SPRUCE RUN MEMORIAL
VFW POST 5119
VFW Post 5119's Mission is continued service to Veterans in Glen Gardner and the surrounding areas.
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Our Post Officers are all Veterans of recent conflicts around the world. We have taken on many challenges during our time as Officers, and we are all proud and determined to maximize veteran outreach.
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ABOUT US
Our Post
The Spruce Run Memorial VFW Post 5119 was originally incorporated and recognized by the National VFW in 1968. The original Club was built by members from the ground up. We sport a Canteen, a Banquet Hall and an Outdoor Pavilion. We are a registered 501(C)(19) Veteran non-profit organization. All proceeds are used to aid Veterans Physically, Mentally, and Financially. We have created a Veterans Service Room in which Veterans can speak privately with Post Officers and a Veterans Service Officer, as well as having a stocked military library if you just desire a quiet place to read. Chromebooks have been donated so that veterans may utilize the Veterans Service Room to have video appointments with the VA should the need arise.
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DONATIONS
Thank a Veteran by making a donation. All donations go to helping Veterans at our Post 5119 and in our community. Donations may be made utilizing the QR code on this page, clicking the Donation Link below, or by checks made payable to “Spruce Run Memorial VFW Post 5119” and mailed or brought to the post.
OUR OFFICERS
VFW Post 5119 - Spruce Run Memorial
NJVFW District 19
JAY HUNTER
Commander
Jay retired in 2011, after 21 years of active and reserve service in the United States Marine Corps. He is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Shield/storm and 3 tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served on peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and counter-terrorism operations in the Horn of Africa. Jay has been awarded several military decorations, including two Purple Hearts. As a civilian, Jay retired as a Detective Sergeant with distinction from the Town of Clinton Police Department where he served as a police officer, detective, and operations commander of the Hunterdon County SWAT Team. He lives in Glen Gardner with his wife and has one son. Commander Hunter was elected to the All State Team for Post Commanders for 2021-2022
James E. Kramer
Senior Vice Commander
A veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Jim served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987-1991. He also recently retired from the Town of Clinton Police Department, where he served with distinction as a police officer and as a SWAT team master operator. He lives in Alexandria Township with his wife and two sons.
Allen Gondeck
Junior Vice Commander
DAVID CULLEY
Quartermaster
A Veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, David served in the United States Navy from 2002-2009 as a Naval Flight Officer in the aviation combat reconnaissance community in various capabilities worldwide. He currently serves as Superintendent of Veterans Haven North and lives in Franklin Township with his wife and four daughters.
John Paulus
Chaplain
John Paulus served three years in the United States Marine Corps, including 13 months (Nov. 1967 to Dec. 1968) in Vietnam. John was assigned to the 1st Bn, 4th Marines as a Rifleman. John participated in many battles, including Khe Sahn and the "Hill Fights" on Hills 881, 861, and 672 also known as LZ Loon. The fierce battle of LZ Loon was memorialized in the books, Loon: A Marine Story and Masters of the Art: A Fighting Marine's Memoir of Vietnam. John was wounded by enemy action. For his heroic service in combat: John received the personal awards, Purple Heart Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. After leaving the Marines, John married his devoted wife, Elaine. They have one daughter. John and Elaine started three very successful restaurants. John and Elaine worked hand and hand, cleaning, painting, and reconstructing all three of the businesses. After 36 years of working side by side, John and Elaine retired in 2006. They are still best friends.
CONTACT VFW POST 5119 - SPRUCE RUN MEMORIAL
Post Commander - Jay Hunter - Commander@VFWPost5119.com
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Post Senior Vice Commander - James Kramer - SrViceCommander@VFWPost5119.com
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Post Junior Vice Commander - Allen Gondeck - JrViceCommander@VFWPost5119.com
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Post Quartermaster - David Culley - Quartermaster@VFWPost5119.com
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Canteen Chairman - Wayne Beam - Canteen@VFWPost5119.com
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Canteen Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 3-8pm
Friday: 3-10pm
Saturday: 12-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm
179 Main Street
Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
(908)537-4525