Nutley Mayor Returns From 6-Month Military Deployment In Iraq

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley’s mayor is back in town after serving on a six-month military deployment.

Last week, the township announced that John Kelly III has returned from service with the Army National Guard in Iraq, where he served as the unit commander's legal advisor.

Kelly also served two previous deployments: one in the Middle East, and one in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

Township officials unveiled a “Welcome Home” banner for Kelly this week on Franklin Avenue between Church and Chestnut Streets.

Kelly thanked the commissioner board and municipal staff for pitching in during his absence, and credited his family with supporting him while he was stationed in Iraq.

The Nutley community was also on his mind while overseas, he said.

“I would like to thank the entire community for their prayers and patience during my deployment, and the many care packages sent to me and to my unit,” Kelly said.

“I was touched by all the letters I received from the entire school at Good Shepherd Academy and the students at Yantacaw school,” he added. “They brightened not only my day, but those that I served with as well.”

“It was an honor to serve my country, especially alongside the professional and honorable men and women with whom I had the privilege of serving with every day, many of whom are still in harm's way,” Kelly said.

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