Ewing Celebrates Veterans Day

Mayor Bert Steinmann, Township Council, and the Ewing Patriotic Committee, invite you to attend Ewing's annual Veterans Day ceremony, where we will honor Brig. Gen. Robert Dutko, USAF (Ret.), for his remarkable 42-year military career.

The event will include the dedication of a permanent marker in his honor at Ewing’s Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the Ewing Municipal Building, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ 08628. We hope to see you there for this heartfelt tribute to one of Ewing’s distinguished veterans. The General will be available for interviews and comments. 

Mayor Bert H. Steinmann: "I’m especially proud to honor a man whose service stands out -- Brigadier General Robert S. Dutko Sr. For more than 40 years, General Dutko served in the New Jersey Air National Guard, leading the 108th Wing through missions that reached far beyond our borders. Whether it was supporting combat operations, humanitarian relief, or keeping us ready at home, he gave it his all. And that kind of dedication deserves to be remembered. The Ewing Patriotic Committee is placing a plaque and marker for him in Betor Memorial Park, so his legacy will always have a home in Ewing. General Dutko’s story isn’t just about medals or missions. It’s about a life dedicated to service—service to his country, to his fellow servicemembers, and to his community. We want him to know just how much he means to us and that his contributions will never be forgotten." 

Brigadier General (Ret) Robert S. Dutko, Sr. Bio

Brigadier General (Ret) Robert S. Dutko, Sr. was born and raised in Trenton. He graduated from Trenton Central High School and was awarded a degree of Associate in Arts from Trenton's Thomas A. Edison State College. His military education includes Squadron Officer School-1975, Air Command and Staff College-1978, and the National Defense University Program-1984.

General Dutko’s military career began in 1954, when he entered the Air National Guard at McGuire Air Force Base. He was subsequently assigned to the 141″ Fighter Bomber Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base. In 1960, he was assigned to the 108th Supply Squadron as a Materiel Facilities Supervisor. In October 1961, he was ordered into the active military service of the United States Air Force and assigned to the 7108th Tactical Fighter Wing, Chaumont Air Base, Chaumont, France. He returned from Chaumont, France, was released from active duty and assigned to the 108th Materiel Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base  in 1962.

In June 1971, he was assigned to the 108th Tactical Fighter Wing as a Materiel Management Superintendent. In June 1972, he was commissioned to the rank of Captain under the Outstanding Airman Commissioning Program and served as the National Guard Bureau Supply Training Coordinator assigned to the Pentagon until January 1974. He was subsequently assigned to the 170th Combat Support Squadron as the Supply Management Staff Officer. On October 1, 1978, he was assigned to the 108th Tactical Fighter Wing as the Chief of Supply. In April 1990, he was assigned as the Deputy Commander for Resources for the 108 th Tactical Fighter Wing. In July 1993, he was appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) and assigned to the Headquarters, New Jersey Air National Guard, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. In 1996

General Dutko retired after forty-two years of service to the state and nation. General Dutko was a master Logistics Specialist with forty-two years of service.

His exceptional performance has earned him the National Bureau Minuteman Award for outstanding performance and the Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Glen Outstanding Air National Guard Chief of Supply Award.

General Dutko’s military awards include the USAF Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Reserves Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon. General Dutko currently serves as the State Chairman of the New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

His civic affiliations include the National Guard Association of the United States and of New Jersey, the Patriotic Committee of Ewing Township, The New Jersey Air Force Association, the Association of The Industrial College of the Armed Forces, the American Legion, the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, The Fraternal Order of Police, The New Jersey Air National Guard Historical Society, and the Ewing Athletic Club.

General Dutko was promoted to and federally recognized as a Brigadier General on September 23, 1994. General Dutko was appointed as State Chair for the New Jersey ESGR on I October 2001. General Dutko is married to the former Barbara Ann Pinder of Vincentown, New Jersey. They have three children: Robert, Jr., Donna Gies, and Diane Griffiths, and six grandchildren: Kelley Dutko, Shelby, Nicholas and Michael Gies, and Taylor and Garrett Griffiths.

Event Program

Event Summary

Date: November 11, 2024

Time: 11 am

Location: Major General George J. Betor Veterans’ Park,  2 Jake Garzio Drive