3 Cherry Hill Veterans To Receive Awards Saturday

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Three Cherry Hill veterans are among six veterans countywide who will be awarded medals for their service during conflicts when the Camden County Board of Commissioners and other local officials host a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Island on Cooper River Saturday morning, 11 a.m.

U.S. Army veterans Albert J. Naddeo and Samuel J. Waltzer, and U.S. Navy veteran Ralph E. Harker are among the former members of the U.S. military serving in the Vietnam War, the War on Terror, who will be awarded medals, officials said Friday morning. Some recipients will receive the Camden County Military Service Medal.

“The recipients of these medals exemplify true courage and patriotism,” Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane said. “Being able to come together and honor their dedication to this country is a privilege. We invite all county residents to join us on Saturday to honor these heroes.”

The Camden County Military Service Medals were created by the Board of Commissioners to honor the veterans of Camden County who have served the United States with honor and valor.

“Awarding these medals is just a small symbol of our appreciation to these brave men and women,” Kane said. “The Board of Commissioners continues to show its gratitude to our veterans by supporting the county’s Office of Veteran Affairs, whose team provides crucial guidance and resources to the veterans here in Camden County.”

In addition to the Cherry Hill veterans, the following veterans will also receive awards:

• Mark W. Godfrey, of Magnolia, Marine Corps
• Monique Holmes, of Clementon, Army
• William D. Shayka, of Clementon, Marine Corps

Veteran’s Island holds six memorial plaques and meditative areas that honor residents of Camden County who were killed in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and during the Desert Shield/Desert Storm battle.

The sixth memorial is dedicated to the Global War on Terror that began with the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Each memorial area consists of a paved semi-circle with a plaque, two benches and landscaping.

The island also displays American flags flanked by service flags to honor veterans of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. An architectural highlight is the American Flag Paved Plaza along the walkway around the perimeter.

Veterans Island is located on North Park Drive at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken. It is behind the restaurant.