Morris County March Shows Pride in Military

More than 100 area citizens and volunteers joined United Way of Northern New Jersey and Leadership Morris of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce on Sunday to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by local service members and their families.

Marchers followed the Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County as it led the March for Military Families, which raised nearly $30,000 for the United Way Front Line Fund. The fund provides financial and emotional support to area military families and veterans as they cope with the unique stresses they face with a loved one serving on the front lines or reintegrating into civilian life.

When serving overseas you want to know that your family is taken care of at home, Lt. Col. Charles Koehler, garrison commander at Picatinny Arsenal, the U.S. Army’s base in Rockaway Township, told the assembled marchers.

“Some day, God willing, this war will be over," Koehler said. "But let’s hope the memory stays alive."

In the last year, more than 2,500 men and women in New Jersey were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly half of those serving overseas are in the Reserve or National Guard, which can result in unforeseen challenges both during deployment and once veterans return home. These veterans need help to heal both mentally and physically in addition to needing support to restore their civilian relationships and careers as they face challenges created by repeat deployments.

Unlike the wars of previous generations, just 1 percent of the population is protecting the freedoms for 99 percent, said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. Quoting the country’s first president, Gen. George Washington, Franklin said that the future strength of our military depends on the perception youth has for how today’s veterans are treated.

“My grandfather, father and stepfather served this country in uniform and it was the support of the entire community on the home front that kept our family strong,” Franklin said. “It is our duty to support those who are making these tremendous sacrifices for the greater good of our country.” 

Support from youth was strong at the march, beginning with 11-year-old Audra Stowers, of Morristown, who sang the National Anthem. Samantha Pignatelli led a group of students from Parsippany High School in handing out letters to veterans that were written in advance by classmates from across the K-12 district. And students with the Sparta-based Pass it Along nonprofit organization also organized writing letters to veterans during the march.

In addition to marching the 1.5 mile-loop around the County College of Morris in Randolph, the following corporate, governmental, educational and social service agencies offered information and resources for veterans and their families: Centenary College, Community Hope, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Family Service of Morris County, Habitat for Humanity, Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans, Morris County Society for Human Resource Management, Parsippany High School, Pass It Along, Picatinny Arsenal, Sam’s Club and the Veterans Health Administration.

“Leadership Morris was proud to partner with United Way to raise funds to address this critical need within our community,” said Leadership Morris Executive Director Joseph Nazzaro. “The United Way Front Line Fund has proven to be an important asset in supporting the families of our deployed troops."

One of the event’s sponsors, Brighton Cromwell, also collected supplies for its annual Operation Appreciation, which sends care packages to troops overseas. The company will continue to collect supplies through Dec. 3 at its warehouse located at 111 Canfield Ave, Building C 1-10 in Randolph.

United Way would also like to thank all its sponsors for their contributions: Actavis, Ames Polymer Solutions, Bihler of America, Blue Ridge Lumber, Brighton Cromwell, Centenary College, County College of Morris, The Essex Troop, Express Frames, Fulton Bank of New Jersey, GEOD Corp., JAG Physical Therapy, KidSEE 20/20, Dr. Brelvi, Lakeland Bank, Mountain Lakes Market, Navitend, Newater Systems, Newton Medical Center, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Porzio, Bromberg and Newman, P.C., Sam’s Club, The Station at Mountain Lakes, UPS, Warren County Community College Foundation and Weichert Realtors.

Donations are still being accepted. Visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973-579-3040.