ARTICLES
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Montville Memorial Post 5481, 132 Changebridge Road, Montville, New Jersey 07045

About Post 5481

Montville Memorial Post 5481 was founded in 1970 with 34 members. Our current membership is 100+ veterans. By National Charter, membership is limited to those military personnel who served overseas in the arena of National Conflict. The Post's home is located at 132 Changebridge Road in Montville, New Jersey, at the entrance to the Community Center complex. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Post 5481 focuses on two issues; the first is to be good citizens in our home community by participating in its projects and activities, particularly in those areas of patriotism and where our military background can be utilized and the second is to provide aid and assistance to all military personnel, both veterans and those on active duty.

Who we are...

Some may not be aware, the VFW is a National non-profit organization comprised solely of active military and veterans who served in specified combat areas. Only those qualified may join. Whether you join us or not, you will always be a part of this organization...a brother (or sister)-in-arms. The primary functions of the Post are to maintain a patriotic presence by reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by the select few and the ongoing bravery performed by our troops on a daily basis. Additionally, we counsel fellow veterans on their entitlements under various benefits offered to those who served. This is obtained through knowledge of provided programs and our decades of accumulated experiences. Post 5481 needs new members with new ideas to sustain our effectiveness in being a leading force within our community. When Uncle Sam beckoned we replied and served with pride and honor, fulfilling our patriotic duty. Continue to serve...join the Post and be with your comrades once again. Although we no longer wear the uniform...we remain soldiers nevertheless...ready to serve, protect, and defend.
CONTACTS
Photo Gallery
Post Home
Tank and Wall
Post Complex
Purple Heart
debris 9/11 Towers
pre 9-11 Towers
Donated R. Galella
Flag drop-box

Commander Hanzl's Message

Post 5481 Commander Ken Hanzl, a Vietnam Veteran and NJ District 10 (County) Commander, wants to advise all veterans that our Post is here to serve all veterans whether you are a member or not. We will do our best to support those who gave service to our country and remember those who have passed, with honor and dignity. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, especially by those of us who were in the fight and experienced it first-hand.

World War II Veteran Turns 100

Our Post's own, Gerald Gemian, turned 100 on August 25 of this year. A long time member of this post who grew up in Paterson, NJ and moved here in 1977. He enlisted in 1942 and served under Admiral Nimitz as a combat radio operator in close support of the Army and Marine assault forces in numerous combat sorties in the 'island-hopping' campaign of the Central Pacific. He attributed his survival and not being wounded to constantly being "on-the-move". His sense of humor and comedic repartee is always a part of his character. A true Patriot and honored veteran.

Coming Events

June 3rd, 2023 - Flag Retirement Ceremony

Our next American Flag Retirement Ceremony will be held on June 3rd with all the respect and dignity befitting our National symbol. The ceremony will take place at the pavilion just opposite the Montville Township Amphitheate behind the Library and above the High School. The event is open to the public and we will accept your flags for ceremonial destruction at that time. You are reminded that you can deposit your US flags destined for ceremonial destruction into the American Flag Receptical box (recycled old mailbox) at the rear of the Post home at 132 Changebridge Road at any time. Assistance provided by Trail Life Troop 0777 and local Boy & Girl Scout and Daisy Troops.

September 11th, 2023 - Twin Towers Memorial

Proposed monument for dedication on September 11th, 2023. Notice: We have met the donation goal thanks to your support and ordered the monument for instillation on the 11th.

Vietnam Veteran Memorial Eagle Scout Project

This fall, local Boy Scout Nicholas Ferrone from Troop 74 will be carrying out his Eagle Scout Project to be added to the Freedom Plaza adjacent to the Vietnam era tank. He will be constructing a Veteran Memorial dedicated to those who served in the Vietnam War. This memorial will feature a plaque dedicated to those who fought combined with some nice landscaping surrounding it. Nicholas has been working with us throughout his project and is excited to make the community a better place to live. More details will be forthcoming when the project becomes closer to finilization. Good luck Nick.

