Wynwood center honors its vets on Memorial Day

The words “Thank you for your service” were heard, handshakes were had and salutes were made during Memorial Day at Wynwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on Wynwood Drive.

With some 40 veterans as residents, the leadership at Wynwood wanted to recognize them in a special way. They and their families enjoyed barbecue and company in the center’s courtyard. Mayor Stephanie Kravil and members of the Cinnaminson police department were on hand for a veteran-pinning ceremony; a tribute in song; and for dessert and shared stories at a remembrance roundtable led by retired Col. Scott Kadar, a 26-year veteran of the Air Force.

On Wynwood’s Instagram page, staff noted that they “proudly gathered to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.” The ceremony also featured a POW/MIA remembrance chair, speeches and the presentation of certificates of honor and medals to veterans in attendance.

Those honored included:

• PSC (Private Security Contractor) John Salvaggio served for two years in the U.S. Army.
• Staff Sgt. Donald Williams served in the U.S. Army for 22 years. He is a Purple Heart recipient.
• General Bobby Rodgers served in the U.S. Army for 35 years and was heavily decorated.
• Specialist James McDonough served in the U.S. Army for two years. He is a Purple Heart recipient.
• Sgt. John Belland served in the U.S. Army for two years and 10 months. He received certificates and ribbons.
• Specialist Anthony Gordon (E-4P) served in the U.S. Army for five years and received two Army Achievement medals.
• Staff Sgt. Michael Evans served in the U.S. Army for four years.
• Sgt. Andrew Berkelbach served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.
• Sgt. Robert Thwaites served in the U.S. Army for 10 years.
• Second Lt. Wakeen Edmonds was in the U.S. Army for three years and received a combat recipient medal.
• Sgt. William Manos served in the U.S. Army for three and a half years and earned a good behavior ribbon and M1 rifle medal.
• Sgt. Alexander Brown served in the U.S. Air Force for five years.
• Sgt. Charles Hamilton was in the U.S. Army for seven years and received multiple awards and medals.
• Private Forrest Collins served in the U.S. Navy for 18 months.
• Master Sgt. Reginald Myers was in the Air Force for 40 years, earning multiple awards, medals and ribbons.
• Specialist Marcellius Murphy served in the U.S. Army for three years from 1975 to ’78.
• Specialist Rank Timothy Bolbecker served in the U.S. Army for three years, receiving an Army Achievement ribbon.
• Sgt. Ronald Gass served in the U.S. Navy for five years and received an honorable discharge award.
• Seaman David Bernard served in the U.S. Navy for eight years and earned a good conduct medal.
• Sgt. Thomas Joseph Kratz served in the U.S. Army and military police for nine years, and was given the Honor of Duty award.
• Specialist 4th class Todd Munchback was in the U.S. Army for three years.
• Specialist Robert Wilfong served in the U.S. Army in Rank E-5 for three years active and two years inactive, receiving a range shooting badge.
• Sgt. Harry Williams served in the U.S. Army for six years and received Target Practice award.
• Master Sgt. Elizabeth Stefanoni served in the U.S. Air Force for 37 years and was heavily decorated.
• Staff Sgt. Stephen Anderson served in the U.S. Marines and Air Force during 20 years of service, including World War II, and received several ribbons and honors.
• Specialist 4th class Inocencio “Pete” Morales served in the U.S. Army for two years.
• Specialist John Conway served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years.
• Staff Sgt. Robert Hollins served in the U.S. Army Special Forces for five years.
• General Sgt. Teddy Hill served in the U.S. Army for 12 years and received many awards, medals and ribbons.
• Staff Sgt. Eric Aukett served in the U.S. Army for 16 years, receiving awards for marksmanship and sharp shooting.
• Private First-Class James Bloomer served in the U.S Marine Corps for two years.
• Specialist Warren Denning served in the U.S Army for three years.
• Staff Sgt. Daniel Davis served in the U.S. Army for nine years, nine months, two weeks and three days, receiving several medals.
• Specialist 4th class Darryl Collette served in the U.S. Army for four years as a sharpshooter.
• Chief Warrant Officer Jose Valcarcel served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, earning medals and honors that included a parachutist medal.
• Sgt. Paul Abram served for three years in the U.S. Army and received multiple awards.
• Sgt. First-Class Robert Curry served 24 years in the U.S. Army and received multiple medals and awards. His daughter accepted the certificate and medal on his behalf.

Wynwood plans to honor and memorialize their fallen heroes on a wall of the center in the near future.