by Casey Wolfe / Jackson Township
Jackson Township hosted a Veterans Day celebration recognizing local military veterans on Friday, November 14 in the Jackson Township Senior Center.
In addition to the many veterans of Jackson, Mayor Jennifer Kuhn, the Jackson Township Junior ROTC, and Councilman Kenneth Bressi who is also a Marine Corps veteran from 1964-1970 (in Vietnam 1965-1966) joined the ceremony.
“When you speak here, you’re speaking to many seniors that are veterans, and they appreciate that [the town] is honoring them and their comrades, and all the other veterans that served,” said Councilman Bressi. “They’re not here for themselves, they’re here to honor the other veterans, their brothers and sisters, and with the ROTC coming it adds that much more to it.”
Army veteran Jim Politano (1967-1969) enjoys celebrating his time in the service.
“It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it set me on a path to have a good life,” he said. After his service, Mr. Politano used the skills he had learned in the Army working for Wesson Electric.
His granddaughter is currently in the service and has just come back from serving in Kuwait.
Air Force veteran John Kerod (1952-1972) remembers his service fondly.
“I lived a good life. Things [in the air force] were a little better as far as living quarters. I didn’t have to sleep in a foxhole,” he said lightheartedly. “Everything is a little better in the Air Force.”
The Veteran’s Association was also there to explain the benefits offered through the VA including medical compensation and homecare assistance, and the Aid and Attendance benefit which is a tax-free pension benefit. There are never any charges for these benefits.
Mayor Kuhn has asked Councilman Bressi to help facilitate the Veterans Commission coming back for local veterans.
“The Veterans Commission never really took off,” said Councilman Bressi. “This time we have a lot of game plan in place.”
Bressi finished with a cautionary suggestion for veterans to be aware of scams, stating that the VA will never contact anyone by phone to ask for a social security number or service number, and they will only communicate through mail.
Jackson Township is proud to celebrate our veterans on Veterans Day and every day. To the men and women who have served, and are presently serving, thank you for your service and Jackson is proud to honor you.