Bellmawr’s Howard Grant is being called a ‘Hometown Hero’. Find out why:

BELLMAWR — Howard Grant, a Marine Corps Veteran who fought in the Vietnam War and then became an active member of the Camden County community, was recently recognized as a “Hometown Hero” by U.S., state and local leaders.

Grant joined the Marine Corps in 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam on Christmas Eve of that year, according to U.S. Representative Donald Norcross. Grant served two tours of duty in Vietnam as part of his 21 years with the Marine Corps, Norcorss added.

“He is a highly decorated veteran, having earned a Purple Heart and a Silver Star with Valor and a Bronze Star for his heroic services,” the Congressman said at a March 14 event that commemorated Grant’s “Hometown Hero” designation.

Grant previously served as commander at Brooklawn Post 72 and is presently the commander of VFW Post 9563 in Bellmawr. In addition to his time in the Marine Corps, he has helped decorate local cemeteries for Veterans Day and Memorial Day and helped raise money that went to provide local school children with scholarships, Norcross said.

During the March 14 event, Grant received several gifts, including a United States flag from the U.S. Capitol Building, proclamations and accolades from Norcross and other elected leaders at the town hall meeting, including State Assemblyman Bill Moen, Camden County Commissioner Louis Cappelli and Bellmawr Mayor Chuck Sauter.

Grant, who Norcross said has lived in Bellmawr for 41 years, appeared humbled by the recognition.

“I'm not much for speeches,” he said. “This truly an honor – what an honor and a privilege it is to stand in front of you people and thank you very much.”

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