Joe Garofola of Oceanside, New York (a friend of Al's) served in the 11th Armored Div. U.S. Army. Joe, an expert rifleman, is a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. He also fought in Belgium and Austria. Joe and his fellow comrades of the 11th Armored Div were the first to liberate the survivors of Manhaussen concentration camp. They also captured and closed down Gunsen crematorium.

Joe is the recipient of the following awards and medals: The Bronze Star, American Campaign medal, The European-African-Middle east medal (with four bronze stars), WWII victory medal and The Combat Inf. Badge.

This past spring Joe returned to Belgium with many of his fellow servicemen to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ending of WWII. He met with members of the community who gave all the servicemen awards and medals for their heroism. The final touching moment for Joe was meeting with the survivors of Manhassen concentration came who were liberated by Joe and his fellow servicemen of the 11th Armored Div. Joe is truly one of our true American Spirit heroes.

This young lady's name is Anne (Sosh) Brehm 1LT, USA NC, World War II. She served in WWII as a nurse in the Army Nurse Corps, stationed in the China, India, Burma theater.

She was recognized on Memorial Day at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetary. A quote of hers (below) is etched in one of the glass tablets at the women's memorial.

"Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom. That our resolve was just as great as the brave men who stood among us. And, with victory, our hearts were just as full and beat just as fast -- that the tears fell just as hard for those we left behind."

The above photos were taken on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at the WWII Memorial by Anne's daughter Suzanne. The photo on the left is of Anne and a fellow WWII veteran receiving an appreciation certificate from ASMC presented by Al from the founding Chapter.

Suzanne posted the following message on our Club's website which we greatly appreciate.
"My mother is a WWII Veteran and was honored at the Women's Memorial this year. While visiting the WWII Memorial one of your members presented her with a certificate of appreciation. I wanted to let you know that she was quite touched by your thoughtfulness. I have a couple of pictures I can send you if you would like them. Bless you all for all your good deeds. Be safe. Regards, Suzanne Bond"

For more information on the Women In Military Service For America Memorial please visit http://www.womensmemorial.org/About/welcome.html