American Legion
Aaron Wittkamp Colwell Post 239
PHOTOS OF EVENTS
January 4, 2025
Amanda's Field in Petersburg, Discprint held a fundraising frisbee golf tournament, with proceeds going to our Post.
It was very cold and windy that day, so we appreciate everyone that came out to participate.
Pictured is Chris Scott presenting the check to Commander Bill Archer at our Dino's meeting. He also had a disc signed by the Veterans that were there to participate, there were 7.
And the outside picture is of Chris Scott, Tom Garrity, Bill Archer , Bill Eisele and Tim Scott.
Tim and Chris are the Founders of Discprint, where they put on events such as this and they help get more courses opened up.
February 26 - March 2, 2025
We were setup for fundraising at the Atlantic City Boat show. This year the location we had was not very profitable.
April 5, 2025
Sgt-at-Arms Alvin Shepiro presented our quarterly donation to the NJ Dogs of Honor at their graduation ceremony.
April 10, 2025
A fun way to start the day. We were at the Upper Township Elementary School to present our 2024 Coloring Contest winners, who were surprised, their post level awards. The students colored the pages at the end of 2024, and we selected the winners in December. The first-place winner, Enzo's picture was sent to Department for State judging. We'll find out later how he did there.
Each student received a Certificate and a Walmart gift card.
The adults in the pictures, are L to R:
Principal Andrea Urbano, Children & Youth Chairman George Strunk, Commander Bill Archer and Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert.
April 3, 2025
Commander Archer went to OCHS to sign the paperwork for our 3 chosen Boys we will sponsor. While there the picture for the newspaper was taken. Pictured are Andrea Kulhberg, Gavin Mattina, Matthew Daher, Lukas Tuthill and Commander Archer.
April 27, 2025
We sent 2 members to Legion College at Sea Girt. Terri Schlachter graduated as Service Officer. Dan Colasante(not pictured) graduated the Basic Course. Pictured above right, Dan Pavese graduated the Chaplains course. He went as member of Post 184, then later transferred to our Post.
May 15, 2025
At the County Executive Meeting Post 239 and Post 298 were awarded the 100% Honor Ribbon from Dept.
Commander Archer accepted for Post 239 and Arnold Carr accepted for Post 298 in Dave Zwiegenbaum's absence.
Arnold Carr will become Post 298's new Commander as Dave is moving away.
May 24, 2025
Strawberry Festival at Gandy Farmstead. We had a lot of help. Pictured is Doug Ruth, Alvin Shepiro and George Strunk.
May 26, 2025
Our post is a regular participant in the Memorial day ceremony at Osprey Point. Commander Archer is presenting the wreath while Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert plays Taps.
June 2, 2025
On June 2, at the Ocean City High School, Commander Archer and Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert presented 7 students with our annual Scholarships. They sent an actual photo this year, so here is a picture of the picture.
June 10, 2025
Post 239 Commander Archer awarded 2 Students at the Upper Township Middle School academic awards in Science and Overall GPA.
Commander Bill Archer is seen here with Camryn Schiemer and Ryleigh Mistic each holding their Certificate and American Legion Education Medal along with $250 each.
June 12-14, 2025
Commander Archer, Alvin Shepiro and Dennis Reed attended this year's Convention in Wildwood. Pictured L to R: Commander Archer placing a carnation on the wreath for those that went to Post Everlasting this year. In middle Commander Archer is pictured after giving our donation for COTA. Lastly, Commander Archer is receiving our plaque for achieving 110% growth for the year.
June 17, 2025
Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert presented the Vernon Clark & Ted Behr Memorial award for academic achievement to Ella Perino.
She was the Valedictorian of her class and will be going to ACIT HS.
June 24, 2025
Our last week at our WISE class held at the Marmora VFW Post 8695, the ladies of DAR came and presented our Vietnam Veterans a special DAR Challenge Coin.
The class was presented by Cape Assist and is on healthy aging for Veterans. Today was our last day of class.
Our Vietnam Vets in the picture are Dan Tozer, Don Marple, Bill Guenther, Ron Showers and Roy Zehner.
July 15, 2025
A Fun day on the water. Captain Bob invited our Post along with some other local Veterans for a Free day of fishing.
There were several keeper fish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Sea Robin and I got a nice size Trigger Fish, which is pictured in the bucket.
Thank you to Captain Bob, Mate Tony and the Captain that was with us today.
July 17, 2025
Dennis Reed, Commander Archer and Alvin Shepiro point up at our Sponsorship banner
July 19, 2025
Our Post is performing the flag retirement ceremony with other local veterans. Middle Township color guard started things off.
July 19, 2025
Alvin Shepiro and Dan Pavese were selected to bring down the old flag and replace it with the new.
July 19, 2025
Commander Archer is cutting the stripes while members of Post 239 and Post 198 hold it steady. Then everyone that wanted to, was given the opportunity to place a stripe in the burn barrel.
After the ceremony was over, Congressman Jeff Van Drew paid us a visit.
