Local Hero: Michael Schaffer Makes Life Better For Joint Base Families

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Kerri Long, who nominated Michael Schaffer of Toms River. Long knows him through the American Legion, where he is the New Jersey Department chaplain.

Local hero’s full name

Michael Schaffer

Local hero’s home state

NJ

Local hero’s Patch

Toms River

How do you know the local hero?

Veteran

What does the local hero do?

NJ Department Chaplain of the American Legion

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Mike Schaffer is making a difference in the community! Schaffer is also the American Legion State Chaplain. While reports vary, we have been told that as many as one in four active service men and women (and their families) stationed at The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Naval Station Earle have a genuine struggle to put food on their tables. The Food Warriors program needs over 4,000 pounds of food per week to keep up with the needs of these families stationed at the base. Chaplain Michael Schaffer is the coordinator for MSA Food Warriors, and has said publicly that no one will go hungry on his watch! The Food Warriors program was started 18 months ago to help families of active service men and women stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. They have supplied more than 100,000 pounds of food and more than $40,000 in monetary donations to families in need stationed at the base. Mike is a driving force and strong advocate for our military families who are in need right now and an unparalleled human being!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

His work with the American Legion as NJ Chaplain and his role with MSA Food Warriors is a daily selfless commitment and will continue to need community support and his tireless leadership!

Thank you for all you do, Michael Schaffer!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.