Wounded Warrior Todd Berrios and his wife Mari.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
This year’s Wounded Warrior Week recipient, U.S. Army Major Todd Berrios and his wife Mari, of Crestview, Florida, arrived safely Wednesday, Sept. 22 for a weeklong vacation courtesy of the American Legion Post 469 of Longport and its contributors.
The couple arrived on time at the Ventnor Plaza shopping center for a surprise motorcade through Downbeach towns and were totally “blown away” by the reception they received. Residents, many wearing patriotic colors, lined Dorset and Atlantic avenues holding handmade signs and waving American flags to make their weeklong stay in Longport a memorable one.
“Another Wounded Warrior Week arrival is now in the books,” Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli, who expertly organizes most Legion events, told supporters. “The rain stayed away, and many people helped to give our Wounded Warrior couple a truly wonderful welcome to the Jersey shore.”
Berrios is the 10th wounded warrior to receive the honor of a welcome parade along Downbeach towns and a welcoming ceremony and barbeque held at the bayfront park behind Longport Borough Hall. They will spend the week in the beach-block home of Commissioner Jim Leeds. They have three grown children, ages 20-25, but decided to leave their children “home alone” during their escape to the Jersey shore.
Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman and Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo greeted the couple at Ventnor Plaza, along with a contingent of well-wishers.
Aline Dix of Mays Landing.
Aline Dix of Mays Landing has attended the arrival in her white convertible adorned with American flags for several years.
“I have been a big supporter of the military since I was a little kid,” she said. “This is a great way to honor not only our wounded warriors, but all veterans.”
Marlene Armstrong of Ventnor said she has attended the welcoming ceremony for all 10 years.
“It’s a wonderful tribute to our wounded veterans,” she said. “I compliment the American Legion Post for what they do to orchestrate this for a veteran family. And, what can be better than spending a week at the Jersey shore?”
The Atlantic City Police Motorcycle Unit and American Legion Riders led the caravan to the finish in Longport. Residents came out in record numbers to cheer on the family as they rode by sitting on the trunk of a long, white stretch limousine detailed with their names and a sign that read, God Bless America.
At the park, leaders of the American Legion Riders presented Berrios with some pocket change to enjoy during the week and an American Legion Challenge Coin, as a symbol of solidarity among service members.
Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo welcomes the Wounded Warrior Week couple.
Russo welcomed Berrios and acknowledged him as a symbol of all wounded warriors, who have given so much in service to their country.
“This presentation is about symbolism,” Russo said. “We have Maj. Todd here today. We wish we had every wounded warrior here. He represents every wounded warrior.”
Russo said he rode in the limo with the couple, who said they were “totally blown away,” by the welcome.
A member of the South Jersey Chapter of Quilts of Valor presented Berrios with a lovely quilt designed with an eagle in flight in the center medallion. The quilt is one of more than 100,000 quilts made with love and awarded to a service member touched by war as a thank you for serving the nation. With the help of a youngster in the crowd, Berrios was wrapped in the quilt, which he said was “warm” in addition to being beautiful.
The Berrios’s chatted with dignitaries and police officers while supporters enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers from Essl’s food truck, and sweets prepared by members of the American Legion Auxiliary.
During the upcoming week, Berrios and his wife will be treated to dinners, shows, fishing outings, all culminating with a military styled reception to be attended by contributors to the Legion’s Wounded Warrior Week program.
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