American Legion Post 488 delivers meals to Castle Point VA vets

MONROE — A huge tray of freshly fried eggplant was being prepared in the kitchen of Planet Pizza in Monroe recently, ready to feed hungry customers coming to the restaurant in the next few days. In a few weeks’ time, Dave Barile, Planet Pizza co-owner, and his kitchen staff will be preparing more fresh eggplant and other Italian specialties to feed the patients of 30-bed Ward H-1 at the VA Hospital in Castle Point. The difference is the food his restaurant prepares will be Planet Pizza’s gift to the patients who can’t come to the restaurant. In fact, most patients on that ward don’t go anywhere. The unit is the permanent home to those with spinal cord injuries — many are quadriplegics or paraplegics — as well as extended-care patients. Planet Pizza is among of small group of area restaurants that support the American Legion Post 488 in Monroe and its efforts to remember these veterans throughout the year with visits and meals. About seven years ago, Post 488 “adopted” Ward H-1, and members visit patients every month, bringing a catered lunch, courtesy of the eating establishments. Recently, the Monroe Knights of Columbus — the John Cardinal O’Connor Assembly Chapter 2640 — joined those efforts by supplying cake and cookies. “It’s the least we can do for people who have done so much for our country,” Barile said. “Food makes people happy. I hope this does make them happy.” When Post 488 began visits, the idea was to bring patients a meal they wouldn’t normally get at a hospital, said Post 488 Vice Commander Bob Martell, and Legion members sought area eateries to participate. Thus far, Martell has enlisted the help of Planet Pizza, Birchwood Caterers, The Captain’s Table, McDonald’s and Bagel World, all in Monroe; and Mario’s in Highland Mills. He has assigned certain months for the restaurants to cook the meal of their choice while others provide goodies throughout the year. The owners of these restaurants unanimously agree that all Martell has to do is tell them what he needs, and he’ll get it from them. “I have only one problem with this program,” said Mario Benvenuto, owner of Mario’s, “and that is they (the Legion) doesn’t ask me to do this more often. I’ve been up there (to Castle Point). The guys up there have sacrificed more than we ever could.” Martell coordinates visits with Ellen Varian, Castle VA recreational therapy assistant. “Bob is really great with the guys,” said Varian. “He tries to have a theme every month. And he tries to make it like they’re at home. They see the same faces every day. But to have volunteers here to sit and talk with them … it really puts a smile on their faces.” Varian declined to talk about the unit’s patients, citing confidentiality guidelines. But she did note patients’ ages range from 30 to 89, and they have served in just about every military conflict. The local vets visit the Ward H-1 vets on the third Thursday of each month. February’s meal, courtesy of Planet Pizza, will include eggplant, meatballs, sausage and ziti. “We’ve been brought up to help people, that’s what the Bariles are all about,” said Barile as to why his restaurant participates. “And anything that helps the vets, that’s important to us.” In March, Mario’s will be preparing shepherd’s pies for the Ward H-1 patients. “Can you imagine that an Italian restaurant does this meal?” Benvenuto laughed, but then became serious. “I do it for these guys. In this business, we get people all the time asking for donations. But there are some things that you should step up for, and this is one of them. When it comes to the Legion and the vets up in Castle Point ... they are the guys who stepped up for us.” Martell asks The Captain’s Table to prepare sandwich wraps in the summer, and owner Ray Hafenecker is happy to oblige. “How lucky we are to have these guys (the vets) to thank for what they’ve done,” said Hafenecker, referring both to local vets and their hospitalized colleagues. “They are the greatest generation. I’m lucky to be able to do this. It’s a small thanks for what they’ve done for our country. And, I’m kind of flattered that they like our food.” In November, Birchwood Caterers provides a complete Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings. “People in the community have to remember our vets,” said co-owner Tom Jones. “They are the cornerstones of our community. You can’t forget about them.” There are also eateries that supply Martell with food throughout the year. At Bagel World, owner Kevin Cashman said he’s pleased to provide whatever Martell needs. “The important thing is that people are willing to help others,” Cashman said. “He’s (Martell’s) doing this with no ulterior motive. You’re more willing to help people who want to help other people. I’m happy to continue this as long as Bob needs us to help.” McDonald’s is also delighted to participate. “These people have given so much for their country to make our lives better and safer,” said Catherine McCarthy, McDonald’s store manager, who packs up hamburgers, cheeseburgers and freshly made cookies every time Martell calls throughout the year. “It’s a small thing we can do in return … to give back to them since they’ve given so much to us. You can’t do enough for these people.” While two restaurants have actually turned down Martell’s request to prepare meals, he’s hoping others may want to join in and cook a meal of their choice for the Castle Point vets. Right now he’s not comfortable in asking current participants to cook more because he doesn’t want to take advantage of their generosity. The restaurant meal donations cover about a six-month period. For the balance of the year, Martell uses Legion funds to pay for food, which some vendors discount for him. He estimated he spends about $250 monthly, or about $1,500 for that time frame. “We (the Legion) spend a lot of money on charity,” Martell said. “And that’s what it’s all about. We get more out of this than they (the patients) do. It’s unbelievable the feeling you get when you help somebody out. They’re stuck there and they can’t leave.” The participating restaurants are willing to do more, and feel their competitors should as well. “I would be willing to cook more,” Benvenuto emphatically said, gladly committing to additional Italian and Spanish meals for the hospitalized vets on the spot. Hafenecker also felt participation was a way to give back and say thanks. “I don’t think you should get a ‘no’ from anybody,” he added. And if any local restaurant needed a reason to participate, Jones suggested owners look within their own families or find a family who has had a loved one serve in the military. “Talk to your brother, your uncle, your father, or if you’re lucky enough for him to still be alive, your grandfather,” Jones said. “Ask them why. These are the people who served their country for us.” Can you help? Restaurants interested in participating in the American Legion Post 488 Castle Point Ward H-1 Vets meal program call contact Bob Martell at the Legion hall, at 783-3965.