Alfred Vail News
Veteran's Day Edition Nov. 11, 2023
🏳️ THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE 🏳️
In honor of Veteran's Day, we sought out members of the Alfred Vail community who had either served or had loved ones in the Armed Forces. As the photos rolled in, it became clear that there is rich history within our walls. It's important for our children to understand military contributions and that Veteran's Day is more than a mark on the calendar, so our 2nd grade students listened to a read aloud of "Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops." The story gives a glimpse into the life of a little girl whose father is deployed. It sparked discussion and provided insight. Many of your children proudly shared tales of grandparents, aunts, uncles and parents. There were tears, hugs and moments of genuine kindness to one another. They understood sacrifice and expressed those thoughts in letters- some to anonymous soldiers, others to friends and family members. Please take a moment to peek at their work, remember loved ones and honor our Alfred Vail heroes.
US ARMY STAFF SGT. TYLER K SIMMONS
Sgt. Simmons is the father of Angelina Simmons, a 2nd grade student.
He will deploy to Iraq in January.
This mission is expected to last 12 months, the longest of his 11 year military career.
MEET OUR LOVED ONES...
This is Jack Blasi, who served in the US Army Infantry at Battle of the Bulge in 1944. On return to New Jersey, he became and English and history teacher at the First Avenue School in Newark. His nephew is Officer Bob, our school resource officer.
US Army Master Sgt. William J. McElwreath. He served in the Counter Intelligence Corp from 1943 to 1946. Caroline McElwreath, 2nd grade, is his great granddaughter.
US Army Sgt. Robert Blasi, 33rd Air Defense from 1956 to 1959. He was also his post's librarian and lifeguard. After discharge, he worked for 25 years at Picatinny Arsenal in a civilian capacity. HIs son is School Resource Officer Blasi. We call him Officer Bob.
Michael Perna served in the US Navy in 1943. He was in the Seabees division, stationed at Midway Island in the central Pacific Ocean, west of Pearl Harbor. On return home, he worked in the produce industry in Newark, NJ. He is Officer Bob's great uncle.
US Army Master Sgt. Edward B. Garde. He enlisted on Sept. 18, 1942 and served during World War II, stationed in North Africa, Italy and Germany. He is 2nd grade student Caroline McElwreath's maternal great grandfather.
US Army Staff Sgt. Joe O'Brien - a military police officer from 1967 to1970 and stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. Grandfather of Paul Gannon, 2nd grade. (He is pictured below).
Ovidio Jack Blasi, NJ National Guard in Sea Girt, 1918. He played the sousaphone for his company. This is Officer Bob's grandfather.
The soldier pictured left holding Flaps the dog is 2nd Lt. Andrew Galloway. He was a US Army Air Corp pilot. His daughter is Mrs. Gorman, a kindergarten aide. Students lovingly call her Miss Heather.
US Army Staff Sgt. Dominick Spinelli. He served in the 101 Airborn during the Vietnam war and was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Commendation medals. His grandson is 2nd grader Marco Haag.
1st Lieutenant Bela B. Lukacs, Company B 16th Infantry
Awarded for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Geishach, Germany, March 24, 1945. Lt. Lukacs, despite an intense artillery and mortar barrage, remained courageous and continued to defend his country. He was from Irvington, NJ. We know his son - our art teacher Mr. Lukacs.
This US Army jacket and hat belonged to Lt. Lukacs in 1945.
It is modeled by Paul Gannon
♥️ FROM THE HEART ♥️...
US ARMY MAJOR THOMAS DELUCCIA
Major Thomas Anthony DeLuccia is Ms. Bozzi's brother.
He has served the US Army for 31 years, including a stint in Iraq from 2003 to 2004,
and is currently in the 9th Commission Command Group in Honolulu, Hawaii.
ALFRED VAIL TRIBUTE WALL
Janet Kellman
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