Previous Events

Memorial Day Ceremony - May 29th, 2023

Memorial Day celebration was held at the Community Park on Monday, May 29th as scheduled. The event was both solemn and joyful. Well over 300 citizens crowded the tank ceremonial site to remember all those who sacrificed their lives in the cause of liberty. In attendence were local residents, Township First Aid Squad, Police Officers, and representatives of the 3 Fire Districts. Keynote speeker, his Excelency General George Washington with his white horse, Blueskin, advanced to the podium preceded by an honor escort of Montville Township High Schoolers playing fife and drum and followed by Police Explorer Post 805 cadets. General Washington offered insights as to his command of the Continental Army and the sacrifices and hardships his troops suffered in the establishment of this nation. He brought forth his remembrances of the cost of democracy and first-hand exploits and assured the audience that Republic will continue to endure. The gathering was impressed and later commented on his poignant message. The attendees also experienced a fly-over at tree-top level by a WWII T-34 Navy Trainer provided by Coast Guard Floatilla 10-01 out of Lincoln Park. Our thanks to the pilot and ground coordinator. As in the past, our Post has been actively involved in keeping our patriotic heritage alive and strong within our community.
Click photo for speech

Honoring All Who Served - November 11th, 2022

Veterans Day Ceremonial Service was held on Friday, Novenber 11th, at 11:00AM, in the Community Center to pay tribute and "Honor All Who Served". After the usual ceremonial proceedings and Invocation by Rev. Mark Olenowski, the Pledge Of Allegance was led by VFW Post WWII Veterans Gerry Gemian and Tom Jones. Keynote speaker for the event was Sgt. Faegis Adlam, stationed at Picatinny Arsenal. Her insights were inspiring and poignant. Special recognition was made for Vietnam Vet Guillermo Cabrera (deceased), rifle salute fired after taps, and patriotic songs sung by all. Click on graphic for video.

Patriots Day Celebration - September 11th, 2022

Our Post presented a Patriots Day Celebration on Sunday, September 11th, 2022, the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attack. Guest speakers include NYC Fireman Frank Campisi from Ladder Company 107 who was active in rescue services and spoke about that day and the following days. He discribed the harrowing event that escalated from rescue on day one to remains recovery for weeks after. Township resident Steve Harris spoke about his reactions sitting in his office on the 29th Floor of the South Tower. Hearing a loud explosion, not knowing what had occurred, he was advised to evacuate the building. Not until he reached the lobby was he informed of the cause of the explosion, he said it was like an apocalyptic movie. In addition, Township Resident Paul DeGroot, who at that time was working for the Passaic County Prosecutore's Offcie, felt the uncontrolable desire to help. He and a co-worker joined the Red Cross effort and were instrumental in providing supplies and needed aid for the survivors, which later turned to provideing aid for the recovery efforts. Their accounts and experiences reminded us all of the tragedy we all endured at the hands or fanatical extremists. Their experiences deeply moved those in attendance.

Memorial Day - May 30th, 2022

Our Post wished to celebrate our comrades who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those who have died since serving. They all served to protect our freedoms and our extraordinary way of life. This year we paid tribute to our Gold Star Families and the sacrifices they endure throughout the year while we honor their memory only on this day. With pride, honor and humility we offered this tribute to those who have answered duty's call. Included in our ceremony was a Honor Fly-over of a WWII vintage Navy T-34 trainer courtesy of US Coast Guard Flotilla 10-1 out of Lincoln Park. We will never forget. Click here for video.

Veterans are Proven Patriots - Veterans Day - November 11, 2021

The Ceremony this year was more in-tune with the 'norm' due to the relaxed Covid restrictions. The in-person celebrants numbered over 200 with several zoomed in from around the country. Commander Ken Hanzl presided over the ceremony and introduced the dignitaries in attendance as well as John Elliott, CBS New York, who covered the ceremony for Channel 2 News. Patriotic songs were sung by our own, 'Alus', and Nick Sisco. Each branch of the service was honored under their theme song, wreaths placed by first responders, taps played and rifles fired for those brothers and sisters who never returned, and a lone fly-over by the Coast Guard Flotilla 10-01. Honor, Respect and Dignity was abundant with those in attendance. It was our honor to serve.
We were honored to have two keynote speakers; first was State Senator Joe Pennacchio who gave an insightful and poignant speech, and the second was local citizen George Nader, who related his experience as a youth in Beirut, Lebanon, surviving the embassy bombing in 1983. Both speeches well worth your time.
Click on Graphic for Video
Click on CBS Graphic for Channel 2 coverage with John Elliott...sorry, with commercial.

