On October 6, 2019, the Cherry Hill Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) held it's 2019 annual Veterans Dinner. The veterans dinner was started by the CHPD PBA in 2016 as a way to honor our veterans for their heroic service and sacrifice for our great country. The dinner is held at the Cherry Hill American Legion Post 372 and each year approximately 125 veterans attend, including a number of heroes from Veterans Haven. Veterans Haven is a service provided to homeless veterans in our area that provides a drug free environment that aims to eventually reintegrate these veterans into the community with their own housing. Those who attend enjoy a free dinner compliments of the CHPD PBA. The dinner is catered by Mission BBQ. As I’m sure you are aware Mission BBQ was founded with the premise of supporting police, fire, and military personnel. The first location was opened on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 on September 11, 2011.

Each year at the veterans dinner the CHPD PBA, Cherry Hill American Legion, and Mission BBQ honor one specific guest for either their heroic service to our country or for their selfless efforts and sacrifice supporting those who serve. In 2016 we honored Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett. P/O Hartnett, a decorated United States Coast Guard veteran, survived being shot multiple times in an ambush attack while stopped in traffic in his marked police car. In 2017 we honored Monroe Township, NJ Police Officer Max Janofsky. P/O Janofsky is a decorated United States Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient. Last year we honored Susan Quinn-Morris. Through her tireless and selfless work with the American Legion and Patriot Connections, she has helped support military personnel and their families in a countless number of ways. Her efforts include organizing events at the American Legion, organizing motorcycle escorts for veterans returning home, assisting with military funerals, advocating for and assisting all military personnel with any needs they may have, and much more. Susan has also helped reunite numerous veterans, including celebrities, with their lost dog tags. She is also a very big supporter of police and fire personnel and routinely drops containers of fresh food off at police and fire departments in the area.

This year, the families of 2 our our local Vietnam soldiers that were killed in action were honored. Phillip Adams and Walter Seel.