Commissioners honored local heroes at Veterans Day appreciation breakfast

In recognition of Veterans Day, the Board of Commissioners honored six Camden County veterans at the Padre Peter Molnar Veteran Appreciation Breakfast at the Collingswood Ballroom. Camden County veteran Dr. Emily J. Balog, who was recently recognized by the Board of Commissioners for her service at a town hall meeting in October, will serve as the keynote speaker.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country, and to thank them for their sacrifices,” said Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich, liaison to Veterans Affairs. “We are proud to honor our veterans, and celebrate their service and contributions to our community.”

The medal recipients:

• Emily Balog, Staff Sargent, Air Force
• Dustin G. Brown, Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force
• Donald Caldwell, Private, Army
• Thomas E. Jennings, Major, Army
• Patricia J. Leitner, Specialist, Army
• Nicholas W. Santillo, Seaman, Navy

The breakfast was in honor of Padre Peter Molnar, who was an Army Chaplain in Vietnam and served in Reserve and National Guard units for 32 years. Molnar was a mental health administrator for Camden County for 17 years and worked as an assistant hospital administrator and social worker for the Veterans Affairs Office. During his years of service in Camden County, Padre Molnar was deeply involved with a number of Veteran Service Organizations including the American Legions and Jewish War Veterans.

For photos, click here.