MANASQUAN — Local combat veterans, as part of the Manasquan Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1838 Task Force Warrior Trip, headed to Washington, D.C.for a three-day bus trip and tour of the nation’s capital.
Task Force Warrior is a one-time program organized by VFW Post 1838 designed to recognize combat veterans during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The trip was built around a series of events catering to veterans including a tour of military memorials, presentations by the U.S. Army, celebrating its 250th birthday at Fort Myer; a formal wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and a visit to the Capitol building alongside Rep. Chris Smith (D-4).
VFW Post 1838 member and organizer of Task Force Warrior Jim Bagley told The Coast Star, “Task Force Warrior is a tribute to the warriors among us, to those who may not have received recognition upon their return home, and to those warriors of history who made our nation great.”
Bagley added that the trip was a celebration of service and pride, a commemoration of sacrifice and a demonstration of gratitude.
The bus trip brought together combat veterans from a variety of backgrounds who fought in different conflicts, providing a special opportunity for individuals with the same military foundation to chat, participate in fellowship and celebrate a mutual bond of patriotism and love for country, Bagley said.
The group of more than 30 veterans departed Squan Plaza in a ceremonial send-off that featured local politicians, family, friends and members of the Manasquan community. From Squan Plaza, the coach bus was led towards the nation’s capital with a police escort from the state police of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
“The group boarded the bus with the excitement of kids going off to camp, except the average rider was 65. On the bus, the warriors immediately reverted to a language of acronyms and slang that is incomprehensible to most civilians, and slid into a comfort zone based on similar experiences, commitment and camaraderie. The road trip was fast and easy, partly because of the police escort, but also because time slows when you’re sharing memories and exaggerating stories,” Bagley said.
Among the many memorable moments from the trip, Bagley said the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was just an “unforgettable experience for all of us.” At the cemetery, trip participants searched the grave markers to pay respect to fallen friends or family members, with one visit to the grave of the U.S. Navy Commander George Cregan, who lived in Manasquan until his death in 1969. He is the grandfather of current Manasquan resident Amanda Cregan and served the military for 40 years, during both World Wars.
Represented by a soldier, a sailor, a marine and an airman, Task Force Warrior participants respectfully reported to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“The serenity of that solemn space was interrupted as four of our comrades walked down the steps, positioned the wreath and saluted as Taps was played. For military personnel, the experience of Taps is an emotional event, but in Arlington National Cemetery surrounded by our nation’s heroes, watching comrades lay a wreath, it was overwhelming,” Bagley said.
The trip included a variety of military musical performances and birthday celebrations including a rendition of “Sunset Parade” by the Marine Drum and Bugle Team and demonstrations by the Silent Drill Team. Bagley recalled members of the Task Force Warrior trip marveling at the young faces dressed in Marine garments.
“We saw fresh-faced soldiers and Marines in sharp uniforms and wondered how 40 and 50 years went by so quickly,” Bagley said.
Additionally, Task Force Warrior participants attended Twilight Tattoo, an action-packed historical military recount of the U.S. through the eyes of a soldier. The show featured performances from The U.S. Army Blues, The U.S. Army Band Downrange, The Commander-In-Chief’s Guard and The U.S. Army Old Guard and Fife Corp at Fort Myer in Virginia.
Bagley said a highlight of the trip was a special, inside tour at the Capitol building, organized by Rep. Smith, who joined Task Force Warrior participants on his day off. After posing for a photograph with trip participants, Rep. Smith brought the group to the chamber floor of Congress and discussed veteran issues and the nation’s history with attendees.
According to Bagley, the inspiration for Task Force Warrior came from a program called Honor Flight, a sought-after trip that invites veterans to Washington, D.C. for a tour of military monuments. He added that the motivation to host the trip was the Vietnam Veterans of VFW Post 1838 and for all local veterans, particularly those who might not have received the wholesome welcome home they deserved.
The trip was a community-wide effort funded, in part, by Manasquan Elks Lodge #2534, Manasquan Savings Bank, the VFW Auxiliary and numerous other groups and businesses, augmented by the VFW’s 50/50, Bagley said.
Bagley told The Coast Star, “It was an amazing, unforgettable experience. We did it, everything went really well. It was just a wonderful experience and trip for all of us.”
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