Students Honor 'Warriors' With $625 Donation

Four members of the American Veterans Association, Post 1776, Washington Township, participated in a Ceremony at Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011.

The ceremony was to honor veterans and to culminate a service project. The service project, led by Health and P.E. Teacher, , as well as Secretary Debbie McIlmail, raised $625 for the Wounded Warrior Project and collected more than a dozen boxes of candy and personal hygiene products for men and women currently serving overseas.  

Post 1776 Members present included Commander Raymond Millhime, U.S. Navy, Vice-Commander Martin Fleisher, U.S. Air Force, Vice-Commander Charles Polvino, U.S. Army and Adjunct Forrest Burgener U.S. Air Force (also 5th Grader Julia Timan's Grandfather).

Their visit started with the Ceremony which included their lead in a school-wide Pledge of Allegiance and a presentation of a check for $625 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Mr. Burgener said the check was the largest donation their Post had ever received from a school.

The Veterans also visited each classroom so that the students could thank them personally for their service to our country. Also of special note was that Benedict Cucinella himself, along with Raymond Millhime, was a founding member of Post 1776. Mr. Millhime spoke of him with found memories.

All information and photos provided by Benedict A. Cucinella School Assistant Principal Monica Whitmore.