Special to Stand Up America from Bob Broyles
As the newest major battle in Marjah, Afghanistan wages on, I am reminded over and over of what it means to support our troops. In recent years, this mantra has been used by many people, some quite disingenuously. I am not here to point fingers at those who “support our troops” in a left-handed manner, but rather, to remind folks of the great work performed by so many patriotic folks across the country and beyond.
There are many organizations set up to help like The Wounded Warrior Project, Any Soldier, and The Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund, but this story is about individuals doing what they can on their own. We at Stand Up America applaud any and all efforts to help our troops but we also need to recognize the efforts of individuals who do not receive any recognition.
Recently, a friend sent me an email string that high-lights the efforts of the many individuals, but primarily for one fellow, operating a deli near a base. Jim D. writes: “One of the most rewarding experiences I had when serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam was my weekly mail call. While most soldiers were delighted to receive a few pieces of mail, I normally would receive three mail bags full. The reason was because my mail was coming from a Ms. Jessie Beck.”
“The bags (care packages) contained all kinds of goodies donated by various people in Las Vegas (dealers, telephone operators, etc.) and my mission was to ensure that it all went to the hospital in Cu Chi for the recuperating wounded.”
“In 1968 Ms. Beck was awarded the highest civilian award because of what she did for her Country’s military people. It was presented to her by Senator Alan Bible at a ceremony in Nevada. My “mail call” was only one of many Jessie Beck initiatives. One air squadron named one of their jets for her – Lady Jessie. Jessie owned a sizable portion of the gambling activity in Harrah’s and later her own casino in Reno and several of the young soldiers that worked with me in the 25th ID were hired by her when they returned to civilian life. She also hosted Las Vegas weekends for many of her beloved soldiers and their wives. What an honor it is to have known her.”
“On a recent trip to California (the AT&T Monterey Golf Tournament) we had a lunch one day at Compagno’s Market and Deli. We had seen some good write-ups about the food but when we drove up to the place it was not very inviting from the outside.”
“What a terrible mistake we would have made if we just passed it by. We ended up spending about two hours there. Every inch of all the walls and ceiling are covered with military memorabilia given to the owner, Bennett, by all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that he has befriended over the years. It is obvious that he loves all the military people who come to his deli, and they return that love.”
“The deli is not far from the Presidio of Monterey; when I was stationed there it was to attend the Defense Language School, apparently it is now the home for a lot more. While we sat at a small table (normally Bennett’s desk) eating our huge sandwiches, and similar sized free piece of chocolate with peanut butter cake, we watched Bennett greet by name each of the people who entered the deli – all were military.”
“The conversations with his male and woman “buddies” covered past and planned parties he was throwing for them. He asked one young woman who was now a teacher in Monterey, if she would tutor one of his buddies who was having some troubles with his Spanish classes. He recently treated a marine and his wife to a day of whale watching as an anniversary gift. Bennett told us that he gets frequent communications from his buddies in Iraq and Afghanistan. When he related to us that some of his buddies would not be returning from the wars, there were tears in his eyes.”
“I believe that this patriotic, giving American has to be recognized for all that he does for his befriended buddies.”
Those of us at Stand Up America, and the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund want to spread the word about this fine American and others like him. We ask you to join us in this effort by telling all your friends, family, and co-workers about this fine man. Please stop in and see him at his place and ask him how you can help. If you’re a local politician in the area, raise awareness of his efforts. If you’re from California or New York, Florida or Washington, spread the word so that we can get him the recognition he deserves just like Lady Jessie.
If you want to help our soldiers and their families and cannot get to Monterey, send donations to his efforts, or send then to the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund and help us help him. It takes more than a simple soldier’s salary to stave off the many ills they endure, and we all owe them an unconditional debt of gratitude. That is why Paul and Muffin Vallely created the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund and your 100% tax deductible donation will help more than you think.
Read what some customers have said at Yelp
Marcello C. – “What’s not to love about this deli? The owner and staff treat you like family. There are always enough smiling faces to keep the “line-out-the door” moving quickly. The food is very, very good. … Yes there is military memorabilia which I am told goes back decades. In my humble opinion, this is simply a salute to the forces that fight for our freedoms every day and keep us safe. Something we all should be doing every darn day!”
Mc C. – “Campagno’s is really about the experience. You go in there, order a sandwich for $10, and come out with what’s really a double sandwich that could feed you for the next week if you weren’t such a darn hungry slob (like me). But what I love about the place is the owner, who makes you do his secret handshake to see if you’re a local, and who might bring you some of the best dern peanut butter chocolate cake in the world if you’re friendly and lucky. I suggest going with a friend and splitting a sandwich. They really are huge.”
Soldier’s Wife – “When my husband was stationed at DLI in 2005 -2007, I first was introduced to Bennett and his unassuming shop. You walk in, and it is an optical orgasm for those who love anything military; shirts, hats, signs – even photos of Bennett himself with the soldiers he so dearly loves to greet with his special hand shake.”
There is even a Facebook group dedicated to the deli and its owner Bennett Compagno on the Deli:
The originator of this group says: “I never thought this group would make it to one thousand members. Thank you to all who have joined. This deli is a truly remarkable place to have such a dedicated following. On a recent trip to Monterey, CA I had the opportunity to visit Compagno’s. I took some pictures, which have been added, and talked to the man himself. Bennett knows about the site and wanted me to tell everyone that he appreciates the support. Also, he insisted that I relay this information: Bennett is not dead. Compagno’s is open and will be for a long time.”
Many might say he is just catering to his clientele, but those who have gotten to know him, it goes well beyond that level of interest. Bennett Compagno’s story however goes much deeper and he should be lauded by all. He has gotten to know so many soldiers over the years, his undying affection for what they do is the stuff of legend. It’s a very popular place among troops, but a closer look reveals so much more!
COMPAGNO’S MARKET AND DELI 2000 Prescott, Monterey | 375-5987 Mon-Fri 8:30-6:30, Sat & Sun 9-5:30