US Flag Retirement Ceremony - September 18, 2021

The Post conducted its first ever Flag Retirement Ceremony on September 18th at 10:00am, 2021, at the pavilion just opposite the Montville Township Amphitheater. Commander Ken Hanzl presided over the ceremony. Educational insights on the creation and meaning of our national symbol were offered by Trail Life Scouts as well as the ritual designated for the destruction of our flag by Commander Hanzel. Participants included a large contingent from the Trail Life Troop NJ 0777, Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 98205, and Girl Scout Troop 97539 who provided guidence for singing our National Anthem. Patriotic flag related entertainment was provided by the acapella group 'Express Male' and our own Nick Sisco. The ceremonial flag burning was conducted under the supervision of the Montville Township Fire Departments with assistance of the combined scout troops. Note: This ceremony will become a yearly event to honor the retirement of our worn-out symbols of freedom. Stay posted for upcoming schedule. The ceremony was broadcast under Zoom. View by clicking here.
Click on this flag to better understand the history and meaning of our honored National symbol.

9/11 Memorial Service - 20th Anniversary - September 11, 2021

Saturday September 11th, 2021 at 11am, Montville Township conducted a Commemorative 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the attacks on the NYC World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93. Attendees gathered in overwhelming numbers crowding the Freedom Plaza to honor our fallen citizens and remember the carnage that occurred on September 11, 2001. Our Post Commander, Ken Hanzl, presided over the ceremony. In attendance were State, County, and local dignitaries along with members of the Montville Township Police Department, the Montville, Towaco, and Pine Brook Fire Departments, and Montville Township First Aid Squad. Remembrances were voiced by those who were active during that terrible event. Former Mayor John Rosellini and Former Police Chief Edward Adams described their actions as events happened that day. Wreaths were placed, a bell chimed as names were read, and flowers were placed in solemn respect for the people who died. Patriotic songs were sung by Township resident, Nick Sisco. Also mentioned were the thirteen soldiers in Afghanistan who were the latest to die two weeks earlier. Hearing their names reminded us that terror continues today. The event was solemn and respectful for those innocent souls who were taken without warning. Those of us who personally experienced the events of 9-11 were given a deeper connection to what had transpired. No matter your age or if born after that tragic day, such ceremonies will always remind us of what terrorism can do.
Cherished oleograph presented to the post by the late Ron Galella, 'Paparazzo Extraordinaire'. Click here for Video.

Veterans Services

Morris County Veterans Services Office

Morris County has a Veterans Service Office in place to support military veterans who need assistance with the several VA programs, with obtaining military-related records or medals due them for their military service, or for any other military related situation. If you are a veteran and wish to avail yourself of the services, contact the MC Veterans Service Officer, Jessica Tomalo, at JTomalo@co.morris.nj.us, (973) 285-6866, or write her at Department of Human Services, Morris County Veterans Service Office, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07960...physical address 540 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ. She will assist you or advise you of the proper channels to remedy your situation. If you wish, you may locally contact Post Commander Ken Hanzl who has a knowledge base that may satisfy your immediate need. As a reminder, the State of New Jersey and County of Morris have medals to honor veterans of our area who have served during certain conflicts, WWII to present. Contact the Morris County Veterans Service Officer for more information.
All Veterans are urged to register for VA benefits and care. You are entitled to physical exams, eye exams, and a prescription program. Do it now while the advantage is in your favor. The Post received many calls regarding this and we advise callers to contact Veterans Services of East Orange or Lyons Hospitals (see below).
The Morris County Department of Human Services has issued a Directory containing Veterans Resource and other County Services which is a 19 page document full of pertinent information and contacts valuable to our brother and sister veterans. Well worth your time. Access Directory Here.
Morris County Veterans Service Office (973) 285-6866 MCVets@co.morris.nj.us

Veteran Peer Support Group

Morris County Veterans Service Office in conjunction with New Bridge Services is offering a peer support group service to all veterans regardless of time in service or discharge status. The group is designed to offer a facilitated and guided conversation among participant veterans to aid in healing and recovery for the impact of their life's stressors free of charge. If you wish to participate contact New Bridge Services at 973-316-9333 or services@newbridger.org. Access 2022 Flier Here.

