VFW Post toasts Jim Wisor
By:Mary Ellen Zangara
The Veterans of Foreign War Post 2290 held their Past Commanders Dinner Saturday night, taking time to honor Jim Wisor.
More than 80 people attended the event.
Members of Post 2290 and the Ladies Auxiliary, along with others began the evening with a cocktail hour followed by speeches and awards. The Somerset County Police Bagpipers performed briefly before the program, and Post Bugler Jim O’Reilly played the "Star Spangled Banner."
Commander Walt Tanalski gave a brief speech on Mr. Wisor’s background including how he joined the post and came to be the commander.
"In this organization, you have to earn membership twice. You have to see things that nobody else sees, and you don’t want to remember it, and you try bowing out anyway you can," Mr. Tanalski said. "This is what we put up with for the community, for ourselves, for the guys that didn’t come back home … the guys in the VA … the guys that are sitting in tunnel somewhere."
Mr. Tanalski said Mr. Wisor became a member of the post after Fred Milette asked him to join at a picnic.
"And ever since, the membership has known that Jim had the leadership qualities," Mr. Tanalski said. "He was a member for approximately four hours when he became a life member. The following March after he joined, he was nominated for junior vice-commander. The following year instead of going to senior, he was nominated for commander."
Mr. Tanalski presented Jim with a proclamation from the Special Olympics and a life membership in the VFW.
Mr. Wisor was then presented his past commander’s pin by his wife Claire as she pinned it onto his lapel.
Mayor Angelo Corradino read a proclamation from the Borough Council, noting Mr. Wisor’s dedication and hard work during his year as commander.
"It’s been a great year and I really appreciated all that you have done for the town of Manville," Mayor Corradino said.
After receiving his presentations, Mr. Wisor thanked the assembled post members.
"I don’t regret a minute of the time that I have spent here," he said. "I appreciate that you are honoring me."