Union Township Residents honored by New Jersey Veterans Network

Posted on by Dan DiBella Posted in Our Publications, Spirit of Union
(above) On Veterans Day the New Jersey Veterans Network hosted its first team awards ceremony at the Union VFW. Over 50 contributors were honored during a ceremony that practiced social distancing protocol.
Union residents honored by NJ Veterans Network

On Veterans Day the New Jersey Veterans Network hosted its first team awards ceremony at the Union VFW. Over 50 contributors were honored during a ceremony that practiced social distancing protocol. 

Those that were in attendance from Union included Dr Wali Rasheed, Director Islamic Center of Union; Rev Richard Starling, of the Culture Changing Christians Church; Gerard Schemel commander of the Union High School Army JROTC; Debbie Bernard Union Township Police Chaplain; Paul Carvalho owner of Paul’s Garage; and Joseph Montes, owner of The Red Cadillac restaurant in Union.

The New Jersey Veterans Network is a volunteer mobile outreach team that aggressively seeks out veterans and their families members in need. 

In the last few years the NVN has saved over a dozen lives, donated 20 cars, 400 business suits, and during covid the team provided over 3,000 meals and thousands of PPE items for disabled veterans and active servicemen.

The Team is fully backed by the NJ VFW, NJ American Legion, NJ PBA, NJ FOP, NJ FMBA, multiple service groups, and several elected state officials.  

Former VFW State Commander Barbara Hagemann presented over 30 NJ VFW Award Commendations.

NJVN President Michael Boll presented all the members in attendance with NJVN team plaques in recognition of their contributions. Each member also received a  proclamations from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly.

Congressmen Tom Malinowski presented the Presidents Volunteer Service Award with a Gold Medal and a Congressional Commendation to the team’s executive board including Michael Boll, Sara Abraham, Frank Schupp, Bob Johnsen, and Leo Graf. Frank Schupp was presented an American Flag that was flown over the Capital Building in his honor.Schupp is the mobile outreach program director. He was awarded for his outstanding work mentoring veterans during Covid and organizing an effort to feed over 3,000 veterans.

About New Jersey Veterans Network

We are a group of veterans and volunteers dedicated to helping our veterans and their families live better lives. Our team is raising awareness of our veterans needs by organizing public speaking engagements, meeting with business and political leaders across the state and sponsoring fundraising events. Our mission is to identify veterans and connect them with resources and programs designed to meet their unique set of needs. To ensure that every single one of our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for this great country, receives the resources that they require and deserve. If you are interested in joining our team, would like us to speak at your event, or contributing to our mission, call 973-332-1556 or email mdbollio@optonline.net. To learn more visit njvn.org.

(above) Dr Wali Rasheed, Director Islamic Center of Union, is a team Chaplain for NJVN. R. Rasheed assists and speaks at numerous charity events, and has organized food and clothing donations for disabled veterans.
(above) Rev Richard Starling, of the Culture Changing Christians Church, is a team Chaplain for NJVN. Rev Starling assists and speaks at numerous charity events and has organized food and clothing donations for disabled veterans.
(above) Paul Carvalho, owner of Paul’s Garage in Union, has donated and repaired numerous cars for disabled veterans. Paul has also hosted a few fundraisers and charity events for the team.
(above) Leo Graf and Bob Johnsen. Leo Graf is Commander of the Union VFW and he plays a major role with the NJVN support team. He sets up various fundraisers and charity events.Bob Johnsen- board member bob is the union vfw vice commander and plays a major role with the support team. Bob sets up numerous fundraisers and charity events, also he speaks at numerous ceremonies and other events.
(above) Joseph Montes, owner of The Red Cadillac restaurant in Union, was honored for feeding veterans. He has provided food for veterans shelters and homes, and events. Monthly he welcomes veterans to his restaurant for NJVN program ‘Feed A Hero’ program.
(above) Debbie Bernard is a Union Township Police Chaplain, as a NJVN board member she serves as liaison with the VA and assists with various charity events and functions.
(above) Gerard Schemel is the commander of the Union High School Army JROTC. Schemel and his cadets have assisted with many NJVN events and ceremonies.
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