Although I am an Attorney at Stark &  Stark in the Personal Injury Department by day, I am also co-owner of a frozen custard store, The Meadows, which is located on Route 130 in Delran, New Jersey.  On Sunday, October 5, 2014, these two organizations, along with many others, are joining together to hold a fundraiser to honor a fallen local soldier, Staff Sergeant Michael Bruzgis.

As an attorney and business owner, I am fortunate enough to have an ability to give back.  Similarly, as a business owner, there are opportunities which come along that provide a chance to do something special for an individual or an organization.  This event is exactly the type of thing that I had hoped to be part of when I think of ways I can give back to the community.

Staff Sergeant Michael Bruzgis was a true American hero. He was the individual who provided people like me the ability to do what we do on a daily basis.  While I work on my career as an attorney or starting a business, it is people like Staff Sergeant Bruzgis who fight daily to protect our country and our freedom.  He served four (4) tours of duty, two (2) in Iraq and two (2) in Afghanistan.  Ironically, these were not consecutive.  Instead, after his first enlistment which included two (2) tours in Iraq, he separated from the military.  However, he soon realized that he was an American soldier through and through and he subsequently re-enlisted.  The second time he spent two (2) tours of duty in Afghanistan.  During his time in the military, he served as troop leader of his group.  In the four years he served, he never lost one of his fellow soldiers.  Unfortunately, during his fourth and final tour, an IED exploded causing him to suffer severe injuries which ultimately ended his military career and eventually his life.  He received a Bronze Star, and will be receiving both a Purple Heart and Silver Star posthumously.

This Sunday, Stark &  Stark, along with The Meadows, will be honoring Staff Sergeant Bruzgis with a flag dedication and ceremony presented by VFW Post 3020.  A 24” x 18” flag will be raised atop a 70” flag pole.  The event will be from 12:00-3:00 PM with the flag ceremony beginning at 1:30 PM. All proceeds raised from the event will then be donated directly to The Wounded Warrior Project, an organization which assisted Staff Sergeant Michael Bruzgis.  Following the flag ceremony, Throwbacks Bar & Grill, located a block away from The Meadows on Route 130, will be holding a “Wing Fling”, all you can eat wings and soft drinks, for two hours for $10, and the proceeds will be donated to The Wounded Warrior Project.

This will be a great opportunity for those of us who have not served in the armed forces to come out and show appreciation for those who have and specifically those that have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all may live the lives we live.  In addition to the flag ceremony, there will be a live DJ on hand and a face painter for children.  I encourage everyone to come out to help raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project and to honor Staff Sergeant Bruzgis.  I hope to see you there.