Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst held a tree dedication and luncheon for veterans on Nov. 14. The tree is the first planted in a planned park dedicated to Lakehurst's veterans. (U.S. Navy Photo)
Lakehurst recognizes veterans with tree dedication, luncheon
A few days after the country observed Veteran’s Day, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst recognized the contributions of those who served in the armed forces with a tree dedication and luncheon Nov. 14.
During his opening remarks at the tree dedication ceremony, Lakehurst Executive Director Sean D. Brennan noted that the Warfare Center has more than 300 veterans in its workforce. Brennan said the tree dedication was the start of the creation of Lakehurst Veterans Park, an area dedicated to all veterans. Joining Brennan was the Lakehurst Chief Engineer and Technical Director, Jack Martenak, and the Officer-in-Charge, Cmdr. Adam Pawlak.
“It is our hope that each tree we plant symbolizes resilience, hope, and the strength of our veterans and their families,” Brennan said.
Following the tree dedication ceremony, participants were invited to a luncheon at the Lakehurst Flight Deck, where the smell of freshly grilled sausages filled the air as team members prepared sausage and pepper sandwiches as guests were walking into the building.
The event was also the first for the newly developed NAWCAD Lakehurst Warrior Integration and Support Program (WISP), an organization designed to support area veterans and help them learn about available resources.
WISP Director Frank Attwood said it was significant to have Lakehurst leadership recognizing the importance of the veteran community not only on the day of the dedication but also with an eye to the future.
“The men and women who served their country and now work here at Lakehurst continue to play a critical part in supporting the warfighters who followed in their boots,” Attwood said. “Knowing that veterans will have a place to come and see a physical representation of their contributions for years to come is a small way of saying thank you that can profoundly impact everyone who sees it.”
The tree dedicated during the ceremony was donated by MA-22, an organization devoted to ending the tragic trend of 22 veteran suicides per day, with Dennis Addesso, the organization's President and Co-Founder, serving as the guest speaker for the luncheon.