Butler Veteran Honored At County Veteran's Day Ceremony

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

Yucel Yilmaz, a U.S. Army veteran from Butler, was honored for his service during Operation Enduring Freedom. 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 Yilmaz's service:

Born and raised in Trabzon Turkey, he emigrated to the U.S.
in 1999. He is a service-connected disabled Veteran who served as a combat
engineer in the U.S. Army during the Operation Enduring Freedom period, from
January 2008 to May 2009, when he was honorably discharged.

He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon

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