Morristown Veteran Honored At County Veteran's Day Ceremony

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A Morristown veteran was honored with the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal at a Wednesday night ceremony.

Andrew Lachawiec, a U.S. Army veteran from Morristown, was honored at the ceremony for his service in Haiti and Afghanistan. The Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal honors local veterans and was designed by a county committee of veterans.

“We recognize that all veterans have given something of themselves to this nation, and some have given everything, laying down their lives to defend the freedoms we hold so dear,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “To all of our veterans, especially to you who are here this evening, we have a simple and heartfelt message: Thank you, all of you, for your service.’’

The county shared more information about Lachawiec's service:

Joined the Army in July 2008, and served as an intelligence specialist. He served in Haiti on a humanitarian deployment after a catastrophic earthquake struck in 2010. He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011. He attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) during his service and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), the NATO Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars.

Senator and former Gov. Richard Codey, state Senators Anthony R. Bucco and Joe Pennacchio, state Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon all attended the event.

Image via Morris County Government