Ewing Receives Prestigious “We Value Our Veterans” Community Award

Ewing is recognized for efforts to promote a “military friendly” environment in community

Ewing Township’s efforts to support our community’s veterans were recognized by Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs with the award of a new and prestigious “We Value Our Veterans” Community Award this November 11^th.  Ewing was one of only 7 communities to receive the award in this, the first year the award is being offered.  Receiving the award for Ewing Township was veteran Chris Biachi at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, NJ.

The New Jersey Governor’s “We Value Our Veterans” Community Award is given to municipalities that honor the “sacrifices, patriotism, and bravery displayed by our men and women who have worn the military uniform.”  To be eligible for the award, Ewing Township received a total of 160 of the required 145 points on the submission application.  Programs and services that helped Ewing to qualify for the award include:  the provision of parking spots for Purple Heart and disabled veterans at the Municipal Building, the Ewing Senior and Community Center and Hollowbrook Community Center; holding quarterly Veterans Round-Tables (via the Ewing Patriotic Committee meetings); regularly honoring our veterans at Council Meetings and special events such as Memorial Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Peral Harbor Day; providing Military discounts at the Ewing Senior Center Community Pool; Hometown Heroes listing on the Township website; the establishment of a Veterans Memorial Park (1994) behind the Municipal Building featuring a tank, Navy aircraft on display, artillery piece, a Women Who Served in the Military Memorial, a US Air Force Memorial, a Purple Heart Walk and Merchant Marine Memorial; and the M.Sgt. Fred W. Zabitosky Medal of Honor gallery and dedication.    

The application was spearheaded by the Ewing Patriotic Committee under the leadership of Brigadier General Robert S. Dutko, who presented the award to the Mayor and Council at the December 10, 2019 Council Meeting.   Mayor Bert Steinmann, saying he was proud of the work Ewing Township has done in providing outstanding support to the Patriotic Committee and in recognizing and honoring the service of our community’s veterans, reiterated Ewing’s commitment to serving those who have sacrificed so much and served us so well. 

Brigadier General Dutko stated in his presentation: “Ewing Township has recognized the service of Veterans who have served our nation for decades. Plaques are displayed at the Ewing Senior Community Center, on the web site, at the Medal of Honor Gallery in the lobby of the Municipal Building and Memorials in the MG George Betor Veterans Memorial Park.  Also, the Ewing Township Patriotic Committee along with the members of the Administration continues to honor and respect our Veterans at ceremonies throughout the year. When I was made aware of the Governor's newly established award, it was apparent that we could qualify and appropriately recognize Ewing Township for its recognition of the men and women who have served our nation over the past several decades. On behalf of the Ewing Township Patriotic Committee, I met with Mayor Bert Steinman and Administrator Jim McManimon to finalize a submission to qualify for the "We Value Our Veterans Community Award". The submission was approved, and Ewing Township was presented the award at a ceremony on November 11, 2019, at the Vietnam Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey. It will be proudly displayed in a prominent location at the Municipal Building for public viewing.”

From left to right are Councilwomen Kathleen Wollert and Sarah Steward, Mayor Bert Steinmann, Brigadier General Robert Dutko, Councilman  Kevin Baxter, Councilwoman Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, and Councilman David Schroth 

Awards Ceremony in Holmdel Excerpt

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