Medals Honor Military Vets, Families In South Jersey

WESTAMPTON, NJ — Dozens of veterans and their families were honored for their service during the Burlington County Military Service Medal Ceremony.

Thirty-seven vets from different eras and the families of six who have died joined together to participate in the annual event.

"We want them to know their service will not be forgotten, and our County is here to assist them and their families if needed," Allison Eckel, Burlington County Commissioner Director and liaison to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, said.

Along with local leaders, State Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, and Assemblyman Balvir Singh were on hand to show their respect for those who serve.

"Keeping our promises to the men and women who stood watch and defended this country must always be at the top of our priorities," Assemblywoman Katz added. "We owe our veterans a debt of honor that can never fully be repaid."

Among those honored and in attendance was Corporal Phillip Frederick Jr., 96, of Willingboro, who is an Army vet who served on the front lines in the Korean War.

For his efforts, he has earned the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.

After his time on the battlefield, he worked as a master fabricator with a Cherry Hill carpet and flooring company for 40 years, the county said.

He also was the Deacon at Philadelphia's "Cornerstone Baptist Church" and has been married to his wife Justine for 71 years.

Along with medals, the Burlington County Office of Military and Veterans Services surprised local vets with dozens of "thank you" cards made by students and staff at Holly Hills Elementary School and Fleetwood Elementary School.

Veterans living in the county who received an honorable discharge or veterans who have died but lived in the county are eligible to be honored each year.

The program began in 2002 and is available through registration forms at the Burlington County Office of Military and Veteran Services, by calling (609) 265-5008, or by submitting online.

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