By DOUG OTTO/American Legion Post 524
Ocean City’s Morvay-Miley-Cruice American Legion Post 524 will welcome three military families to America’s Greatest Family Resort on July 12 for a week of fun and festivities courtesy of the post’s Rest & Relaxation Program, now in its 14th year.
The families will be given the use of a condominium for the week and a multitude of gifts from local businesses as a way to thank them for their service and sacrifices.
“American Legion Post 524’s 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 Joe Masington, co-chairman of the R&R Committee. “Whenever military personnel are deployed, their families also share in that deployment, and we support their efforts as well.”
Following a police and fire department motorcade and an escort into town by the Legion Riders motorcycle brigade, the Laberdee, Henke and Pecson families will be honored during a welcoming ceremony at noon at the American Legion building at 46th Street and West Avenue.
During the ceremony, members of the South Jersey Quilts of Valor Foundation will present personalized, handmade quilts to the visiting service members. The pattern and stitching will represent the United States Air Force and United States Navy designs.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian will present the families with a ceremonial key to the city. They will also receive free beach and parking passes, restaurant dinners and local gift baskets courtesy of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the local business community.
“Post 524 is proud to welcome this year’s R&R families,” said Jerry Bonner, R&R Committee co-chairman. “We thank all our members — veterans, Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion — for their many contributions to these deserving, patriotic families.”
Terry Laberdee Jr.
U.S. Navy Military Police Officer Terry Laberdee Jr. will be accompanied by his wife, Alicia-Clark Laberdee, son Nathan, 14, and daughters Raven, 10, and Harper, 6.
MP Laberdee is stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in the Earle Security Department of the Naval Weapon Station. He previously served as a military base police officer at Naval Weapon Station Yorktown, Va., and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, as well as as overseas in NSA Bahrain, where he conducted anti-terrorism measures and force protection for the 5th Fleet Headquarters. He is in his 10th year of military service.
“This trip will be incredibly meaningful to our family, since our daughter, Harper, will have beaten cancer for the second time this past April. We can think of no better way to celebrate her strength and our journey together,” Alicia-Clark Laberdee said.
Henke family
The second family to be honored is the Henke family, a dual military family consisting of TSgt. Justin Henke, and MSgt. Cynthia Henke, their son Cooper, 3, and daughter Magnolia, 1.
Cynthia Henke, of Milwaukee, Wis., enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November 2012 and has been assigned to Ramstein AFB Germany, Scott AFB in Illinois, and currently Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Her career positions have included Traffic Management, Unit Deployment Manager and Special Warfare Recruiting Flight Chief.
Justin Henke, of Vicksburg, Miss., enlisted in the Air Force in 2011 and has been assigned to Ramstein AFB Germany, Scott AFB in Illinois, Holloman AFB in New Mexico and currently Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. His career positions have included Unit Security Manager, Electrical Craftsman and Electrical NCOIC.
“Being selected for this beach getaway means so much to our family,” Cynthia Henke said. “It will provide us a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect and focus on one another after the daily challenges and sacrifices that come with military life. We are sincerely grateful for the support American Legion Post 524 provides military families and we truly appreciate their time and thoughtful considerations.”
Mary Jane Pecson
The third military family to be honored is the Pecson family. USAF Senior Airman Mary Jane Pecson of the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will be accompanied by her husband, Ralph, and their daughters Lucia, 16, and Luna, 13.
Pecson enlisted in 2023, serving in Supply Equipment Accountability. She was recently elevated to Training Manager for her squadron.
“My husband and I immigrated from the Philippines to provide a good future for our family,” she said. “I enlisted in the Air Force in 2023 and since then, we have never had a chance to get away as a family because of busy schedules. I am serving on active duty and schooling at the same time to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing. This will be the best opportunity for us to escape and have an enjoyable family time. Our oldest daughter will turn 16 in July, and I believe this will be the best gift we can give her.”
The American Legion Riders, along with the Ocean City Fire Department, will escort the three military families from the Visitors Center to American Legion Post 524 on July 12 with a patriotic motorcycle/fire truck parade.
The public is invited to join the welcoming ceremonies at noon. Call (609) 398-1751 or visit legion524ocnj.org for more information.
