2009 New Jersey FMBA Valor Awards

Kevin, Scott and I were surprised and humbled when we were notified about the honor of being recognized at 2009 New Jersey FMBA Valor Awards. When we read the definition of "valor", we felt a swell of pride.

"Once a year the New Jersey State
Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association
takes time to recognize and honor select individuals
whom have given and taken their responsibility
to protect the life and property of their fellow man
to an extraordinary level..."

Sgt. Andrew Brown 1/509th Airborne Infantry
Killed in Action Iraq 08 Oct 04

"Valor" is the exact word that we would define the sacrifice made by Sgt. Andrew Brown. The life and valor of Sgt Andy Brown were the reasons for getting T-Shirts for Troops off the ground.

"Everyday the dedicated members of the fire service
risk their lives
to protect the property and well being
of the citizens of the community
they serve.
They selflessly brave untenable conditions that few would dare to endure."

Captain Kevin Moore & Scott Zabelski, Blue Wave Printing

Captain Kevin Moore, retired from North Hudson Regional Fire & Recuse will be honored with the 2009 Brotherhood Award. He was nominated by North Hudson Regional Local 26. Peggy Dreker and our friend and printer, Scott Zabelski were nominated by Trenton Locals & 206 for the Humantarian Award.

The true honor of this award goes to the members of the New Jersey FMBA who continue to support the Troops everyday.

SSG Alvarado Representing NJ Firefighters in Iraq

North Hudson firefighters Mike Alvardo (2nd from right)
with his crew from Engine Co. 5
on his last tour before returning to Iraq.
L-R Tom Kross, Terrence Shevlin, Alvardo, Cpt. Lenny Calvo

T-Shirts for Troops was thrilled to hear from North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue firefighter Michael Alvarado. Mike works out of Station 5. Michael is serving with the New Jersey National Guard. He is currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the 50th Special Troops Battalion. Best wishes Mike and your fellow brothers of the the NJ FMBA are behind you!

Brotherhood Has No Boundaries

This summer 3,000 New Jersey National Guard soldiers deployed for Iraq for the next year. The deployment, which involved nearly half of the State's guard members, was the largest in New Jersey National Guard history. Many of those were public safety workers who continue the tradition of service in Iraq.

North Hudson Firefighter Mike Alvarado was one of those deployed. Over 100 firefighters threw a party for Alvarado and T-shirts were made with the colors of Alvarado's unit, the National Guard 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, printed on the back.


The front of the T-shirt included a Maltese cross for North Hudson Engine Company 5, which is Alvarado's company in Union City. The words "Brotherhood has no Boundaries" is included above the cross.


All Group 1 firefighters, on duty on May 21st, Alvarado's last working day, were permitted to wear the army colored T-shirt. Firefighters also held a barbecue in his honor at Fire Headquarters.

North Hudson firefighters Mike Alvardo (2nd from right)
with his crew from Engine Co. 5 on his last tour
before returning to Iraq.
L-R Tom Kross, Terrence Shevlin, Alvardo, Cpt. Lenny Calvo

Thanks to Ron Jeffers for some great pictures!

North Hudson Firefighters

Congratulations to Captain Walter Paczkowski and the men of the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue for their outstanding support of T-Shirts for Troops. Captain Paczkowski has a special incentive to get involved since his nephew, Shane, is currently serving in Iraq in the 501st Paratrooper Infantry Regiment.

Captain Paczkowski writes:

The final tally:
We sold 295 T-shirts and we sent 531 to troops.
The order was shipped last week.
I didn't realize the work and time involved
but it was such a success it was well worth the effort!

Shane's parents, Rich and Barbara sent the following to T-Shirts for Troops:

On behalf of my son, Shane Paczkowski,
and all the men and women of the
501st Paratrooper Infantry Regiment
stationed in Iskandariyah, Iraq,
I want to personally thank you
and all who helped sell the T shirts
to show your support for them.


I can only imagine how good they must feel
when they see the
outpouring of thoughtful support from home.


North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Dept.
has done an outstanding job,
but without you it means nothing.


Your concern and compassion for those who sacrifice
for us is to be commended. I believe my brother
Captain Walter Paczkowski told me that you shipped
over 500 shirts to those heroes.


I myself am a Air Force veteran ,
a retired Captain from North Hudson Regional ,
and my wife and I are members of the
Blue Star Mothers, Chapter #1 of NJ,
which is parents of military personal on active duty.


We also support veterans
who have served and still deserve our thanks.
We consider it an honor to be
connected to this venture
to support all our troops around the world.
Thank you once again.


Please, I ask that you be patient for
an answer or letter or email from my son.
We have very little contact with him because of where he is in Iraq.
He has hardly any computer access
and has to walk two miles to a phone
when he even has a chance to call his wife and son
before calling us.
We hear from him maybe once a month and
with today's technology that really stinks.


So again, please be patient.
May Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ watch over
you and your family always


Rich and Barbara Paczkowski

The Support Continues at North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue

Captain Kevin Moore and Firefighter's Steve Mirabelli & Gary Ippolito of E13, the over 50 brigade, display their T-Shirts for Troops.

North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue has sent over 2,500 T-shirts to the Troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The men of NHRFR continue to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the program by introducing the T-Shirts to firefighters in other departments in the State.

Support at North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue continues to grow. Captain Jonathan Rush, along with Firefighters Steve Mirabelli & Gary Ippolito recently purchased T-Shirts for Troops.
The shirts shown above have been sent to the First Cavalry, the 10th Mountain Division and the Navy SeaBees. Over 2,500 Troops have benefited from the effort at NHRFR alone.

Thanks guys for the continued support!