Holmdel Vet Awarded For Service To Country, Community

HOLMDEL, NJ — In the 20 years that he's lived in Holmdel, Bob Manning has been neighbourhood watch captain, volunteered St. Catharine’s Parish and served as board member for the Cedar Village community, among other posts.

This week, he was recognized by the Township Committee as Holmdel's Veteran of the Year.

"It's an honor to be recocnized as a citizen of the country and a resident of Holmdel," Manning told Patch.

Manning served in the U.S. army between 1960 and 1967. He spent his career working for Bell System, at the Western Electric Company's manufacturing division.

A New Jersey native, the 85-year-old moved back to Middletown in 1977, before eventually settling in Holmdel, just as the Cedar Village retirement community was being build.

"The retirement community I live on now I served on the board of directors for 15 years," he said.

Manning said has always prioritized being involved in the community, having also served as a Eucharistic Minister for Bayshore Community Hospital.

"I learned leadership very early in my career. It certainly helped me in my 40 years of employment with Bell System. But it also helped me to be a leader in the community,"he said.

Since moving to Holmdel, where his daugter also lives, Manning has enjoyed watching his grandkids grow up and attend their football games.

"I've been able to work on the neighborhood watch committee for for Holmdel Township Police Department, which was very enjoyable to me," Manning also said. "It enabled me to get to know the police department, but also the the leaders of Holmdel."

The award is given annually in recognition of a veteran's service to their country and their community.

"On behalf of all Holmdel Township, we thank you for your service both in and out of uniform," the township said in a statement.

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