Thanks to all veterans

To the Editor: I would like to add a comment regarding the photo in the April 27 issue of the Sparta Independent of U.S. Army First Sergeant Paul Wilcock, Freeholder Susan Zellman and Congressman Scott Garrett. The photo was taken at the Sparta Republican Club’s annual brunch held at Lake Mohawk Golf Club on Sunday, April 23. Every year the Sparta Republican Club holds their brunch and honors or recognizes a person or group. This year the club honored 12 local veterans, 11 who served in Iraq and one who served at Guantanamo. The following were presented with certificates of appreciation: Colonel Martin Bischoff, Major Michael Mikulski, Major Dan Lee, Chief Warrant Officer John Laner, First Sergeant Paul Wilcock, Master Sergeant Martin Swiss, Master Sergeant Michael Cordero, Jr., Sergeant First Class Angel Aponte, Sergeant First Class Francisco Maciel, Sergeant Henry Chin-Hong, Gunnery Sergeant John Finkeldie and Sergeant First Class Morgan McHose. To be in the presence of these heroes was truly humbling. Hearing Col. Bischoff speak brought me and many others in attendance to tears. It makes everything I do day to day seem so unimportant. The freedoms I have are because of the selfless men and woman who defend this country. We need to recognize and honor these soldiers any chance we can. I want to express my utmost gratitude to all veterans. It was a wonderful event that I will never forget. On this morning, politics aside, it was strictly about the veterans. I want to thank the club’s president, Donald LeFante, for a moving event. Thank you to all who attended. Amy Nittolo Sparta