Honoring Our CMLF Veterans
Heroes Among Us
Every November, as Veterans Day approaches, we take time to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. But, it's not just our passengers that we need to take the time to thank.
Not surprisingly, there are those among our own Cape May-Lewes Ferry staff and crew that have served, and in some cases, continue to serve. We'd like to take the opportunity to highlight these folks, shine some light on their stories, and of course, thank them for their service. If you happen to see them aboard the vessel or around the terminals, please make sure to say thank you as well!
Lori Lugos
US Army
Ms. Lori Lugos enlisted in the Army in 2007, and served 8 years as Active Duty Army, plus 7 years in the National Guard (she's still serving in this capacity as a Sergeant, E-5). Her military job is a 91b Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, 88m Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver & 41D Generator Mechanic, with an Active Duty deployment to Afghanistan in 2013.
Ms. Lugos began working at the Ferry at the Lewes terminal in June of 2015 as a Maintenance Supervisor – Cleaning.
Thank you for your service, Ms. Lugos!
Rick McCann
US Navy
Captain Rick McCann served for 6 total years, with 4 years active duty from 1973 to 1977 in the U.S. Navy. Rick served aboard the DE 1056 USS Connole and then transferred to submarine duty for the remainder of his enlistment onboard the USS Bergall SS N 667. He was Honorably Discharged holding a Rating of MM2 (SS) - that's Machinist Mate Second Class (Submarine Service) which means Rick is qualified in Submarines, a distinction held dearly to all submariners!
Captain McCann began his career with the ferry in 1979 working his way up from an Ordinary Seaman to Captain by 1986, and serving in that capacity until 2018 when he retired (well, semi-retired since we still call him back in a casual capacity to serve as Captain when needed). In addition to being a Veteran and Ferry Captain, in his spare time Mr. McCann has written a book that has just been published by Commonwealth Books titled; "Two If By Sea," which is a mystery/thriller that everyone should read!
Thank you, Captain McCann, for your service! Captain McCann also wants to thank all the Active and Veteran Military men and women!
Joe Peltz
US Army
Mr. Joe Peltz served in the U.S. Army for two years (1970-1971) as a Forward Observer with the 25th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.
Mr. Peltz joined the Cape May-Lewes Ferry team "a while back" (he won't give us the specifics!) and has held several positions across accounting, finance, and operations. Joe currently serves as our Business Operations Manager, based out of Lewes.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Peltz!
Jonathan Guild
US Coast Guard
Mr. Jonathan Guild served in the United States Coast Guard for more than 26 years (26 years, 2 months, and 19 days to be exact), from 1986 through 2012. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (Electronics) after serving on five different USCG cutters, two icebreakers, one Coastal Pilot Boat, and two ocean-going Buoy Tenders. He also served at numerous shore electronics support units, from Alaska to Seattle to the Jersey Shore.
Mr. Guild started with the Ferry with Marine Maintenance, in the Electronics Shop in Cape May on August 18th, 2014 and has been here ever since.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Guild!
Captain James Harkin
US Navy
Captain Jim Harkin retired from the US Navy after serving for 29 years. He enlisted in 1980, was Commissioned in 1999, and retired as a LT Commander in 2012.
Captain Harkin joined the Ferry team as a Pilot in 2012, has been with us for 10 years and is now a Captain. Additionally, in October of this year, Captain Harkin was awarded the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Military Veteran in Business Leadership award, which recognizes a military veteran who demonstrates community and business leadership within the County.
Thank you for your service, Captain Harkin!
** Please note: this is not an exhaustive list and we'd love to add to it as we hear from more of our staff and crew or their friends and family members. If you are, or know of, a Ferry team member that has served that is not listed here but would like to be, please let us know by emailing [email protected] so we can keep this list growing and honor as many of the military veterans among our team as possible. **