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Two Sussex County veterans honored

| 13 Mar 2012 | 02:04
    William K. Pochettino, Hamburg, is pinned with the Distinguished Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, for service during the Vietnam War. Approximately 15 New Jersey veterans from various war conflicts were honored and bestowed with the state's top military awards during a medal ceremony at the Veterans Outreach Campaign program at the Bridgewater Commons Mall on March 6. With Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, the Adjutant General, and Raymond L. Zawacki, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, present at the ceremony, each medal receipient was presented with their respective medals in front of more than 50 family, friends and community leaders. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Vasquez, NJDMAVA/PA)
    William K. Pochettino, Hamburg, is pinned with the Distinguished Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, for service during the Vietnam War. Approximately 15 New Jersey veterans from various war conflicts were honored and bestowed with the state's top military awards during a medal ceremony at the Veterans Outreach Campaign program at the Bridgewater Commons Mall on March 6. With Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, the Adjutant General, and Raymond L. Zawacki, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, present at the ceremony, each medal receipient was presented with their respective medals in front of more than 50 family, friends and community leaders. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Vasquez, NJDMAVA/PA)

TRENTON — Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, joined by Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff, the Acting Adjutant General and members of the New Jersey veterans community, presented medals to two Sussex County veterans in recognition of their outstanding individual service to, and sacrifice to, America.

The medals were presented Tuesday, March 6, during a ceremony in Bridgewater as part of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) ongoing effort to honor veterans and their families. The event also served as an opportunity to share information about benefits or entitlements for veterans.

The Veterans receiving honors were Bartola Failla of Stanhope, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and William Pochettino of Hamburg, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Veterans from seven other counties also received awards at the ceremony.

“These individuals fought for the timeless American ideals of freedom, liberty and justice,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “They are the greatest of generations, and their heroism must never be forgotten.”

The medal recipients included veterans from numerous military branches that served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"These ceremonies are a great opportunity for the people of New Jersey to express their gratitude to these veterans for their service to our state and nation," said Cunniff. "Beyond the ceremony, the veterans kiosk affords us an opportunity to reach other men and women who have served and to make sure they are taking advantage of every financial and educational entitlement they have earned."

In addition to the veterans kiosk, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has made available many programs to protect and assist New Jersey’s veterans, including Regional Family Assistance Centers, Veteran’s Hotline and a statewide network of Veterans Service Officers.

Governor Christie reiterated his commitment to New Jersey’s veterans in his Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Address by proposing to launch a new long-term program dedicated to providing social and vocational rehabilitation for veterans. Last year, Governor Christie signed several pieces of legislation to honor and provide additional support for veterans including strengthening the support network for military families after the death of a service member, expanding programs to award high school diplomas to veterans who dropped out to serve in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and honoring the families of members of the military killed in action for their sacrifice with the Gold Star Families license plate.

For information on medical, pension, education and other benefits for eligible veterans call DMAVA’s toll free benefits information line any time at 1-888-8NJ VETS.