Morris County Aids Flooded Tri-Boro VFW in Butler
Published on March 22, 2024
Commissioners Deliver $2,500 Check to Assist in Storm Damage Recovery
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners personally delivered a $2,500 check last night to members of the George P. Siek Tri-Boro Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8096 in Butler, funds that will support repairs and renovations needed after flood damage to the facility earlier this year.
“When the VFW was devastated by flooding, Mayor Martinez reached out to see if the county could help. It was not a matter of if, but what the county could do. We hope this check for $2,500 helps cover some of the costs of the repairs related to the flooding,” said County Commissioner Deborah Smith.
Commissioner Smith, Commissioner John Krickus and County Clerk Ann Grossi presented the check to the VFW at a beefsteak dinner fundraiser hosted at the Fireman's Hall on Hamburg Turnpike in Bloomingdale. Butler Mayor Ryan Martinez, who helped the VFW apply for the grant, joined in the presentation.
“We are here to support our veterans. We know how important the VFW building is at the heart of Butler and all the activities that take place that make this community so special. It’s our honor to present this check on behalf of the County Commissioners who unanimously supported this initiative,” said Commissioner Krickus, who served in the United States Marine Corps.
VFW Post 8096 Commander Wayne Stine accepted the donation on behalf of the veteran group. In return, he presented a National Guard Bureau Certificate of Appreciation to the County Commissioners.
“This is appreciated and was really needed. We can’t thank the county enough for supporting the VFW and our veterans,” said Commander Stine.
The Tri-Boro Post 8096 was initially established on Sept. 14, 1946 by veterans from Butler Township and Kinnelon Borough in Morris County and Bloomingdale Borough in Passaic County. The post was named in honor of George P. Siek, who had lived in Butler prior entering the United States Naval Reserves and being killed in action in World War II. The VFW Post has been a center for civic and patriotic efforts over the years, from honoring veterans on occasions such as Memorial Day to raising funds for scholarships annually to provide to students who enter the national VFW’s “Patriot’s Pen” contest.
In October 2021, the Morris County Commissioners honored the Tri-Boro Post 8096 on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. In 2022, the county provided a small business grant of $13,755 to the VFW to help cover costs related to the pandemic.
Bloomingdale Mayor John D'Amato, state Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblyman Christian Barranco also attended the fundraiser, which included opening remarks from Bill Spadea, NJ 101.5 radio personality and a U.S. Marine veteran.
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Photos
Photo 1: (l-r) Butler Mayor Ryan Martinez, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Commissioners John Krickus and Deborah Smith, Post 8096 Commander Wayne Stine, a local resident whose son is currently serving overseas, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who emceed the event.
Photo 2: County Commissioner Deborah Smith (left, 2nd), County Clerk Ann Grossi (left, 3rd) and Commissioner John Krickus (left, end of table).