Happy Veteran’s Day 2022!

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals and Certificates of Honor to seven veterans last night during their annual Veterans Day Observance ceremony – state and federal authorities also issued honors to the former service members.

State Sen. Anthony Bucco (Morris-25) and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (Morris-25) presented “Citations of Commendations and Praise” to each of the medal winners, who were accompanied by family and friends.

Willy Tolba, the Veterans and Military Affairs Liaison for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, joined the ceremony with other members of the Congresswoman’s office to present honors to the veterans.

Veterans and their families pose with the Commissioners, Sen. Bucco, Asw. Dunn and other dignitaries after the ceremony.

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“Morris County has always celebrated and cherished the sacrifices of our veterans – the men and women who left the safety and comfort of their homes to serve in our military for the benefit of all Americans. These medals we present tonight are unique to Morris County, and they were established by past members of this board more than 20 years ago so that Morris County could continue to honor and recognize our friends, neighbors and relatives who dedicated their lives to serve this nation. This Board of Commissioners is honored to carry on that tradition tonight and say thank you to each of you,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

The event was held at the start of a regular public meeting of the Commissioners on the 5th Floor of the Morris County Administration and Records Building.

Director Selen noted Nov. 10, yesterday, marked the 247th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and Nov. 13 marks the 40th Anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Morris County joined the County College of Morris this past summer in helping VFW Post 7333 in Randolph host the Moving Wall. It is a half-sized version of the memorial in Washington that tours the nation, allowing people who cannot get to the nation’s capital to pay tribute to those lost in that war.

Morris County's three Veteran Service Officers at the ceremony, (l-r) Jessica Tomalo, Andrew Cornwallis and Jason Leffler.

Learn More Details About Each Veteran Honored

The Honored Veterans in Brief

Richard David Allen, Jr., 39, Washington Township

Served with the U.S. Marine Corps as an intelligence specialist during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2001 to September 2006.

Arthur Lloyd Charlton, 95 of Boonton

Mr. Charlton is a long-time Boontonite and local historian. He served in the U.S. Army Oct. 25, 1945, to July 4, 1947, in the aftermath of World War II, stationed in a hospital in Korea. Processed separation papers for soldiers returning home from war.

Carl “Mike” Cabanas, 41, Morristown

A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, he served in the U.S. Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard between Oct. 1, 2000, to July 21, 2013.

The medal worn by Carl “Mike” Cabanas becomes a chew toy for his child.

Tarek Al-Aydi, 56, Morristown

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served during the War on Terror in Operation Iraqi Freedom from Dec. 28, 1993, to March 12, 1998.

Commissioner Deborah Smith presents a medal to Tarek Al-Aydi

Stephen Dickson Reynolds, 76, of Flanders

A Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Army who served a tour of duty from Oct. 13, 1968, to Aug. 1970.

Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo presents a medal to Stephen Dickson Reynolds

Lawrence Leonard Walsh, 60, of Mendham

U.S. Army veteran who served from May 1984 to August 1991, including during the invasion of Panama known as Operation Just Cause.

Veteran Lawrence Leonard Walsh thanks the Commissioners for the honors and addresses the audience.

Timothy Nathaniel McCloe, 62, of Morristown

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the Cold War era who served in 1979.

Director Selen presents a medal to Timothy Nathaniel McCloe with Commissioner Douglas Cabana presenting a certificate of honor.

VETERANS WHO PRIVATELY RECEIVED MEDALS

Bryan Lamar Jones, 41, of Long Valley

A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Army from July 7, 1999, to February 23, 2013

Richard Neal Jones, 72, of Morristown

A veteran of Vietnam, Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Navy from February 1969 to December 1972.

Bryan Saavedra, 33, Morris Plains

A veteran of the War on Terror, Mr. Saavedra served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 20, 2007, to Oct. 19, 2011.

George C. Marmo of Montville (honors issued posthumously)

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Marmo served in the U.S. Army as a tank cannoneer under General George S. Patton from Dec. 21, 1942, to Nov. 9, 1945.

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Happy Veteran’s Day to all. Thank you to our service members for their sacrifice.

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