PARAMUS, N.J. – Any person that has served or is serving in the military will tell you the same thing: At its core, the military is a band of brothers- and sisters-in-arms.
It’s that shared sense of camaraderie that not only binds those that serve today but connects them to those that served before them.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, that bond is obvious among the more than 100 New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen as they assist staff and residents at the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus.
That support can range from tasks such as taking residents vitals to cleaning and sanitizing high touch areas throughout the home.
For Sgt. Vivian Cabanas, a culinary specialist with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, that means ensuring the residents get a meal three times a day.
“Our job here includes cleaning the kitchen and prepping meals to be sent out to all the kitchens in the home,” said Cabanas. “From there, the other kitchens just need to serve it to the residents.”
That camaraderie between Cabanas and her fellow service members also shows toward the residents they are serving.
“Just being here gives you that gratitude of coming out and supporting them and helping them with whatever they need,” said Cabanas. “Especially with these veterans that have given their time in service.”
Jerard Burhan, a cook for the home and an Army veteran, shares that same sense of appreciation for his fellow veterans, as well as the National Guard members that help every day.
“Working with them is a pleasure,” said Burhan. “They always get it done.”
That camaraderie goes both ways. The Soldiers and Airmen recognize the bond and call him “Sarge” because he used to be a sergeant in the Army. Although he may roll his eyes at the nickname, he appreciates the work they are doing in his kitchen and the home.
“I think it was a very positive move to bring in the National Guard,” said Burhan. “It uplifted a lot people here.”