Haiti Veteran to be Honored by Ocean City American Legion This Weekend

For the second consecutive week of the young 2014 summer season, Ocean City American Legion Post 524 is welcoming a military veteran and his family to “America’s Favorite Family Resort.” 

Technical Sergeant Michael A. Costello, his wife Melissa, and their three children will be greeted and honored on Saturday, June 28. 

The Veterans Rest and Relaxation Program joins together local citizens and merchants who offer returning active duty vets and their families a donated condo.

They also offer a variety of Ocean City entertainment packages as a thank you for their service. The program is in its second year of operation. 

Technical Sergeant Costello served four years in the United States Marines as part of Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti.

Subsequently, he joined the 177th Civil Engineering Squadron, where he has been an Engineering Assistant and Career Advisor with the 177th Fighter Wing.

He was deployed in 2011 as a member of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

“We are looking forward to some quality time in Ocean City to relax and look forward to happier times,” Melissa Costello said.

“Military family members are very important to our project,” said  Steve Cole, Chairman of the Veterans Rest & Relation Committee. “The families always share in the sacrifice of deployed service members.”

Cole has been instrumental in gathering welcome baskets filled with gift certificates and shore-related items for the families to enjoy throughout their stay.

During the week, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian will present the family with the Keys to the City and a Mayoral Proclamation.

-- Press release from American Legion Post 524