News from The Sandy Hook Foundation

August 2021

The Sand Paper A Newsletter from The Sandy Hook Foundation

Dear Friends of Sandy Hook,

Summer is passing so quickly!

Here at the Foundation we're always delighted to see visitors out and about on the Hook, especially at weekly programs sponsored by the Foundation like Saturday morning yoga on the beach.

While the buildings still remain closed we are hopeful for partial re-openings later this year. In the meantime, our work with the park on two hydration stations continues.

We are also delighted to present two new free programs - The Stars of Sandy Hook on August 12 from 8 - 10:30 pm, and Rol ler Skating at North Beach at Lot I on August 19 from 4:30 - 7:30 pm.

Grab your skates and telescope and join us for these fun and festive activities.

The Staff and Board of Trustees of the Sandy Hook Foundation

Meet

Harold Fowler,

NPS Receiving Officer

A Lifetime of Service

Harold Fowler, a receiving officer with the National Park Service at the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area has served the public in many distinguished and honorable roles.

When Harold was 18 years old, he went to work at the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital where his uncle had a position. Harold started there as an institutional attendant and worked his way up to the Assistant Supervisor of Recreation. He went on to work for the state for another 31 years between details with the United States military in both the Air Force and the Marines, and then later attended Brookdale Community College at night to earn an associates degree.

Harold decided to join the Marine Corps when he was 26. His comrades called him the “Old Man” but the teasing was out of respect as Harold was decorated with the Dress Blue Award for the most outstanding Marine in his platoon.

From there, Harold went to Camp Giger, then to Sea School in Norfolk, Virginia where he worked hard to land the second highest ranking in his class. This scholarly merit afforded him the choice to travel anywhere in the world, and he chose Holy Loch, Scotland. While there he lived on the USS Hunley, a sub tender. He also had the experience of living on a nuclear submarine, the USS John Adams, for five days. Working on a submarine tender, nuclear subs would come alongside the vessel and Harold’s job and clearance level allowed him to oversee the changing of the warheads. In March of 1966 Harold received the Marine of the Month award, affording him some extra days off.

From Scotland, Harold headed to Portugal and then back stateside to Camp Lejune, to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , then on to Twentynine Palms Main Exchange for the Redeye, a ground-to-air missile training. This was followed by a return trip to Camp Lejune for jungle warfare school, whose mission is to maintain combat-ready units for expeditionary deployment.

Deployed he was. Harold was sent to Vietnam and went in as a grunt at I Corps, Quintri, which was in the north at “leatherneck square” where most of the combat was happening and where most marines were killed in battle. Harold was wounded on February 12 - hit with shrapnel. He remembers waking up in a chopper, and as he was moved onto the operating table he still can’t shake the memory of a particular song - “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To,” playing in the background. Harold went through surgery to remove the shrapnel that was lodged up and down the right side of his body. He was also recovering from a concussion, and remembers that all he saw was black.

After his recovery Harold was awarded The Purple Heart Medal, which is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is specifically a combat decoration.

But that isn't the only accolade Harold received for his exemplary service. Other honors include the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, a Vietnam Service medal with 4 bronze stars; the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation; Cross of Galantry with Palm; Civil Action Medal First Class Color; Vietnam Campaign Medal; the Marine Corps Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol commendation.

During his time as Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam, Harold witnessed the deaths of four marines in his platoon. Daily, Harold remembers them with placement of four small gold earrings in his left ear.

In total, Harold served in the U.S. Military for eight years, four in the Air Force stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada, and four in the Marine Corps. After his decorated military career, Harold went back to work at the Marlboro hospital, and “retired” in 1988. But not really.

In 1988, Harold started a new career at Sandy Hook where he took a job as a Receiving Officer. Harold continues to work at Sandy Hook and loves the Hook, its rich military history, and being able to continue his service to the public through his work as a National Park Ranger. He enjoys the people he works with, many of whom are gone now he says, but all of whom he remembers fondly. He quotes the WT ethic, which in his book means “work together,” and be nice!

Today, at 82 years young, Harold thinks the park is changing for the better. He sees progress with work being completed on some of the buildings, and supports The Sandy Hook Foundation as he recognizes the value the Foundation has brought to the park. One of his favorite places in the park is near the Sandy Hook Child Care Center, where he relaxes in the shade over his lunch break, enjoying the view of Sandy Hook Bay.

Harold has been together with his wife Pamela for over 40 years. Pamela was employed in a tough job as a welfare investigator. She is also an excellent chef, and has cooked for Maury Povich and Connie Chung. Today Pamela can also be seen within Sandy Hook, where she greets visitors as they enter the park. Harold and Pamela enjoy their life in Leonardo, having renovated a large garage space for recreation and Harold’s weekly poker game, dubbed by Maury Povich himself as the “Garage Mahal.” Harold and Pamela regularly make the space available to family and friends, at no charge, for weddings, christenings, and other events.

