Approximately 100 veterans of several wars and all branches of service were honored at the Fourth Annual Veteran Appreciation Lunch hosted by the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution last week in Holmdel.
Ensign: Cadet Sierra Olmeda of Middletown
Navy flag: Cadet Luke Franco of Lincroft
Unit flag: Cadet John Cizin of Hazlet
Left rifle: Cadet Saaya Kalaria of Freehold
DAR Middletown Chapter Regent Michele Donnelly welcomed the group and their families to an event filled with appreciation, pomp, circumstance, and an honor guard provided by MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancock.
Donnelly introduced several officials present at the lunch to honor the veterans, including Holmdel Mayor Brian Foster, and Assembly members Gerry Sharfenberger and Vicky Flynn, both of whom attend numerous DAR functions honoring both living veterans and at gravesides maintained by the DAR.
Julia McAulay of Holmdel High School sang the National Anthem as the MAST Honor Guard presented the American flag.
Vincent Solomen, the NJ Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs also spoke, showing his appreciation to veterans and the numerous ways each of the services serves the country in both war and peacetime.
Regent Donnelly, in welcoming everyone to the event, traced the DAR history back to its founding in 1890, a non-political women’s service organization whose mission includes both education for veterans and patriotism, She also invited any women who could prove direct lineal descendant from a Revolutionary War patriot to join the DAR.
Noting next year’s 250th anniversary, Donnelly told the guests of honor “Our ancestors were the very first veterans of this country and so you all have a special place in our hearts as today’s veterans who have carried that legacy of democracy and freedom forward.”
“Our chapter is relatively young,” the regent said, “but it was founded on a desire to serve our community, especially our local veterans.” The annual luncheon is just one way members should their appreciation and thanks, she said.
Donnelly also thanked all the sponsors that worked with the DAR to make the catered buffet lunch and afternoon activities possible, including the Blue Claws Charities, Circle Hyundai, Drs. Joseph Cauda and James Brock, Roar Properties and Buhler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. She also thanked Girl Scout Troop 96330 the Holmdem Dance Team,and the many who have send cards and appreciation for the veterans.
Colonel Pablo Torres, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 49 at Fort Dix, was guest speaker for the program.
Colonel Torres, a highly decorated Marine and a graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, was designated a naval aviator in 2003 and reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 for initial training in the AH-1W before being assigned with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2004 to April 2005, August 2006 to February 2007, and April 2008 to November 2008 before taking the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in 2007.
After the three combat tours with HMLA-367, Colonel Torres was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) and served as the Air Officer for Supporting Arms Liaison Team (SALT) Alpha where he was designated the subject matter expert for all aviation fires. He also deployed again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, screened with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) and volunteered to deploy with a Naval Special Warfare unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
After graduating from the Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA where he earned a Master of Military Studies, Colonel Torres reported to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 and was later assigned to HMLA-167. While there, he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. In 2015, Colonel Torres deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 16.1.
After serving at Headquarters Marine Corps he then reported to MAG-29 and worked in the Department of Safety and Standardization.
In June 2018, Colonel Torres was assigned command of HMLA-167. He led the squadron during multiple exercises and the in-stride conversion of the AH-1Z. The squadron supported every assigned frag during his command and maintained a mishap-free record.
His personal ward include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal-Individual Action, Air Medal-Strike Flight Numeral 10, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device.
During the luncheon, Ernest Diorio, David Drummond and Rich Gough were presented with Distinguished Citizen Awards for their accomplishments and dedication. A Leatherneck Pipes and Drums provided further entertainment and honor for the veterans during the ceremony.
