SAVOR SUMMER: SHOP, DINE & EXPLORE PAGE 28 theconnectionsnj.com Somewhere in this magazine is a SPOT IT & email your answer to info@theconnectionsnj.com Include Name, Town, Phone Number Subject Line: FAKE AD OR Go to theconnectionsnj.com to play ONLINE FAKE AD By Stacia McDonough, President of Independence for Veterans This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation, “from sea to shining sea,” it is a milestone that also coincides with what would have been the birthday of my late husband, John E. McDonough, a truly extraordinary gentleman. This momentous occasion is made possible by the service, unwavering patriotism, and inconthose who have served, my profound gratitude for them transcends the limitations of mere words. What follows is a small glimpse into the life of an altruistic Renaissance man who inspired my John E. McDonough, a decorated Vietnam veteran, and Sergeant in the United States Air Force, chose to enlist even though he had earned a full football scholarship to Oklahoma State University, which would have exempted him from the draft. During his time “In Country,” he was stationed in three renowned hot zones: Saigon, Nha Trang, and An Loc. To cope with the daily weight of war, John trained in Tae Kwon Do in the evenings with the Korean ROC Army, our allies, and achieved his black belt in just one year—an impressive accomplishment, given that it typically takes at least three. He consistently went above and beyond to support and protect the men in his unit, the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, even at great personal risk. Years later, I received a call from one of his fellow airmen who told me that John had saved his life. True to his nature, John had never mentioned it. His humility was as exceptional as his courage. Citations, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with a “V” device for valor, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. In 2008, following his untimely passing, John was posthumously inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey, where a poignant photograph of him from his time in Vietnam remains on permanent display. The contributions of our former servicemen and women are immeasurable. Debts that can never be repaid. We may not all agree on our nation’s policies, however, after having the privilege of working alongside veterans for more than two decades, I graciously request we unite on this: the kindness, compassion, and dignity they have so rightly earned. On any given night, there are approximately 40,000 homeless Veterans sleeping on the streets in the U.S. Proceeds from fundraising will be used to supply permanent housing for our homeless Veterans at no cost to them. Kindly join us in honoring those who served to protect our great nation and our freedoms. Our Veterans should never have to sleep on the streets or go hungry. Please consider joining us! Independence for Veterans P.O. Box 7, Bedminster, NJ 07921 Tel: 908-470-1930 independenceforveterans.org
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