Brookfield VFW Participates in "Wreaths Across America Program"

On a misty December 14th day, members of the Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 joined many local citizens, civic and military organizations at the New Milford, Connecticut Center Cemetery as part of the annual Wreaths Across America National Program. In doing so the graves of every veteran interred in the cemetery, numbering in the hundreds, was honored by having a Christmas wreath laid at the base of their headstone. More than 100 attendees volunteered their time to accomplish the effort.

The program was headed up by Jean Mariano, a Gold Star mother, whose son Chief Petty Officer Jason D. Lewis, a Navy Seal, was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. His convoy was ambushed and an explosive device penetrated the troop compartment of his HMMWV where Lewis was located. Bravely exposing himself to enemy fire he was mortally wounded in a heroic attempt to provide additional security to his Seal team. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the V Device for Valor and is buried at the New Milford Center Cemetery.

In July of 2019 the Brookfield VFW Post was formally renamed at a dedication ceremony to honor his memory as the Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201.

Mariano has spearheaded the drive for the past 10 years to raise funds to cover the cost of purchasing the wreaths. This year over 700 wreaths were needed to be placed not only at the burial site of every service person laid to rest at the New Milford Center Cemetery but also to support the program at other neighboring community burial grounds in Northville and Bethel, Connecticut.

This is only one of many tireless efforts in which she generously devotes her time and energy to promote the remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country and support other causes. Among them is her involvement with the Travis Mannion Foundation to help Gold Star families with needs such as housing and other emergencies, as well as working with former Marine Don Clady, owner and publisher of the Connecticut Cruise News, in providing children with toys at Christmas and school supplies during the year.

If you wish to contribute to this worthwhile cause, go on line to "Wreaths Across America" and choose CT then Center Cemetery (CTCCNM/GROUP CTROVOOl, and then click on "Sponsor Wreath or Wreaths for this location. A second option is to make a donation payable to Remembering Our Veterans to be sent to the Webster Bank, 53 Main Street, New Milford, CT O6776