METRO CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF POOL AND SPA PROFESSIONALS TO HONOR HOWELL, NJ WAR HERO AT HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Group Donated $70,000 Swimming Pool to 1st Lt. Brian Brennan
Lt Brian BrennanLAKEHURST, NJ, DECEMBER 03, 2009 - The Metro New York - New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals will be honoring Afghanistan war veteran, 1st Lt. Brian Brennan, at their Holiday Celebration on December 19 at Hamilton Park Conference Center.
In 2009 the Metro Chapter members showed just how much they cared about their local heroes by donating their time, expertise and materials to build a pool at Lt. Brennan's home in Howell, NJ to help him continue his rehabilitation from injuries he sustained while on duty in Afghanistan in May of 2008.
Lt. Brennan is looking forward to personally meeting and thanking the chapter members who spent months at his home designing and building a pool valued at $70,000.
Lt. Brennan will be traveling to attend the celebration in his honor from McDill Airforce Base in Florida where he works for the Special Operations Command. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of a 10-minute video documenting the courageous journey of Lt. Brennan, from devastating injury, to intense rehabilitation, to a hero's hometown welcome and road to recovery.
Only 45 days into his tour of duty in 2008, Lt. Brennan sustained an acute brain injury, a collapsed lung, internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, multiple compound fractures of his left arm, and a shattered femur bone. As a result, both of his legs were amputated and after several surgeries, Lt. Brennan fell into a coma.
After spending several weeks in the coma, General David Petraeus came to his bedside and uttered the battle cry, "Currahee!" Upon hearing that one word, Lt. Brennan awoke from the coma and began months in rehabilitation therapy at both James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.
When Bob Blanda, past President of the Metro Chapter, heard Lt. Brennan's inspiring story at a business gathering late last year, he challenged his members to donate time and materials to build a 4-feet to 8-feet deep pool to help Lt. Brennan strengthen his upper body to improve his ability to walk with prosthetic legs. Completed this fall, the pool was donated "in recognition and gratitude for Lt. Brennan's service to his country above-and-beyond the call of duty."
The Metro Chapter Holiday Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at The Hamilton Park Conference Center adjacent to the Fairleigh Dickinson University campus, at 175 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in showing their support for Lt. Brennan, but reservations are required in advance. Tickets are $99 per person.
For reservations or more information, contact Lynne Cantor of the Metro Chapter at 800.876.6387. In addition to a buffet dinner, "The 3M Band" will be in attendance for music and dancing. More information at www.MetroChapter.com.
About The Metro New York - New Jersey Chapter
The Metro New York - New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) represents members in Southern New York, North Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The Chapter is responsible for bringing the national programs to the local members of the organization to promote growth in the pool and spa industry. It is part of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA).
About NESPA
NESPA is the Northeast Affiliate of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), a worldwide professional trade association. NESPA, founded in 1958, represents the pool and spa industry in the Northeast and serves APSP members through education, promotion and representation. NESPA consist of five chapters, Capital, CONSPA, Long Island, Metro NY-NJ and PennJersey. Members include service companies, builders/installers, distributors, retail stores, manufacturer's agents, manufacturers, independent pool and spa service companies and sub-contractors.
About APSP
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world's largest international trade association and leading industry advocate representing the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry, with a mission to enhance the business success of its members. APSP members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to public health and safety. Member companies include manufacturers, manufacturers' agents, distributors, designers, builders, installers, retailers, and service professionals. APSP promotes professional best practices through education, certification, standards, research, and safety.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Anita M. Alvare
610.520.6140x206
C: 215.266.1066
12/19 Contact:
Steven Gorlin
732.684.1050