East Orange and Lyons V.A. Hospital

The Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS) is a consolidated facility comprised of two main campuses, one in East Orange, NJ, (the corporate office located in Northeastern New Jersey within the greater New York metropolitan area) and one in Lyons, NJ, 22 miles to the west of the East Orange Campus.
Anyone requiring information for East Orange or Lyons Hospitals, contact: VA NJ Health Care System East Orange Campus 385 Tremont Avenue East Orange, NJ 07018 (973) 676-1000
 VA NJ Health Care System Lyons Campus 151 Knollcroft Road Lyons, New Jersey 07939 (908) 647-0180Contributions should be made out to: VA New Jersey Health Care System. If you would rather, we will gladly forward any contribution to the intended service facility in your name. Contact us by e-mail at quartermaster@vfw5481.com.

VA Records Available On-line

For those veterans or family members who wish to obtain records of a relative such as a DD214 or other related documents, they are able to do so on-line. The required form, SF 180, can be downloaded or completed via internet connection. All is needed would be: Veteran's full name used while in service Service or Social Security Number Branch of Service Date and Place of Birth Where stationed may be requested The web page is located at Veteran Records. Expect three weeks for a response. Click on this link for website.

WWII Veterans Registry

There is a site available on-line that can be used to locate WWII veterans. The site, NATIONAL WWII MEMORIAL, can be located at http://www.wwiimemorial.com.
To locate someone, do the following: Click on or 'Copy' the link above and paste it to your web browser's address bar. 'Click' GO. That will bring you to the NATIONAL WWII MEMORIAL home page. In the left margin column, 'click' on WWII REGISTRY. That will take you to the 'Registry' page. At the top link bar, 'click' Search the Registry. That will take you to the 'Search Criteria' page. Fill in the boxes with the Last Name and First Name of the person searching for and the State where inducted, if known. If not known, leave blank. Then click 'SUBMIT'.
Hopefully you will be able to locate the veteran information you seek.

Military Funeral Services

The Post Funeral Ritual Team is available to conduct military funeral services for deceased Township military veterans when so requested. The deceased need not be a member of our VFW Post. Post Commander Hanzl can be contacted at hanzl.ken@gmail.com or quartermaster@vfw5481.com.

Community Services

US Flag Retirement Service

Our National Flag is an important and honored symbol of who we are and what we stand for. It has preceded our soldiers in battle and decorates our homes to display to all our pride of country and support for our troops. When such a symbol becomes worn, tattered, or damaged beyond use, it is necessary to retire those colors and treat them with the respect that befits such a great symbol. The United States Flag Code states:"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." The Flag Code does not actually give specifics on how to destroy the flag. Common sense should be used to make sure the procedure is in good taste and shows no disrespect for the flag. To that end, the Post has established an American Flag Disposal Box, an old recycled red-white-blue mailbox, at the rear of the Post home at 132 Changebridge Road, where citizens may bring their old flags for destruction according to strict protocol. We will then periodically perform a Flag Retirement Ceremony to manage that end.

VFW Eligibility and Application

Montville Memorial VFW Post 5481 continues to embark on a membership drive. If you served overseas during a wartime period, and would be interested in joining our Post, please call Membership Chair Ken Hanzl at 973-214-2505 or email at vfwpost5481@gmail.com. The fundamental difference between our organization and other veterans' organizations is our eligibility qualification...assigned to active duty in designated conflict areas. We welcomes all who meet our eligibility criteria. If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service, have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea, or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, then you're eligible to join our ranks. Contact us to determine if you qualify or check your eligibility by Checking Eligibility here. Eligibility. You don't have to be a Township resident to belong to our Post. We have active members from Washington State to Florida who connect via Zoom. Join us. Click here for application.

VFW Speakers

The Post has several members who are available to speak on a variety of military and veteran topics at local schools, clubs, or organizations. For information contact us through e-mail at vfwpost5481@gmail.com. Our Post also supports Memorial Day interactions in an ongoing relationship with the Montville Township School System.

Commemorative Brick Program

Post 5481 has instituted a 'Commemorative Brick Program' to honor all military veterans, regardless of Post membership, for their service to our Nation. This honorarium is open to current or Township-affiliated residents as a community service and a not-for-profit gesture, cost only to cover the materials. Bricks are inscribed with personal facts regarding a family member or friend, alive or deceased, as it relates to their military service. The 'bricks' are included in the wall and surrounding pathway of the tank monument in the Freedom Plaza. For information contact us through e-mail at tmazz2@optonline.net or call 973-263-0051. The Application for a Commemorative Brick can be accessed by clicking here. Commemorative Brick Application.

