Air Force Vet, Family Surprised With Free Ocean City Vacation

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Another family found happiness in Ocean City. Ocean City American Legion Post 524 surprised an Air Force veteran and his family with a free week in a local condominium, several gifts and keys to the city.

Post 524 honored Staff Sergeant Andre Pazmino on Saturday with his family. Pazmino, a 13-year veteran, has been deployed to Iraq and most recently Somalia. He serves out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Ocean City's police and fire department formed a motorcade for the Legion Riders to escort the family into town. Pazmino's son Mason, 6, and daughter Isabella, 5, as did his mother, father and sister.

Ocean City business owners offered plenty of gifts, including dinners at restaurants, product baskets, and accommodations such as free passes and admission to the Cape May County Zoo.

Mayor Jay Gillian gave the family keys to the city. Ray and Eraena Gogola donated a one-week stay in their Ocean City condo.

“I am truly appreciative of this honor and the generosity of the American Legion,” Pazmino said. “This means so much to my family and me.”

Post 524 veteran Steve Cole also presented Mason and Isabella with a commendation medal and a special citation for demonstrating strength while their father was overseas.

This is the sixth straight year that Post 524 has hosted military service personnel and their families.

“The Veterans Rest & Relaxation Program began in 2013 as a way to pay tribute to servicemen and women for sacrifices made during their time in the military,” said R&R Chairman Jerry Bonner. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment and we support their efforts as well.”

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Follow Ocean City Patch on Facebook. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.