“Dad lived ‘For God and Country,’” said daughter Mary Boltz at the Jan. 9 unveiling of a plaque honoring the dedicated service of Anson “Andy” Wager, Jr., aboard the Battleship New Jersey. Wager, who passed away in December 2014, served as a docent aboard the Battleship New Jersey, and was instrumental in the renovation of several areas aboard, including the chapel, Marine barracks, and the medical clinic.
The dedication ceremony was hosted by Jason Hall, vice president, curatorial affairs and education, Battleship New Jersey Museum. In attendance were Wager’s family, members of the Kiwanis Club of the Haddons, members of the Boy Scout community, and fellow staff and docents of the Battleship. Special guests included Father Albert Harshaw and Reverend Dr. Robert Ralph, who are frequent guests aboard the ship and in the Boy Scout community.
The plaque, secured to the outer wall of the chapel facing the area where scout encampment leaders receive their safety briefing, was unveiled by daughter Mary Boltz and son Jim Wager. The text on the plaque commemorates the variety of organizations Wager was deeply involved in, including the Boy Scouts (serving as the Scoutmaster of Barrington Troop 96 and on the Catholic Committee for Scouting), Navy and Marine veteran, Marine League, Kiwanis Club of the Haddons (two time club president), Alpha Phi Omega international service fraternity, and the Battleship New Jersey. Professionally he served acting president of the United Way of Camden County.
Speakers at the ceremony all remembered Wager’s dedication to detail and determination to get things right and to always ensure the youth are getting the best experience possible.
Memorial donations will be accepted by the Battleship New Jersey Museum for future renovations, and by the Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America, for a new summer chapel area at Roosevelt Scout Reservation in Elmer.
