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Disabled vets get a day at the lake

| 13 Jun 2016 | 03:34
    WWII and Korean War Navy veteran Albert "John" Messina, 94, enjoyed his day at the lake. He joined the Navy in 1939 and after the WWII ended, he joined the Bloomingdale Police Department, only to be reactivated during the Korean War. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star along with other commendations.
    WWII and Korean War Navy veteran Albert "John" Messina, 94, enjoyed his day at the lake. He joined the Navy in 1939 and after the WWII ended, he joined the Bloomingdale Police Department, only to be reactivated during the Korean War. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Star along with other commendations.
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service employee Fran Stephenson is shown enjoying a bit of levity with veterans from Paramus in Bergen County during the lunch break.
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service employee Fran Stephenson is shown enjoying a bit of levity with veterans from Paramus in Bergen County during the lunch break.
    Joyce Schmidt of Hewitt and Lynn Bender of West Milford prepare to serve the two cakes.
    Joyce Schmidt of Hewitt and Lynn Bender of West Milford prepare to serve the two cakes.
    Ted Flaxman of Wantage enjoyed a day of fishing at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Mr. Flaxman served in the Special Forces from 1965 to 1968.
    Ted Flaxman of Wantage enjoyed a day of fishing at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Mr. Flaxman served in the Special Forces from 1965 to 1968.
    Lunch is served.
    Lunch is served.

VERNON — Vernon’s Double V Rod and Gun Club on Saturday brought 64 disabled American military veterans for a free day of fishing at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.
Some 23 club members and seven additional volunteers helped to make the day a success that included a fine lunch and celebratory cakes.
The veterans came from New York’s Montrose VA Hospital and the VA hospital in Paramus in Bergen County. Although closed for this special day, this section of the refuge is normally open to all and features a handicapped-accessible fishing dock with ramps.
— Photos by Chris Wyman