The Jersey Shore Quilts of Valor chapter has made more than 70 quilts in the two years since the chapter formed, and 10 more veterans were wrapped in quilts and honored for their service at a ceremony in Little Egg Harbor on Oct. 24.

The local veterans received not only their hand-stitched, personalized quilts, but recognition in the form of proclamations and commendations from Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Greg Myhre and Little Egg Harbor Township Mayor Ken Laney.

At the ceremony, Van Drew quoted Winston Churchill in his comments to the veterans: “‘Never, never, never give up.’ That’s what you were all about. You guys never gave up. You were going to do whatever it took and you were willing to stand up,” Van Drew said.

Offering his thanks to the veterans, he reflected on a recent ceremony for fallen firefighters he’d attended.

“The pastor was speaking about it, and he was speaking about how they are willing to go into the fire. ‘They’re willing to go into the fire.’ He then said, we need more Americans to be willing to go into the fire. He didn’t mean to become firefighters. … He meant we needed people who believe in America, who are willing to do whatever it took. You all were willing to go into the fire. Some of you did, literally,” Van Drew said.

Van Drew provided each of the honorees with a proclamation from the United States of America, a challenge coin and offered the recipients and their families a tour of his office and the Capitol any time they’d like. Additionally, he announced he’d be delivering a speech about each of the individual veterans and their accomplishments at the Capitol.

“… The best part is I have the privilege of asking for things to be put in the permanent record of the United States of America. Each one of you, your name, your history and that speech will be in the permanent record of the United States of America,” Van Drew said.

Myhre brought joint legislative commendations from the Ninth District and recognized each veteran for their service.

“Therefore, we, Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., and Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, as a duly elected representative of the ninth legislative district, proudly recognize Dennis Mohr for his honorable military service, dedication to the community and contribution to our nation’s defense, and extend our sincere gratitude for his service and sacrifice as he receives a Quilt of Valor,” Myhre read to one of the honorees.

“Thank you all so much for your service and thank you for helping to make America the greatest nation,” Myhre said.

Laney offered a special proclamation from the township committee.

“It is the solemn duty and highest privilege of the Little Egg Harbor Township Committee to recognize and honor those who have served our country in uniform, and to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten. And whereas the presentation of Quilts of Valor is a meaningful tribute that reminds each recipient of the deep appreciation and respect held for them by their community and their township,” Laney read.

Specialist 4th Class Donald Brown was unable to attend the ceremony, but his quilt was draped over an empty chair in his honor. Brown served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was selected to guard the commanding general of Korea at home, as well as at the command center and bunker. He was awarded the National Defense Service Award and the Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal.

Specialist 4th Class Ira Katz served in the Army from 1968-1970 during the Vietnam War. He served as a Sentinel who performed the ceremonial 21-step march at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while stationed at Ft. Meyer’s in Virginia. Katz was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter.

Staff Sergeant Jose L. Serrano served in the Army from 1977-1998 during multiple conflicts; his service included a tour in Cuba from 1995-1996 and Bosnia from 1997-1998. Serrano was highly awarded, and some of his achievements include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Specialist 4th Class Michael Giardina served in the Army from 1957-1959 during the Cold War (plus 6 years reserve). Giardina served at Aberdeen Proving Ground, N.J., was in charge of all tanks and jeeps at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and was stationed in Mannheim and Nuremberg, Germany.

TRUE HERO: Staff Sergeant Jose L. Serrano, who served in the Army from 1977 to 1998, is wrapped in his quilt at the Oct. 24 ceremony.

Master Sergeant Jay L. Werling served in the Air Force and Air National Guard from 1984-2012. His last duty assignment was at the 177th Fighter Wing of the N.J. National Guard. Werling received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, AF Longevity Service and more.

Master Sergeant Salvatore J. Fiorenza served in the Navy and Air Force from 1962-2007. His service in the Navy included time aboard the destroyer USS Cascade and submarine tender USS Howard W. Gilmore. Fiorenza served in the 177th Fighter Wing and 108th Fighter Wing.

Seaman Dennis Mohr served in the Navy from 1968-1972. His service included two years on USS Holland (AS-32), a submarine tender and 2 years of shore duty at the largest Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, VA. Mohr was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph A. Melchionne served in the Navy from 1959-1963 at Guantanamo Bay. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Specialist 4th Class John Geogheagan served in the Army from 1961-1964 during the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. For more than two years, Geoghegan served as a guard for nuclear weapons storage, including atom and cobalt bombs. He was awarded Marksmanship Awards for carbine & pistol, Rifle Sharpshooter, Driver Badge w/bar, & American Defense Medal.

Sergeant Arnold E. Malsbury served in the Army from 1969-1972 during the Vietnam War. Malsbury was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Seaman Stuart Palmeri was also set to be recognized but was not available for the ceremony.

To stay updated on Jersey Shore Quilts of Valor presentations, visit the organization’s Facebook page.