“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered this message to Congress in 1945, and it sits framed behind the counter of the American Heroes Deli and Grill in Southampton.
Tabernacle residents Anthony Scardilli and his wife Carmella Terranova run the establishment in the hopes of giving back in as many ways as the two can, for their sons and extended family members.
“I am not only a father to two active warriors, but also a brother to a Vietnam veteran, a son to a ending college in Virginia.
Frank is deployed overseas on a mission.
“It was supposed to be a couple-day mission and it’s been over a week,” Scardilli said. “It’s still very hostile out there.”
Scardilli admitted to breaking down privately about his sons while they’re actively serving.
“It’s tough, I have got to be strong. I need to stay as strong as my kids are. After realizing what they have sacrificed and have gone through, I find myself complaining less,” Scardilli said.
The name American Heroes Deli and Grill came from a play on words.
“We’re from up north. All of our family still lives in North Jersey. Up there, a hoagie is called a hero,” he said. “We have delicious food, most generous portions at very affordable prices that we provide. However, we are about a much greater cause than the food that we serve.”
The deli is used as a vehicle to support multiple non-profit organizations for the troops, with opportunities to purchase merchandise or make contributions.
Scardilli works with the New Jersey Mission of Honor, collecting monetary donations. The mission locates, identifies and provides a proper burial at a state veterans memorial cemetery to orphaned and abandoned remains of American military veterans in New Jersey.
They accept monetary donations for Operation Troop Aid, selling the company’s wristbands and bags. Additionally, the energy drink Reveille is sold in the store with all proceeds benefitting OTA.
“We met this group a couple of years ago at the Valenzano WineFest and decided this was a great cause we wanted to be involved with,” Scardilli said.
The deli also has merchandise and accepts donations for The Warrior Foundation, Freedom Station and Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, based in Marlton.
“We accept monetary collections. We have donation boxes for snacks, clothing or anything the deployed troops may need,” Scardilli said.
“Anthony is a ball of positive energy. He just can’t wait to do something more for the troops. You can see the love they have for the troops when you walk in the deli,” said Dave Silver, president of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey.
Additionally, Tastykake and Herr’s agreed to donate cases of its products to Operation Yellow Ribbon, for care packages sent abroad.
Scardilli is also an avid motorcyclist and member of the Warrior Watch Riders, comprised of 6,000 members in six states.
“We welcome home all our heroes. We welcome them home as a hero as they should be welcomed home. It’s near and dear to us,” Scardilli said.
There isn’t a place to make a donation to the Warrior Watch Riders, but the deli is a stop on the riders’ drive.
Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base are approximately 30 minutes away from the deli.
“We have those serving at [Fort Dix/McGuire AFB] stop in as well as fire and EMS. We give them a discount, too,” Scardilli said.
Scardilli plans to hang more photos of those who served and are currently serving in a branch of the military, in addition to giving back in any way possible in an attempt to repay a priceless debt.
“As much as it is terrifying and nerve wracking on a daily basis, it is also the most rewarding gift my boys could ever give me,” Scardilli said.
