Army Veteran, Hillsborough Resident To Serve As 2025 Memorial Day Grand Marshal

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Army Veteran, Commander Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post #8371, and Hillsborough Township resident Mike Schraufnagel was chosen to lead Hillsborough’s 2025 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony on May 24 as the Parade's Grand Marshal.

"This long-standing tradition in Hillsborough is our way of recognizing and thanking our Veterans and Military Service Personnel. We are honored to have Army Veteran Mike Schraufnagel lead our ceremonies this year as the Grand Marshal," said Mayor John Ciccarelli at the April 8 Township Committee meeting.

Schraufnagel was drafted into the US Army at Ft. Campbell, Ky., in March 1970. He enlisted in the Regular Army in April 1970 and graduated from basic training in May 1970.

Initially assigned to Ft. Monmouth, NJ for Fixed Crypto Repair (32F20) school from June of 1970 through August of 1971, Schraufnagel was assigned to StratCom Europe upon graduation, with support functions for 7th Army and NATO in Heidelberg, Germany until March of 1973. During that time, he had Top-Secret clearance and held Special Intelligence access related to working on US Army secure voice equipment assigned to NATO Officials/Generals.

Schraufnagel’s service ended at Ft. Dix, with the rank of SP5. He joined Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post #8371 in March of 2019 and held the post of Adjutant until elected Commander.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Ciccarelli and the entire Hillsborough Township Committee for granting me the honor and privilege of representing Hillsborough at their Memorial Day Tribute on Saturday, May 24. Every year’s tribute is a truly memorable occasion, and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful event," Schraufnagel said.

"On behalf of all Hillsborough veterans, I want to express our deepest gratitude for Hillsborough's unwavering commitment to veteran-focused programs and support. One example is the Township Veterans Information quarterly session led by Deputy Mayor Catherine Payne, which was a remarkable success in 2024 and demonstrated true dedication to our veteran community," he continued. "After experiencing our first session of 2025 on Saturday, March 15, we are excited to continue with that same strength and collaboration. We greatly appreciate the community's ongoing efforts to honor and support those who have served our nation."

"We are honored to invite Army Veteran and VFW Commander Mike Schraufnagel to lead the Hillsborough Township Memorial Day Parade and thank him for his service to the United States of America and Hillsborough’s veterans," said Ciccarelli.