The Riverhead American Legion Post 273 honored its former longtime commander Larry Judd by naming its pavilion “The Laurence Judd Pavilion” during a ceremony kicking off the post’s 20th annual pig roast yesterday.
“We are so grateful to have members like Larry, who has dedicated himself to service here for more than 26 years,” post Commander Mike Pankowski said. “We thought this would be a fitting tribute because Larry was so instrumental in getting this pavilion built.”
Judd was commander of American Legion Post 273 from 1994 to 2005. During that time, he oversaw both the construction of the pavilion in 1994 and the expansion of the Hubbard Avenue hall with an addition built in 2004.
The former commander said he was “totally astounded” when Pankowski called him to the microphone during the opening ceremonies. Judd, a retired cook, was working in the kitchen tent on final preparations of the hearty barbecue supper about to be served to 150 guests.
“I wish I had a clean shirt to put on,” he said.
Still an active member at age 71, Judd serves as the post’s financial officer. But whenever there’s an event or a party, he can usually be found in the kitchen.
After working as a cook in the Army — he served in Korea from 1964 to 1966 — he worked as a cook in civilian life and was the head cook at Riverhead Nursing Home for 20 years before retiring.
It came naturally for Judd, whose dad owned the Carving Board restaurant in Calverton and later, the Twin Oaks restaurant in Jamesport.
Judd and his wife Patricia live in Riverhead.
Councilman John Dunleavy and Councilwoman Jodi Giglio presented Judd with a proclamation from the Town of Riverhead. Dunleavy, a fellow American Legion member, was the post’s financial officer during all of Judd’s 11 years as commander, Judd said. Then the former commander pulled a cord to unveil the sign bearing his name on the front of the pavilion.
“It was very touching,” he said later — back in the mess tent.
Guests were served ribs, pulled pork, turkey, baked beans, corn on the cob, cucumber salad, baked potatoes and applesauce.The event was catered by Maple Tree BBQ in Riverhead, with desserts provided by the post’s ladies auxiliary. Mike Ryan and Friends entertained with rock, country and pop favorites. Riverhead High School NJROTC cadets were on hand to assist.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl
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