Cinnaminson Veterans Honored During County Medal Ceremony

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Two veterans from Cinnaminson were among 27 service members who were honored Friday during a Military Service Medal Presentation Ceremony in Burlington County, officials announced.

U.S. Air Force veteran James Brown and U.S. Army veteran John Kirkwood received Burlington County Military Service Medals during the ceremony. In addition to the veterans honored, six deceased veterans received medals posthumously. (See full list below).

Four medals were also presented to Gold Star Mother Lisa Marie Brunner in recognition of the service of her late son, Navy sailor Benjamin A. Brunner, and the service of her father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“Burlington County is proud to recognize the men and women who have answered the call to defend our nation,” Burlington County Commissioner Tom Pullion, liaison to the Office of Military and Veterans Services, said. “These medals are one way for our county to thank our veterans for all they have done and sacrificed. We want them all to know their service will not be forgotten, and our county is here to assist them if needed.”

The ceremony was held in the auditorium at the Burlington County Library. It marked the first time Burlington County hosted an in-person medal ceremony since the coronavirus pandemic began. Last year’s ceremony was held virtually.

“This is an important event for Burlington County and we are excited to be able to once again honor our veterans at an in-person ceremony that celebrates them and their service,” Pullion said.

Burlington County has awarded more than 10,000 medals to county veterans since the program launched in 2002. Any veteran living in Burlington County with an honorable discharge is eligible for the decoration, along with deceased veterans who resided in the county.

Medal registration forms are available at the Military and Veterans Services Office and can be obtained by calling 609-265-5008. The form can also be completed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/547/Veterans-Services.

The medal allows the county to honor service, and the Burlington County Office of Military and Veteran Affairs is able to keep veterans and their families who register informed about programs and services available to them.

This year alone, the Military and Veterans Affairs office has assisted Burlington County veterans obtain more than $10 million in compensation and benefits, according to officials.

The medals program was also part of Burlington County’s successful application for a New Jersey Governor’s We Value Our Veterans Community Award. Burlington County was presented its award by Gov. Phil Murphy during a Veterans Day Ceremonytwo weeks ago.

“Burlington County is home to more than 30,000 veterans and our County seeks to honor each of them for the sacrifices, patriotism and bravery,” Pullion said. “We’re extremely proud to recognize these heroes, but the most important action we can take is to make sure all our veterans receive the services they require and all the benefits they have earned.”

The following is a list of the veterans who were recognized and presented medals during Friday’s ceremony:

• James Brown, U.S. Air Force, Cinnaminson
• Nicholas Celentano, U.S. Navy, Medford
• Dennis Dalton, U.S. Marine Corps, Medford Lakes
• Steven Deleon, U.S. Air Force, Westampton
• Karen Franklin, U.S. Navy, Mount Laurel
• Wayne Gagnon, U.S. Army, Browns Mills
• Warren Garnier, U.S. Navy, Columbus
• Raphael Gibson, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Stanley Gunn, U.S. Marine Corps, Mount Laurel
• Joseph Hyman, U.S. Air Force, Willingboro
• Michant Kekulah, U.S. Army, Marlton
• John Kirkwood, U.S. Army, Cinnaminson
• Scott Leonard, U.S. Air Force, Browns Mills
• Nathalie Marchand, U.S. Air Force, Browns Mills
• Robert Mayerson, U.S. Air Force, Mount Laurel
• Richard McCarthy, U.S. Army, Roebling
• Allen McKenzie, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Deborah McKenzie, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Kent Milliken, U.S. Army, Columbus
• Daryl Moore, U.S. Air Force, Browns Mills
• Milton Newton, U.S. Army, Browns Mills
• Lorenzo North, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Harry Omensetter, U.S. Army, Marlton
• Edwin Pagan, U.S. Marine Corps, Delran
• Chester Pepponi, New Jersey Air National Guard, Burlington
• Michael Prince, U.S. Army, Marlton
• Rickye Wood, U.S. Army, Edgewater Park

Posthumous recipients

• Michael B. Arasim, U.S. Army, Medford Lakes
• Melvin Craver, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Robert Gelbert, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Marine Corps, Marlton
• Walter Gibson, U.S. Army, Willingboro
• Simon Matyas Jr., U.S. Navy, Roebling
• Rafael Rivera, U.S. Army, Delanco

Gold Star Mother Lisa Marie Brunner receiving medals honoring her fallen son and family members:

• Benjamin A. Brunner, U.S. Navy, Southampton
• Stanley Corliss, U.S. Army, Southampton
• John Malone, U.S. Army, Southampton
• George Washkevicz, U.S. Army, Hainesport