Hometown Hero: Paul Stern

Hometown Hero: Paul Stern

By Lindsay Kirkland

Paul Stern, 92, an Army veteran, shows photos and other mementos some of which were from the time he served in World War II during an interview at his Egg Harbor Township home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You would probably recognize Paul Stern as the veteran you see collecting donations at Shoprite and Casel’s. He always has a smile for everyone he greets as they toss in a dollar or some spare change.

Paul is 92 years old, but that doesn’t slow him down one bit. He resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife of 66 years, Selma, and he is the commander of the Jewish War Veterans Post 39.

Jewish War Veterans has been in existence since 1896 and is the oldest veterans organization. It has had a post in Atlantic County since 1935, initially in Atlantic City and now in Margate.  Post 39 meets monthly beginning in April each year at the Beth El Synagogue in Margate. It has approximately 60 members. They spend 30 days a year at high traffic store entrances such as Shoprite or Wawa, collecting donations. It adds up to a lot of money. They typically raise between $35,000 and $39,000 in the 30 days. And they give 100 percent of it to veterans’ assistance programs for hospitals, including Luke’s Wings, Vineland Memorial Hospital for Veterans.

“Some of the guys can barely walk, yet they go out and stand there so they can help other veterans,” said Paul, an Army veteran, of the veterans helping with collections.

Every Memorial Day, Post 39 puts a flag at each soldier’s grave at the Veterans Cemetery in the Cardiff section of Egg Harbor Township.

For Paul, his work to recognize other veterans holds much meaning. The Philadelphia native enlisted at the age of 18, as did his two brothers.

“That was just what you did then. Everyone enlisted,” he said.  He was first stationed in Lahar, France and then Fritzlar, Germany, where he repaired equipment that was needed on the frontlines. He explained that this was because he had chosen to go to mechanical vocational training as a teenager instead of high school. World War II ended in 1945. Paul was then stationed in Schwienford, Germany at a prisoner-of-war interrogation camp. There he was the Mess Sergeant in charge of feeding the German prisoners.

Paul was a Mess Sergeant during World War II.

In 1946, Stern returned to civilian life and met his wife on a blind date. They were married in 1951 and have now been married 66 years. They settled in Cherry Hill for 28 years, having raised two boys. Now Paul and Selma have four grandchildren, one great grandchild and they are expecting another great grandchild soon.  Their home in Margate began as their vacation home and they were so happy to ultimately retire there, becoming full time residents. Six years ago, the steps became too much so they sold and moved to a 55 and over community in Egg Harbor Township where they are very happy and remain active. 

Stern is one of a dwindling number of World War II veterans. He continues to be very committed to helping other veterans. He regularly visits veterans’ hospitals and says, “It is heart wrenching to see these young soldiers in bed without legs and arms. People need to think about that when they think about going to war.”

If you would like more information about Jewish War Vets Post 39 call Gerry Spainer at 609-927-6289.

If you know of someone extraordinary or an organization that does wonderful things, we want to know about it. Email Shore Local at shorelocalnews@gmail.com.

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