July 17, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Ho-Ho-Kus VFW Post 192 welcomes Bombace by Jennifer Crusco After eight years as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 192, Ho-Ho-Kus resident Stanley Kober has left the organization’s leadership in the hands of Ridgewood’s Matt Bombace. The change of leadership took effect July 10. Post 192 is based at 620 Cliff Street in Ho-Ho-Kus and serves veterans from that borough and from the Village of Ridgewood. Kober spearheaded the recent revitalization of Post 192, and has advocated for a new home for the organization. “Since July 2005 when I was made aware of the imminent loss of our VFW Post Charter (and subsequent closing of our Post) and ‘asked’ to become post commander, I have enjoyed much of that time while expending tremendous efforts and personal resources in doing my best to lead the Post in its presently successful recovery and revitalization,” Kober told Villadom TIMES last week. “We have had numerous technological advances, such as our extensive computer website and social media, like blogs and FaceBook®, etc.; pioneering with the Blue Star Mothers of North Jersey for getting the Honor and Remember Flag as an official flag for New Jersey; and numerous other recognitions, successes, awards, citations, etc. with the most recent being at the 2013 NJ VFW State Annual Convention for the receipt of a plaque (making it four out of five years running) for the First Place Award for the NJ VFW State Public Relations contest. We have helped many Post members, young people, widows, active military, veterans, and their families, etc., most actions of which are listed in the annual highlights distributed each year, and very importantly, we have been a very positive impact on our communities of at least Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus -- just like a true VFW Post should be. “I wish the absolute best to the new Post commander, Matt Bombace, a Ridgewood resident/firefighter, Marine, and Iraq veteran, and am certain that he will provide the leadership, dedication, and vitality needed to bring the Post to new and greater heights as the Post moves into its 75th year starting on Sept. 23, 2014 and into its efforts for constructing a new Post home that is long overdue our veterans. “Thanks to the many, many people for their support over the years and their continued and anticipated support of Post Commander Bombace and the veterans of Post 192, our military, and their families. “May God continue to bless the United States of America, our veterans, and the military and their families, and watch over our military who are in ‘harm’s way.’” Bombace has been a Ridgewood resident since 1998. As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2004-08, he served two tours of Iraq. At 26, he is one of the youngest leaders of Post 192 in recent years. “I hope to take over from Stan and fill his shoes as commander,” Bombace said the day after his appointment. “It was a quick turnover, and I’m learning the ropes.” In June, Bombace began his fifth year as a Ridgewood firefighter. He is a paid member of the department, which is manned by a combination of paid members and volunteers. His father, Mark Bombace, was born and raised in the village and is a former captain of the fire department. The new commander’s uncle, James Bombace, is a former Ridgewood fire chief. Victoria Tsai, 12, of Ho-Ho-Kus is pictured participating in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Parade held in Wildwood late last month. Tsai was recognized for her outstanding submission to the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. This summer, she is participating in the Johns Hopkins CTY program, where she is studying forensic science. Pride of Ho-Ho-Kus