Harold does have plans to actually retire at the end of this year. In the meantime, if you happen to see him around the park, please salute this gentleman for his lifetime of service. To quote another NPS ranger, "Harold is a true legend."

Bicycles for Rent

Bicycles are available for rent on Sandy Hook, by SAHO Bike Rentals. An everyday operation from 9 am - 5 pm, it is located on the grounds outside the Post Theater. Call 732-737-4387 or visit sandyhookbeachrentals.com to confirm weather-dependent rental details.

With summer also comes the addition of food trucks at lots B, C, D, E, G, and I. Please see the 2021 FOOD VENDORS MAP for detailed information.

Also don't forget McFly's permanent food operation in Fort Hancock across from the lighthouse!

The Sandy Hook Foundation is the

Official Friends Group of the

National Park Service at Sandy Hook, a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We rely on your support and

every donation is meaningful.

Please, consider your contribution today.

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Stars of Sandy Hook

Meet the real stars of Sandy Hook by joining pros from S.T.A.R. Astronomy Association and NPS Rangers to view the Perseids meteor shower which occurs every year at the end of July and in early August. Telescopes will be set up for viewing for the public, with members available to identify stars, planets, constellations and the phases of the moon. Visitors are asked to park in the north side of Lot E.

The most frequently uttered word they hear is, "Wow!!" S.T.A.R. President Russ Drum says. "We enjoy awakening, or reminding everyone, that a rewarding experience awaits them almost any evening ... if they just go outside and look up!"

This free program is fully funded by The Sandy Hook Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service.

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Beach Lot E

8 pm - 10:30 pm

Reservations are required by calling 732-872-5970; space is limited.

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All Summer Long ...

Mondays - Birding on the Deck

Visit a ranger on top of the Sandy Hook Observation Deck at Lot M now through - August 30. A scope will be set up from 9am - 11am to view and learn how to identify osprey, egrets, and songbirds. No reservation required.

Tuesdays and Thursdays - Canoe Cruise

Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook Bay from an ideal vantage point - on the water! Rangers guide you on a two-and-a-half hour tour of bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island. You must register two people per canoe at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. As a popular program, canoeing fills up fast!

9:15 am - 12 noon, Meet at Nike Missile Site Parking Lot, Hartshorne Drive

Wednesdays - Fort Hancock History Tours

Now through August 25, take a ranger-led stroll around Fort Hancock with stops at the Fort Hancock Museum, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Mortar Battery, Battery Potter, Rodman Gun, and Officer's Row. Reservations required by calling (732) 872-5970

5 pm - 7 pm, meet on the grounds of the Fort Hancock Post Museum, Building 28

Saturdays - Yoga on the Beach

Join instructor Tony Costa now through August 28 for this free program funded by The Sandy Hook Foundation. The class is a peaceful yet traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. Open to everyone and all levels, the focus will be on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Bring a large beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire and be sure to have water. No reservation required but donations to The Sandy Hook Foundation are welcome!

8am - 9am, Beach Area E, Center Beach Chute

SAVE the DATE!

Sandy Hook All-Star Benefit Concert

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Beach Area E

Music from 2 pm - 6 pm

STAY TUNED!!

AUGUST Programs at Sandy Hook

National Lighthouse Day

NPS and the NJ Lighthouse Society celebrate National Lighthouse Day in honor of the beacon of light that for hundreds of years symbolized safety and security for ships and boats at sea. Visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and learn about the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation, with the long-standing Lighthouse Keeper Samuel P. Jewell (1869 - 1909). Learn what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper during the 18th century. Exterior tours only.

Saturday, August 7

12 pm - 4 pm

Facebook Live - Coffee with a Ranger

Sit down and have your Monday morning coffee with Park Ranger Alex in the comfort of your own home. Ranger Alex will provide a topic of discussion and invite questions and dialogue through comments in the chat. Topics will range from history to natural resources and recreational opportunities in the park. You may even see a guest star or two join him from time to time. You can join as the live video starts or pre-register in the events tab on the park’s Facebook page (@GatewayNPS).

Mondays, August 16, 23 & 30

10 AM – 11 AM

Junior Ranger Yoga

At the end of the day, say thank you to the sun and the day for being so good to us. We will stretch and imitate the natural environment around us. Wear loose fitting clothing and bring a beach towel and water. Parents must accompany their children for the duration of the program, for ages 7 - 12.

Guardian Park

Tuesday, August 10

6 pm - 7 pm