From Staff Reports
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FANWOOD – It’s a club with shrinking membership, but the borough is proud of its World War II veterans and will honor them during this year’s Memorial Day ceremony, 9 a.m. Monday at the Fanwood Library.
“Our town has a proud heritage of residents who have served in the military and, in many cases, given their lives,” said Mayor Colleen Mahr. “There are currently four vets we know of who served during World War II and still live here after serving their country and raising their families. I love what they represent to our town. We salute them and pay tribute to them.”
U.S. Army Air Force
John Plebani served from August 1942 until December 1945 and worked as a mechanic. He was stationed in the Pacific in New Guinea. He has lived in Scotch Plains for more than 50 years, and his 100th birthday is Wednesday, May 26, 2021!
Gregory Ruffa, 96
U.S. Army Air Force
Gregory Ruffa enlisted in WWII when he was just 18 years old once he realized he had enough credits after three years of high school to graduate and take the air force exam. After Mr. Ruffa decided he wanted to fly, he had to pass various difficult tests in order to gain the ability to operate a plane and become part of the Air Force. “I would stay up all night studying to keep up and pass the exams,” Mr. Ruffa said.
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