American Legion Post pays it
forward to River Edge Local
Veterans who served their country honor those who serve their community
When the members of American Legion Post 226, established
in River Edge in 1934, determined earlier this year that the time
had come to dissolve their post, they could have done so without much fanfare by transferring the group’s assets into another
post. Instead, they decided to do as much good as they could
close to home.
“We had $273,000, and we voted that each of our active 13
members would get an equal share to give away,” explains
James Purcell, an officer of Post 226 and Bergen County Historical Society President. “We’re all veterans and we all love our
country. God was good to us – we all served and we all came
home. It felt good to give back to our community.”
Recipients of Post 226’s generosity have included police and
fire departments, EMS squads and veterans groups. It was Legion 226 member Richie Medaska, a retired Hackensack law
enforcement officer, who earmarked his portion of the money
– $21,000 – for his River Edge Local 201.
“He’s an old-school cop’s cop,” River Edge Lieutenant Michael Walker said of Medaska. “He was well-respected on the
streets of Hackensack back in the day, and still to this day. He’s
not a guy who looks to get anything for himself; he’s always
looking for what he can give.”
Adds River Edge Local 201 President Joe Zemaites, “When
we saw how much it was, it was incredible. This is one of the
River Edge Local 201 President Joe Zemaites receives a check presented
by American Legion Post 226 Board Member James Purcell at the historical
Steuben House in River Edge.
largest donations we’ve ever received. The Local was very appreciative.”
Zemaites explained that the donation will be put toward programs the Local supports, such as the Law Enforcement Torch
Run for the Special Olympics, Project Graduation, the group’s
annual toy drive, local sports programs and more.
Purcell said he and his fellow 226 members couldn’t be more
pleased. “Giving back to River Edge is like giving back to our
country. That’s our little contribution to the world.” d
Banner day for veterans
in New Providence
New Providence Local 132 honored Corporal Chad Wilson, Corporal Steven Opalewski, Retired Sergeant Robert Timony, Retired Sergeant Martin
Marshall, Retired Patrolman Larry Mastrobuono and other members for
their military service by hanging Hometown Hero banners in town.
Also honored was U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Christopher B. Cosgrove
III, who was killed in action on Oct. 1, 2006. Lance Corporal Cosgrove had
begun the process to become a law enforcement officer with the Hanover
Township Police Department when he was deployed. Local 132 President
Mike Hand was instrumental in implementing this new program to honor
those who served in the military. d
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