Last week, VFW Post 1923 kicked off “Operation Welcome Home” by greeting Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Jodice, who recently returned from duty Iraq, with warm handshakes – and something extra, a $500 check which VFW Commander Chuck Barone said was “just a little something to help out.”
Barone, who recently took over as post commander, said they created the operation to fill a neglected area.
Although returning veterans receive financial assistance on a federal level through the GI Bill, many states also give a stipend to their vets when they return home to help get them back on their feet – but New Jersey does not.
“I felt like this was a worthwhile project,” said Barone. “I don’t want to see these guys come home empty handed.”
Life in Iraq
The son of a 9/11 survivor, 24-year-old Jodice has been in the military for four years and spent a total of a year and a half serving in Iraq as part of the military police and security forces.
He did his first tour of duty from July through December 2008, and returned – voluntarily, though he didn’t admit that to his mom – in August 2009 for another year.
“Although the wars may be different, the experience you share is very much the same.” – Chuck Barone
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Jodice started out his tour in Baghdad and made his way to the more rural area of Camp Taji, working with police transition teams.
As for what life was like in Iraq, Jodice said jokingly, “It was hot.” But he added, “It is what it is. It’s not the stuff you see on TV.”
Jodice joined the VFW while he was still serving in Iraq and was home for only three and a half weeks when he was presented with the check.
He was most happy to have the emotional support from the vets.
“It’s definitely good because it gives me somebody to relate to,” said Jodice.
Brothers in arms
Jodice said he spoke with Barone, a Vietnam veteran, for an hour when he returned home from Iraq. But with the way they connected, the time just flew.
“You can talk to somebody,” said Jodice. “But they’re not going to know unless they’ve been there.”
Barone agreed, “Although the wars may be different, the experience you share is very much the same.”
All of the veterans, whether from World War II or Iraq, said that it’s the little things that bring you back to the battlefield – the slamming of a car door or sound of a helicopter overhead.
During a five-day vacation to Wildwood upon his return, Jodice noted the sound of a military helicopter that was miles away without even turning his head – it resonated with a pounding in his chest.
Recruiting vets from Hoboken, too
VFW Post 1923 once boasted around 125 members, but today, only 38 remain. Barone said they are actively trying to recruit young veterans like Jodice to give them a place to feel comfortable as they acclimate back into society at home.
Although they’re without an official post right now, they meet at the Nutrition Center on the last Saturday of every month and any new vets are welcome to drop by.
They’re also opening their doors to veterans from Hoboken, which Barone said has been without a formal post of its own for approximately 20 years.
They will continue “Operation Welcome Home” for all VFW members with honorable discharge from both Weehawken and Hoboken.
Back to school and paying it forward
Now that Jodice has completed four years of active duty, he is on four years of inactive reserve with the Air Force. He will begin classes at Kean University in the fall, studying mathematics with the hope of becoming a teacher.
As for the $500 he received from the VFW, he plans on putting it in the bank and paying it forward to the next guy that comes home.
“Weehawken has been good to me,” he said, “so why not help somebody else out?”
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.