Morris County Commissioners Rally Support for Flood-Affected Local VFW Post

A Significant $2,500 Donation Aids in the Restoration of the Tri-Boro VFW Post in Butler

In an emblematic gesture of community solidarity, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners delivered a generous $2,500 check to the George P. Siek Tri-Boro Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8096 in Butler. This financial support is aimed at aiding in the recovery and refurbishment of the VFW facility, which suffered considerable damage due to flooding earlier this year.

The delivery of the check took place during a beefsteak dinner fundraiser at the Fireman's Hall on Hamburg Turnpike in Bloomingdale. Among those in attendance were County Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus, County Clerk Ann Grossi, and Butler Mayor Ryan Martinez, who was instrumental in securing the grant for the VFW.

“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 Krickus, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, underscored the significance of the VFW to the Butler community, “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.”

(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.

In a touching exchange, VFW Post 8096 Commander Wayne Stine accepted the donation and reciprocated with a National Guard Bureau Certificate of Appreciation to the Commissioners, expressing profound gratitude for their support.

“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 George P. Siek Tri-Boro Post 8096, established on September 14, 1946, has long been a cornerstone for veteran and community engagement in the region. Named after George P. Siek, a Butler resident and Navy reservist killed in action during World War II, the post has dedicated itself to various civic and patriotic endeavors, including annual scholarships for the VFW's “Patriot’s Pen” contest.

County Commissioner Deborah Smith (left, 2nd), County Clerk Ann Grossi (left, 3rd) and Commissioner John Krickus (left, end of table).

This is not the first instance of Morris County extending support to the Tri-Boro Post 8096; in October 2021, the Commissioners celebrated the post's 75th anniversary, and in 2022, they awarded a $13,755 small business grant to assist with pandemic-related expenses.

The fundraiser was further distinguished by the presence of Bloomingdale Mayor John D'Amato, state Sen. Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Christian Barranco, and Bill Spadea, a NJ 101.5 radio personality and U.S. Marine veteran, who delivered opening remarks, highlighting the event's significance in rallying support for the veterans' community.