Yankee Doodle and not so Dandy!

    Recently, my family and I had the proud and distinct honor of attending a ceremony/presentation on behalf The Philadelphia Treats for Troops in conjunction with an invitational Iron Soldiers Biathalon right here in good ole’ Ocean City.  Every summer this is held at Fred and Sandy Klevans’ little humble abode by the sea.  The Klevan family opens up their home and alley at 27th Street one day a year, to athletes, kind neighbors and friends for a few  stress-free hours so that all can re group for some food and “refueling” after the athletes have raced and swam.   By the way, did I mention that this event is a no-fee race, and that the fee is simply a few donated goodies for our troops overseas, who by the way are fighting for our safety and freedom that we enjoy every day!

    With the above being said, all the local friends, athletes and neighbors know that after the race there is a military award presentation honoring a Fallen Soldier in which we are blessed to have the family of the Fallen Soldier in attendance to accept the award.  There is a heartfelt slide show and video outlining the heroics of the soldier, together with background on the Treats for Troops non-profit program. Also included are inspirational clips from US soldiers and commanders.  The crowd anxiously awaits the slide show of the Fallen Hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  The moment is quiet, honorable and always heartfelt.  This year being honored is US Marine Capt. Ryan K. Iannelli  (4/3/84 – 9/28/11), a fellow South Jersey native who attended Kingsway Regional High School and Oral Roberts University, who was a pilot killed as his helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.    

    As the award is being presented to honor the sacrifice of Capt. Ryan K. Iannelli, it gives me no pleasure to announce what transpired next.  Out of the blue, wadding down the alley, ranting and raving, was an irate neighbor who was “inconvenienced” at the noise of the slide show, our clapping, and our presence.  I will quote “this neighbors” classless rhetoric, “This is so obnoxious and annoying.  Don’t you know I live right over there and this is a residential neighborhood!”  She proceeded to be disruptive, downright despicable and disrespectful.  How could anyone ever have an emotional disconnect to a US soldier and his family, who is being honored and whose family is sitting front row and center?  I was truly embarrassed for her actions.  As a few kind bystanders walked over to try and calmher down, she wanted in no way shape or form to apologize for her idiotic actions in front of a humble and patriotic crowd.  She angrily walked away swearing.  

    May I remind “this neighbor” that the author of this letter is an Ocean City resident/homeowner who is proud to be affiliated with this wonderful program . I write notes of encouragement and thanks that are sent with the care packages, my son runs care package drives at Haverford High School and my husband has “trucked” down supplies from home to Ocean City.  All of the “normal” neighbors are happy to do whatever it takes to send a little cheer to a soldier overseas!  In no way do I see anything about this presentation as an inconvenience or interference to an Ocean City resident.  

    So I ask where was this disgruntled neighbor’s common, everyday Americancourtesy ?  All in attendance, such as, early responders, firefighters, uniformed soldiers, and emergency personnel were stunned by her behavior.  Her actions were truly uncalled for at such a heartfelt moment.  

    I am happy to report that the presentation and honoring of Capt. Ryan K.Iannelli was completed with honor, dignity and respect.  Additionally, “the neighbor” contacted the OCPD.  Kudos, to the OCPD for not interfering with the presentation; at least they had the honor to wait until the event was over and address the issue at hand, if there even was an issue!

    Additionally, let it be known that the Klevan family will continue to practice their acts of kindness and are proud to be an integral part of making the soldier’s lives overseas a little bit brighter by sending care packages.  Fred and his wife Sandy do not want any special accolades, they simply feel this is a caring way of supporting the soldiers who deliberately put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedom.  A great big shout out of thanks to Fred and Sandy for all that they do.  Don’t worry, Freddie and Sandy, we will see you next year in the alley honoring one of America’s finest!