Presidents Report May 2026

 

 May 12th was a very sad day for all of us. We attended and honored General Robert Dutko and his wife Barbara at their burial services. The outpouring of love and stories of remembrance came from the hundreds of people in attendance who they touched during their 66 years of marriage. Bob served in the US Air Force for 42 years, some of his many responsibilities included Commander of the 108th LRS (Logistics Readiness Squadron). While stationed at McGuire AFB, he designed and watched over the construction of the new LRS building that has stood for over 3 decades. Today that building proudly carries his name on  the facade, honoring his many contributions to the 108th Wing. He was Squadron Commander of the unit for many years and eventually was promoted to the position of Assistant Adjutant General of the NJ Air National Guard. 

  His dedicated service was remembered by a large US Air Force Honor Guard at The Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The Commander of Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst attended along with many other members of the Military who showed their utmost respect for our General. He will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him over the years. 

 

 As part of the Honorary Commander program I attended a mock event at the Command Center of Joint Base MDL as they began a simulated exercise to test their readiness as a Category 5 Hurricane approached the base. The simulation showed the storm arriving in 5 days and the Command Staff went through the process of how they would prepare for such an event. The exercise went on for 10 days. All units had to show how they prepared for, and then how to clean up in order for  aircraft to return and normal activities resume. The entire scenario showed how the various units are to address probable situations. The Base runs simulated events of all types to show their readiness for what could happen in all types of crises. 

 

May 2nd we had the Mobile Museum set up at the Armory in Bordentown to support a Military outreach event. There were over 40 vendors and support groups on hand for the large turnout of retired and active duty Military personnel attending. The attendees know that any question or issue they might have can be answered at this event. We had very positive comments on our Museum upgrades as many came to view the trailer. One man asked me where the other trailer was because he remembered that the layout was totally different. 

 

 May 9th I worked with John Lowden and American Legion Post 79 members to place over 1500 flags on the graves of Veterans interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Beverly. We were assisted by volunteers from the 423rd Training Battalion from Joint Base. This group is available for volunteer events when we give them advanced notice. We are going to set up a Saturday when they can visit the Lawrence House and host them for an event. 

 

 We are opening the Lawrence House on Saturday, May 16th to assist the Burlington County Historical Society in a Colonial reenactment event for children. It promises to be a fun event and a chance to show off our Museum. I plan on opening up around 1:30, the event starts at 2:00 PM.

 

 I am working with the New Jersey Rolling Thunder motorcycle group for an event at the Trenton Thunder Baseball Stadium on May 24th. It will include a large gathering of riders, vendors, and food trucks. We are working on finding a site where the museum would have good exposure to the public. Stay tuned, I am working with their organizers and as soon as I get all the information, I’ll let everyone know.

 

Please join us Friday the 15th for our monthly meeting at Town and Country diner at 1000 hours. 

 

Thank you,