Members of VFW Post 12165 in Trenton, New Jersey, collaborated with a local McDonald’s restaurant on June 24 to host a sendoff ceremony for one of their employees who enlisted in the Army.
Led by newly elected Post 12165 Commander Brian Green, the Post teamed up with local McDonald’s owners Freddie and Rosa Rosado, who welcomed dozens of residents, family members and city representatives to celebrate Army recruit Kenya Castelan.
VFW members and Trenton residents celebrate Army recruit’s Kenya Castelan’s decision to enlist at a McDonald’s restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey. on June 24. Castelan, who formerly worked at the McDonald’s pictured, received certificates, letters of appreciation and many well-wishes from those in attendance. Photo courtesy of Luddie Austin“Commander Brian Green brings a deep sense of commitment to serving veterans and supporting those who choose to defend our nation,” said Luddie Austin, a former commander of the VFW Department of New Jersey and Post 12165. “Collaborating with the local McDonald's owners reflects the shared values of patriotism and community support that both organizations uphold.”
Austin was among the many in attendance at McDonald’s on June 24, which included friends and family of Castelan, as well as Trenton representatives such as Mayor Reed Gusciora, Councilwoman-At-Large Yazminelly Gonzalez and Trenton Police Lt. Bethesda Stokes.
To the tune of music played by a DJ, Castelan received certificates from VFW representatives and city officials, as well as letters of appreciation, proclamations and well-wishes from the many residents in attendance.
“The sendoff event provided an opportunity for the community to come together and express their gratitude to Army recruit Kenya Castelan for embarking on this new chapter of her life,” Austin noted. “It is a chance to honor her dedication, bravery, and selfless decision to serve our country.”