(above, l-r) UNICO National President, Dr. Frank DeFrank; NJ District X Governor, Anthony Bengivenga; Chapter President, Richard Esposito; Brigadier General, Edward Chrystal; Foundation Trustee, Robert Tarte; and Second Vice President, Ralph Contini
Edward Chrystal Receives Americanism Award
Submitted by Richard Esposito
The Greater Westfield Chapter of UNICO National was honored to present the Americanism Award to Brigadier General Edward Chrystal. The award was presented by Chapter President Richard Esposito and District X Governor Anthony Bengivenga at the 2020 UNICO District X awards dinner at the Somerville Elks. General Chrystal, a resident of Scotch Plains, was one of six recipients to receive this award from chapters in the district.
Brigadier General Crystal currently serves as the land component commander, New Jersey Army National Guard. General Crystal is responsible for the welfare, training and readiness of over 5,000 soldiers assigned throughout the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Regional Support Command and the 57th Troop Command.
General Crystal enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1985 and received his commission through the Seton Hall University Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Education from Seton Hall University. He also holds a Masters of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
General Crystal has commanded at all levels to include platoon, company, battalion and brigade.
A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, General Chrystal’s awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and the Basic Paratrooper Badge.
In his civilian life, Brigadier General Crystal retired at the rank of Lieutenant from the New Jersey State Police after 25 years. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Veterans Haven North, a transitional home for homeless veterans in Glen Gardner, NJ.
General Crystal lives with his wife, Georgette, and their three children in Scotch Plains, NJ.