July 23, 2025
Finance Committee Chairman Tom Garrity, a member of Wesley UMC Petersburg, presented a check for $1422 to Commander Bill Archer for the Post as part of the Church's Monthly mission. June is Veteran month and our Post was chosen to receive the donation.
We are grateful to the Church for allowing us to hold our meetings there and for being considered for this donation.
July 26, 2025
This was our annual Golf Outing. This year we broke another record in net donations. This was also the first year we had our Auxiliary Unit to help us.
Vice President Erma Mason, President Terry Ferante, Treasurer Deb Yoast and Secretary Magie Klain.
July 29, 2025
Nice Day today, hot but nice.
At our Post's last meeting we decided to donate another $500 to the Children's Fresh Air Home in North Wildwood. They are still finishing up the building to be able to bring the children in.
We were told to come by today, as they had a group of about 30 Children from Philadelphia. When the house is finished, they'll be able to come stay a week at a time, but for now it's a day trip.
They went to the Beach, some for the first time, and then got to have a BBQ in the backyard.
Commander Archer and Alvin Shepiro were there to see them come back from the beach and get a group photo.
Prior to the children returning from the beach, Commander Archer was able to present our check to Milt McFalls to help them bring more children to enjoy time at the shore.
Photos taken by Lynn Rosevelt.
August 27, 2025
Post member Bill Eisele, who is also a member of Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township, presented the Post Commander Bill Archer with a donation of $300.
Photo was taken by Dan Pavese.
September 11, 2025
Patriot Day ceremony at Osprey Point. Commander Archer is seen saluting the wreath after placing, while Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert plays Taps.
September 14, 2025
Commander Archer attended the Governor's review at the Sea Girt Training Center.
September 24, 2025
PDP Jane Babli came to our Auxiliary Unit's meeting to sweat them in. Secretary Margie Klain, President Terry Ferante, Vice President Erma Mason, Treasurer Deb Yoast and PDP Jane Babli.
September 27, 2025
The community gathered for a piece of Upper Township long standing history with being part of the American Revolutionary War.
The Aaron Wittkamp Colwell Post 239, The American Legion project led by Paul Sutton completed their mission to acknowledge the American Revolutionary War Patriot Ensign Henry Young of the 3rd NJ Militia by dedicating the Historic Marker located at the Cape May National Wildlife Reserve located at 144 Tyler Rd; Petersburg. Which the Young Family Burial Ground is located peacefully in this National Wildlife Reserve.
In May 2023, American Legion Post 239, in concert with the NJ State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, rededicated the Young Family Graveyard on Tyler Road. After many, many years of benign neglect the location was cleaned up and restored. The initial ceremony unveiling the cleaned-up gravesites of Ensign Henry Young and his family as a hero of the American Revolutionary was a great recognition for the community!
The next step after the family graveyard restoration was to work with the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Patriot Burials™ Marker Grant Program. This special historic marker series commemorates patriot burials. It is an opportunity to recognize those who fought in or were involved with the struggle for American independence. The Patriot Burials™ Marker Grant Program provides Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) chapters, acting in concert with community organizations, with the opportunity to apply for historic markers to be placed in locations where Revolutionary War Patriots are buried.
Fortunately, the American Legion had tremendous assistance and hours of challenging work dedicated to this effort by the personnel of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (federal owner and custodian of the property). That renewal included the removal of a 90+ foot black cherry tree in front of Henry Young’s grave and a general clean-up and restoration of the graveyard. They also had the benefit of the long and dedicated efforts of Upper Township local Barbi Harris of the General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution who rejuvenated the marble gravestones of Henry and Millicent Young, plus the foot stones of the other nine individuals (all family members) interred there.
As a lead-up to the semi quincentennial observance of the United States of America, the William Pomeroy Foundation in New York is offering “free” roadside signs commemorating the burial site of one or more Revolutionary War soldiers. Through the Colonel Richard Somers Chapter of NJ State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Legion applied for and were granted one of these signs, which was received in late 2023. Due to unforeseen and unavoidable delays that were no fault of the local US Fish and Wildlife Service office, this sign was not installed until late May of this year.
Today’s dedication of the William Pomeroy Foundation Sign; the American Legion and the Colonel Richard Somers Chapter of NJ State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution unveiled sign at the Cape May Wildlife Refuge.
This marks the 250th anniversary of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War that were fired on April 19, 1775, at the battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts which sparked the birth of our nation. This dedication ceremony is the final step in the renovation of the burial ground and dedication of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation historic marker commemorating the American Revolutionary War Patriot Ensign Henry Young of the 3rd NJ Militia.
The event ended with a reception hosted by the Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township at the John Wesley Gandy Farmstead on Tyler Road in Oceanview.
