South Jersey to Welcome Wounded Warrior With Parade, Vacation

American Legion Post 469 in Longport is welcoming its honored guest and his family for the 13th annual Wounded Warrior Week.

The Post brings a wounded American veteran and their family to town each year for a one-week expenses-paid vacation. The special week includes a welcoming parade, activities, and a vacation in a beach block home donated for the week by a Longport resident.

This Year's Special Guest

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Roger Hopkins, his wife Betsy, their two adult children, and Roger's service dog, Hoku will be arriving from Ft. Worth, Texas on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Master Sgt. Hopkins was part of an elite Pararescue division. During his career, he deployed on 14 combat deployments between 2006 and 2016.

He sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries and other injuries.

His Bronze Star decoration read, "He maneuvered in open terrain, exposing himself to incoming mortar rounds in order to treat wounded personnel".

Everyone Encouraged to Attend Parade

This is a wonderful opportunity to thank this serviceman for his service.  The event is a surprise for the Wounded Warrior and his family.

The parade happens at 5:30 pm Tuesday as a motorcade departs Ski Beach in Ventnor and travels through Ventnor, Margate and Longport.

The parade route goes down Dorset Ave in Ventnor, turns right on Atlantic Ave and continues to Longport.

Fire engines, police cars, and Harley-Davidsons ridden by members of the American Legion Post will lead the way. You are encouraged to be out on the parade route with signs and banners welcoming these special guests to South Jersey.

I remember what a big deal this was for Margate kids when my daughters were in Margate schools.