On August 12, Randolph Memorial VFW Post 7333 again led the Hometown Heroes Banner Program dedication at Veterans Park. The program was initiated in 2021 and is a living tribute created to recognize and honor Randolph residents and their family members who are serving or are veterans who have served their country.
The 2023 banner dedication was attended by over 90 people; guest speakers included Morris County Commissioner John Krickus and Randolph Mayor Lou Nisivoccia. Vice Commander Bill Menzel, Committee Co-Chair, founder Felicia DiFabrizio Smith and Col. (Ret.) Paul Monacelli were presenters. The program also featured Post Commander Angel Soto and Acting Chaplain Jerry Rubin. Special guests included CCM President Anthony Iacono, Township Manager Greg Poff, Council Member Mark Forstenhausler, Parks & Recreation Director Russ Newman and Morris County Historian Jan Williams.
The addition of fourteen new veterans was celebrated, honoring those who have served, are currently serving, or have given their life in service in the United States Armed Forces. The banner honorees and their sponsors are:
- Corporal Bertrand Cox, US Army – Died in Service – WWI – Marie Potter
- 2nd LT. Robert Brundage, USMC – KIA/Silver Star – WWII – Alice Knothe
- PO2 Anthony Monfriedo, US Navy – Cuban Missile Crisis – VFW Post 7333
- AFC James McConnell, US Air Force – Cold War – Elizabeth McConnell
- YN3 Matt Bozek, US Navy – Vietnam War – Rosie’s Trattoria
- SA John Capsouras, US Navy – Vietnam War – Barbara Capsouras
- E-5 Ted Carman, US Navy – Vietnam War – Rosie’s Trattoria
- Sgt. Bob Kamphausen, US Army – Vietnam War – Kamphausen Family
- PO3 Peter Kenny, US Navy – Vietnam War – VFW Post 7333
- Capt. Vernon Tatum, US Amy – Persian Gulf War – NJ Pest Control
- Sgt. Edward Sartorius, US Army – Persian Gulf War – Rosie’s Trattoria
- Sgt. John Freudenberg, US Army – Global War on Terror – Freudenberg Family
- LCP Joseph Barbato, USMC – Global War on Terror – NJ Pest Control
- SPC4 Leo Greco, US Army – Global War on Terror – NJ Pest Control
Randolph has a long history of veterans serving their country, going as far back as the Revolutionary War. VFW Post 7333 and the Township Council plan to continue the program, honoring our veterans and active duty military.
For more information about the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, visit www.vfwpost7333.org or call Bill Menzel at 973-945-8507.
To view the 2023 dedication, courtesy of VFW Post 7333, and created by Delia Vince Cruz and Manny Cruz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f37y3t5Oi8k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ATOmCPUoy8