of VFW post 1302 and the owners of Red White and Que Smokehouse gathered to honor veterans with a barbeque.
To show their continuous admiration and support for veterans, Kearny Local 21 donated financial support to the“ Buy a Vet a Meal” program and helped set up the event.
“ If there is anything we can do to show our support for the veterans in our community, we’ re definitely going to do it. That’ s a big priority for us,” communicated Steve Podolski, the Local 21 State Delegate.
The idea for the celebration originated from the“ Buy a Vet a Meal” program that exists at Red White and Que. Dan and Katie Misuraca are veterans themselves and wanted to come up with a way to honor those who have served their country.
The program allows civilians from across the country to purchase gift cards of up to $ 200 so that veterans can enjoy a hearty meal from Red White and Que.
“ The idea originated from a story that Fox News did on the restaurant, which prompted people from all over the country to call up and ask us how they could purchase a meal for local veterans. So Katie suggested the gift cards,” Misuraca explained.
The Misuracas had held the event in past years, but this year they decided to partner with the VFW, Local 21 and other Locals in Essex County to support local veterans. �
52 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ MAY 2018