All three Downbeach communities turned out Tuesday afternoon to welcome Longport American Legion Post 469 Wounded Warrior Week recipient Master Sgt. (Ret.) Roger Lozano Hopkins and his family.
Hopkins, his wife Betsy Jenkins, daughter Colby, mom Luming, and service dog Hoku, which in Hawaiian means “Star,” arrived in Longport from their home in Fort Worth, Texas.
They were escorted to Ski Beach in Ventnor, where they thought they were going to attend a barbeque. Instead, they were welcomed by Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel and Commissioners Lance Landgraf and Maria Mento, who presented them with gifts from the community.
They were whisked into a vintage red Cadillac convertible for a welcome parade through Ventnor, Margate and Longport. At the head of the caravan was the American Legion Riders and the Chrome Angelz of Egg Harbor Township, the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Women’s Motorcycle Riding Club.
All along the parade route, groups of well-wishers gathered in groups holding signs and waving American flags to welcome the wounded warrior to town for an all-expenses-paid weeklong vacation at the Jersey shore and all of the amenities that go with it.
A local Longport resident donated their home for the week, and local businesses provided dinners and activities that will keep them busy during their vacation.
U.S. Air Force MSgt. Roger Hopkins, his wife U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Betsy Jenkins and their family rolled into Longport for an all-expenses-paid weeklong vacation Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.When they arrived in Longport, the motorcade was led by bagpiper Jeff MacNeil who played anthems of the service branches, Atlantic City High School NJROTC cadets and members of Egg Harbor Township Boy Scouts Troop 386. In the park behind Longport Borough Hall, Post Commander Larry Pacentrilli introduced the family and speakers, which included Mayor Nicholas Russo.
Russo spoke briefly about the gratitude for those who “come to the plate to ensure America is free.”
“I’m only a mayor but the symbolism is that I represent all aspects of government officials. You represent every wounded warrior,” he said addressing Hopkins. “It would be impossible to let every individual who comes home to get recognition like this.”
Pacentrilli thanked Longport residents who in past years provided wounded warrior families a place to stay for the week, including Commissioner Jim Leeds and Kevin and Ilene McFadden.
The Wounded Warrior Week program was conceived 14 years ago by Bill and Kathy Mosca who continue to be involved in planning and organizing the event each year.
Kathy Tweed of the South Jersey Quilts of Valor organization presented Hopkins with a Quilt of Valor made by Diana Easterday of Mays Landing to thank him for his service. Betsy Jenkins, a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy, was also wrapped in a second quilt made by Crystal Smith of Tuckahoe.