Freedom Plaza

The Veterans Commemorative Wall has been combined with the Township Memorial now known collectively as Freedom Plaza. The Plaza was dedicated on September 11th, 2004, to the everlasting memory of those who have fallen in the defense of our country and to all of those who perished in the attack on America - September 11th, 2001. The centerpiece to the Plaza is the section of structure obtained from the Twin Towers rubble. Adjacent to the Plaza and behind the Post Building is the military honor wall and pathway that flanks the M60 Vietnam era Army Tank. The Wall is composed of bricks inscribed with names and personal remembrances of living or deceased veterans or those from their family members. We urge that you visit the Plaza and Wall and pay silent homage to those who made personal sacrifices in the furtherance of our freedom.
Piece of Twin Towers Structure
Freedom Plaza Memorial Site
Proposed location in Freedom Plaza
Vietnam era Tank and Memorial Wall

Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen-2022

Every year our Post sponsors a Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Essay Contests. These National Programs are run in conjunction with the Montville Township School System. Essays are composed by students of different age groups with patriotism and democracy as the underlying theme. Once again this year we are proud to report that we have been honored with many entries thanks to the willingness of our participants and dedicated faculties. Local winners were three for Patriot's Pen and three for Voice of Democracy. Each VOD and Patriots Pen participant received a framed certificate and monetary award which was presented to them at the December 6th Township's Board of Educatiion Meeting. We wish to thank the winners and all who participated in this patriotic event.
Post Winners are: Patriot's Pen Lahari Thata - First Place - Robert R. Lazar Middle School. Emily Chen - Second Place - Robert R. Lazar Middle School Samantha Reger - Third Place - Robert R. Lazar Middle School Voice of Democracy Aarav R. Mulinti - First Place - Montville Township High School. Ramanurty Pantula - Second Place - Montville Township High School Sunay Hegde - Third Place - Montville Township High School

Montville Township High School Media Class Honors WWII Veterans

The MTTV class of the Montville Township High School interviewed two of our eldest Post members about their experiences during their involvement in the Pacific Theater of Operation of WWII. Sgt. Gerry Gemian was a combat radio operator assigned altrenately to the Army and Marine land forces during the island hoping campaign and Medical Corpsman Tom Jones who served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV14) during the Pacific campaign. Their question and answer interview was recorded in November 2022. Click MTTV MTHS logo for YouTube interview.

Lazar School Tribute to Veterans

Over these many years students at Montville Township's Robert R. Lazar Middle School has offered a tribute to fallen veterans on Veteran's Day under the direction of Social Studies Teacher Rick Crescente. Students and teachers would gather with VFW members to place flags on the graves of our fallen heros going back to the Revolutionary War. They assisted in identifying and recording the locations of their burial plots for all of the Township's cemetaries. The video that follows is a culmination of that effort. Click here for video.

Buddy Poppy Program

The poppy is the official memorial flower of the VFW. In the spring of 1915 a Canadian doctor Lt. John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in the battle-scarred fields to write the poem "In Flanders Fields." After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance. Today, it is also a means of fundraising for the VFW. The Buddy Poppy Program has helped the VFW live up to its motto "...to honor the dead by helping the living." Access Buddy Poppy Poem here... In Flanders Fields. Here's how our Australian brothers pay tribute to their fallen warriors on the "Roll of Honour" and "War Dog" memorials. Australia Honour here.

When a Veteran Dies

It is extremely stressful when a veteran reaches the end of their life. The sorrow and chaos surrounding the Veteran and the Family are even more demanding when arrangements have to be made for interment and obtaining entitlements due the Veteran's family. It may be distasteful to think about pre-compiling information, but it makes it easier with the veteran's input and knowledge and less of a burden will be placed on the family. Access things to do here... When A Veteran Dies.

Adopt-A-Road

Post 5481 does its share to maintain a beautiful and clean community during the quarterly Adopt-A-Road cleanup and beyond. We do our part and request that you too participate by keeping our community clean and litter free.

Donations

Individuals and businesses can mail contributions to the Post throughout the year. Please send your donation to: Commander-VFW Post 5481 C/O Commander Ken Hanzl 132 Changebridge Road Montville, New Jersey 07045 Kindly make checks payable to: VFW Post 5481 Welfare Fund. You are reminded that your donations are tax deductible.
VFW 5481 is a non-profit organization dedicated to the people of Montville Township, NJ. We join with our fellow citizens in making this community a better place to live.