On Thursday June 12, 2025, SAL Squadron Commander Vito W. Lasala Jr. was honored with the Detachment of New Jersey Son of the Year Award for 2025 at the American Legion Department of New Jersey's 106th Annual Convention held in Wildwood.
Lasala won this prestigious award because in less than one year he brought his squadron from the brink of becoming a memory to a revered squadron recognized by everyone. He devoted his time to the memory of his father and grandfather's service that enabled him to join the Sons - it was the driving force behind this amazing turn around.
Lasala organized the first-of-its-kind female PTSD dinners and sponsored bowling events for male PTSD patients at our Lyons Veterans Hospital. In addition, he cooks up to 100 weekly dinners, which contributed to donations to the detachment commander's project, the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), and supported his home Post 306's kitchen remodel completion with the purchase of two new convection oven-stove combinations.
His excitement and enthusiasm inspired his fellow SAL members to come join him and his efforts to help revitalize the squadron, which helps serve our community.
We are very proud in the direction our squadron has taken and are standing beside them to educate when needed and learn from experiences.

https://youtu.be/POA1_IaK4lk?si=FsdxBK8gfCwDWStb