Bristol Twp.-Based Foundation Celebrates Veterans, Donates To Service Organizations

As guests look on, George Washington, portrayed by Police Chief John Godzieba, prepares birthday cakes with 293 candles celebrating veterans. Credit: Submitted

Hundreds of members and friends of the Washington Crossing Foundation gathered at their historic headquarters, Shadyside, on the Delaware River in Bristol Township to celebrate and honor veterans.

The event featured a portrayal of General George Washington by Langhorne Borough Police Chief John Godzieba, who used his sword to cut birthday cakes bearing 293 candles. Godzieba also portrays Washington at Washington Crossing Historic Park and its famous Christmas crossing reenactment.

Volunteer Trustees Charles and Kate Tweedy, Buckingham and Dave Fisher, Bristol, stand with George Washington, aka John Godzieba, Chief of Police, Langhorne. Credit: Submitted

Attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner with entertainment provided by History on the Hoof, Fifes and Drums of Washington Crossing Historic Park, and Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band. The Albert R. Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210 of Doylestown performed the Color Guard Ceremony.

Foundation Trustee Elwood Hippel, of Chalfont, a Pennsylvania Air National Guard veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Raymond Kasper, of Langhorne Manor Borough and chairman of the volunteer board, welcomed guests.

Members of History on the Hoof, Fife and Drum of Washington Crossing Historic Park perform as guests arrive. Credit: Submitted

John Heenan, of Ivyland Borough, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, announced special honors for Major Austen Boroff, U.S. Army; Sergeant Richard Gresko, U.S. Marine Corps; Jason Guenther, U.S. Army; Command Sgt. Major Tyrone C. Mickens, U.S. Army; Chief Master Sergeant Jenny W. Pappas, Pennsylvania Air National Guard; and Jeff Rubini, Commander at the U.S. Coast Guard.

Special honors were given by the Foundation to CMS Jenny W. Pappas, PA Air National Guard, CSM Tyrone C. Mickens, United States Army, Jason Guenther, United States Army, Jeff Rubini, Commander United States Coast Guard, Major Austen Boroff, United States Army and Sergeant Richard Gresko, United States Marine Corps. Credit: Submitted

Kay Weeder, an attorney from Doylestown and president of the Board of Trustees, presented $500 checks to the Travis Manion Foundation, Edgely Fire Company, and the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation. Boy Scout Troop 11 in Levittown received a $300 donation.

Volunteers who contributed to the event’s success included Gioia Cianciosi, Dave Fisher, and Martin Russell, all of Bristol; Ray Kasper, of Langhorne Manor; John Heenan, of Southampton; Elwood Hippel, of Chalfont; Dr. Charles and Kate Hutton Tweedy, of Buckingham; Kay Weeder, of Doylestown; Agnes and Jeno Seitz, of Newtown; Mary Landis, of Perkasie; and Kendrick Thiessen, of Langhorne.

John Heenan, Marine Corps Veteran and V.P. of the Guardians of the National Cemetery presented volunteers Kate and Charles Tweedy with a handsome replica statue. The original statue depicts Washington kneeling in prayer and inspires all who see it at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Credit: Submitted

The foundation expressed gratitude to corporate sponsors Parx Casino, PECO, and The Wawa Foundation, as well as its members and friends.

The Washington Crossing Foundation, a nonprofit organization of volunteers, has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships to patriotic high school seniors nationwide who plan careers in government service.