The Ceremony was presented by the following:
Master of Ceremonies: Paul Sutton, Member, American Legion Post 239 | Member, Col. Somers Chapter, SAR
Posting of the Colors: New Jersey State Society SAR Color Guard
Invocation: The Rev. Doctor Robert Costello, Pastor, Wesley UMC, Petersburg
Pledge of Allegiance: Raymond J. Lambert, Sr. Vice Commander, Post 239
SAR Pledge: Charles Morgan, Past President, NJ State Society, SAR
SAR Welcome: Christopher D. Sands, President, SAR State Society
DAR Welcome: Shea Pease, Regent, General Lafayette Chapter, New Jersey DAR State Society
Introduction of Honored Guests and Dignitaries: Paul Sutton
Unveiling of the Historic Marker: Mr. Sands (SAR), Donna Hare, So. District Director, New Jersey DAR State Society, Commander Archer and Upper Township Committeeman Zachary Palombo,
Prayer of Dedication: Donald Higbee, Chaplain, Colonel Richard Somers Chapter, SAR
Closing Remarks: William J. Archer, Commander: American Legion Post 239 | Commander, Cape May County American Legion
SAR Recessional: Charles Morgan, Past President, NJ State Society, SAR
Benediction: The Rev. David Jones, Retired Pastor, St. James Lutheran Church, Ocean View
Retirement of the Colors: New Jersey State Society SAR Color Guard
Sons of the American Revolution Pledge
We, the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution, who, by their sacrifices, established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge ourselves to defend against every foe.
Sons of the American Revolution Recessional
Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers, who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a Nation of Free Men.
You Tube Video LINK provided by Upper Township Resident L. “Charlie” Cole: https://youtu.be/eVaxrf0jZjc
October 4, 2025
Great Weather for the annual AppleFest at the Gandy Farmstead.
Shore Local Newsmagazine came through and took a bunch of pictures.
They got us together for a good shot in our tent!
Bill Eisele, Don Marple, Dan Pavese, Dennis Reed, Doug Ruth and Bill Archer.
October 21, 2025
Our Post likes to see the children have a safe and fun Halloween, so we do Trunk or Treat in Upper Township.
Dan Pavese was our headliner as Paul Revere.
Also in attendance to help is Bud Rutter, Dan Tozer, Dennis Reed, Ray Lambert and Bill Archer.
We went through 1000 pieces of candy this year.
November 8, 2025
Member John Kates was able to get out and be in the Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade.
December 10, 2025
Last Meeting of the Year!
Packed house today for our Post meeting.
We started off with the NJ State Police K-9 unit talking about their dogs and the program. They took questions on how the acquire and train their dogs
We then gave them a $1000 donation in the name of Past Post Commander Dennis DeSalvo and in his honor.
We had 22 in attendance. 1 guest from Alaska Post 1, Jim Grant and Bob Thompson was in attendance after a long absence from meetings.
John Mullen
Post member Joel Tabor
Mark Brown
Philip Persemperi
Anthony Robinson
Gregory Lane
December 17, 2025
Before our Christmas dinner our Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation committee went on their monthly visit to Autumn Lake. They took the veterans gifts for Christmas to include a new hat representing America's 250th Birthday.
The committee members that attended were Ray Lambert, Bud Rutter, Andy Klain and Tom Garrity.
Larry Watkins
Commander Bill Archer is presenting Rev Bob Costello our Certificate of Appreciation and Bill Eisele is letting everyone know the history of our post honoring businesses in the communuty.
December 17, 2025
What a great turnout at our American Legion Post 239's annual Christmas dinner at Tuckahoe Inn. We far exceeded previous years in attendance. There was around 70 in attendance. I didn't count the sign in sheet yet.
Our Honored organization this year is the Wesley United Methodist Church. Rev Bob and his Wife Marjie were invited to enjoy a meal on us, and They were given our Certificate of Appreciation.
In the Sentinel Ledger today, they ran our press release that explains our Buddy Check program, which our Vice Commanders are in charge of. Sr Vice Commander Ray Lambert and Jr Vice Commander Andy Klain were asked to rise to be recognized as they call a lot of the people in attendance, we I wanted everyone to see who is calling them to check on how they are. Since they started doing the Buddy Checks, they've received nothing but gratitude for the calls.
Several members of the new Auxiliary Unit were present. Dennis Reed went on Emblem sales and ordered all the members of the Auxiliary a nice Unit pin. 2 Weeks ago, they were featured in the Sentinel Ledger as being newly formed and sworn in.
We had an incentive program where members that helped with fundraising, were given a ticket for each event they volunteered. With them helping, it allowed us to be able to have this dinner.
There were 4 winners of $50 Gift card to Tuckahoe Inn.
Bud Rutter, Alvin Shepiro, Don Marple and Bill Eisele were the 4 winners.
Lastly, we did a 50/50 and collected $500.
Alex May won $250!!
Alvin Shepiro is moving away and expressed how he is going to miss everyone. If he is back during a time we have a meeting, he'll stop by.
There were several people that were expected but could not attend due to illness. We hope they get well soon!
At Aaron Wittkamp Colwell Post 239 We appreciate our members!!