BELVIDERE, N.J. (Warren County) — Forty-seven wartime veterans were recognized with Warren County’s Distinguished Military Service Medal during the county’s 18th Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Warren County War Memorial next to the county courthouse.
The ceremony, hosted by the Warren County Board of County Commissioners and the Warren County War Memorial Corporation, commemorated Veterans Day and honored men and women who have served in the U.S. military during times of conflict.
Since the program’s founding in 2003, a total of 2,265 war-era veterans have now been recognized, beginning with an award to 108-year-old Julius Hausold, Warren County’s last surviving World War I veteran at the time. Five of this year’s honorees were recognized posthumously, with family members accepting medals on their behalf.
Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski read the county’s 2025 Veterans and Military Families Month proclamation and thanked those in attendance.
“It’s truly our honor to be here today,” Sarnoski said. “It is important that we honor our veterans here in Warren County and never forget the sacrifices that you all made so that our families can live in peace.”
Deputy Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla commended the veterans’ contributions to both the nation and the community.
“To all veterans here today: your service has strengthened our nation and enriched our county,” Ciesla said. “You’ve shown us what leadership, sacrifice, and integrity look like, and for that, we are truly grateful.”
Commissioner James R. Kern III added:
“I just want to say ‘thank you.’ It’s you men and women who put duty before self, courage before comfort, and country before all else that lets us wake up in a nation that is safe, free, and full of opportunity. I’m thankful for that every day.”
Warren County Veteran Services Officer Jacquie Peterson also spoke, reminding veterans that the county is committed to supporting them.
“I have one focus, and that is to support all of you,” Peterson said. “You’re worth the time, you’re worth the conversation, and your service to this country matters. If you could use assistance, please make an appointment.”
2025 Distinguished Military Service Medal honorees
(Deceased veterans noted in parentheses)
- Francis P. Aiello, Vietnam, Army
- Richard T. Allen, Vietnam, Army (deceased)
- Maurice E. Baker, World War II, Army
- Alfonso Battaglino, Vietnam, Army
- Robert M. Beck, Panama, