JACKSON – For 18 years, township residents, businesses and organizations have come out to support the annual Wounded Warrior Escort hosted by the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club on South Stump Tavern Road.
The event has brought the community together to recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of America’s military veterans. It also served to honor wounded warriors and veterans who have served in conflicts spanning generations, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Veterans, members of Veteran support organizations and motorcycle groups lined up at 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning around the Jackson Justice Complex in preparation for their ceremonial escort to the Rifle and Pistol Club. Once there, the club provides some free shooting time at the range and lunch to the veterans.
The procession from the Justice Complex departed around 9:30 a.m. and included members of the Jackson Township Police Department, local volunteer fire companies, the First Aid Squad, the motorcycle groups, and volunteers. A police color guard is part of the tradition.
The event was chaired by Al Dolce who is a long-time member of the firearms group. “We hosted around 32 veterans, many who brought their families. The Family and Parade Crew fully participated in all the activities, just like our veterans.”
Dolce added, “we offered individual supervised instruction in trap shooting, pistol, black powder muskets as well as sporting and military rifles. The club members bring their personal firearms and provide individual one on one instruction.”
He said the gun club “has about 4,200 members, and a wait list of about a year. This year was special as the 250th anniversary of our country / 25th anniversary of 9/11, and our 20th year of working with warriors. As we work with Warriors year-round, Warrior Day is only part of what we do.
“One member who moved came all the way from Florida to help instruct. He said, ‘I have to be there for the warriors.’ We are thankful for the support of Jackson Township, CJ President Bob Roddy, Chairman Byron Loyer, and our wonderful members,” he said.
Jerry “Doc” DeCaro provided a group of archery instructors for them as well. Food was provided by Wegmans, Smokin 55 BBQ, Dunkin Donuts as well as the Salvation Army Canteen Truck.
Brick American Legion Post 348 member Dan Vuksanic joined a fellow member to represent the Post’s Motorcycle Riders Unit. “I’ve been with the riders for five or six years but I’ve been a Legionnaire for 35. This is my first year for this event.” He was riding a shiny 2009 Harley Davidson.
The US Spyder Ryders – Central New Jersey chapter came out in full force for the event. This marked their second year participating in it. They serve Jackson Township and surrounding areas, bringing together enthusiasts of Can-Am Spyder and Ryker trikes, as well as two-wheel motorcycles and other trikes.
Their president is township resident Dan Profetto and along with Vice President Colleen Cassano they lead the chapter in organizing rides, social gatherings, and charity events. Profetto said the group occasionally hosts community outreach and information sessions nearby, such as at the Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library and they were looking forward to riding in this year’s Toms River Fire Company Halloween Parade.
“We went last year and we have even more of a turnout for it this year,” Profetto said. “We love this sort of thing…We will be doing the Long Branch Columbus Day Parade for the first time. We’ve never been there but this is a little different because it is a give back part of what we do and we like that. We have 71-chapter members, 501 on our Facebook page. These people are a blast.”
“We have a great time what we do most of the time is rides. We go to Pennsylvania on the weekend, go see the sites. My wife and I just did South Dakota this past June. I have never gone that far. I’ve been president since 2021. Our members are from all over the state, Sommerset, Sicklerville, Toms River. We have 16 bikes here today. Some of our members are veterans. Last year it rained so I understand why a lot of people on the street to support it didn’t come out,” he said.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said, “I want to thank everyone who came out. I understand there are people from all over New Jersey here. We appreciate you coming and helping to keep this event alive. We all want to be proud of those who come out year after year.”
She added, “ride with pride and be safe. We did an announcement so there should be some kids and supporters out there along the way so be as loud as you want for the mile and a half ride. We appreciate you.”
Acting Police Chief Captain George Vidalis also thanked those who came out. “I think I was at the first one 18 years ago. I missed a few of them in the middle but we appreciate you choosing this location to start from. Thank you and ride safe.
Those wishing to support the project next year can contact the Mayor’s Office at 732-928-1200 ext. 1211. Wounded warriors and veterans interested in attending are asked e-mail Dolce at njgunfun@gmail.com.
