Approximately 250 veterans from all branches of the military were honored at a special luncheon at Bella Vista Country Club on Sunday.
MARLBORO - Approximately 250 veterans from all branches of the military were honored at a special luncheon at Bella Vista Country Club on Sunday.
The complimentary gala luncheon, called "Honoring Our Veterans...A Holiday Celebration", was slated to feature a "Procession of Heroes" featuring the Marlboro H.S. marching band, a color guard entrance by the NJ National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, a fly-over salute, a performance of holiday tunes by the Paper Mill Playhouse Chorus and special guest speakers.
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Among the 250 veterans who were expected to attend the luncheon were 50 homeless veterans accompanied by AJ Luna, director of veteran services at the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services.
The even was hosted by Driven By Heroes, a New Jersey-based non-profit organization that provides free rides to veterans to their critical care medical appointments for issues including chemotherapy and radiation oncology, traumatic brain injury, dialysis, spinal cord injury, homeless services, mental health and low vision.
Event organizers said as much as 40 percent of the critical care appointments made by veterans within the Veterans Administration are cancelled due to a lack of transportation.
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.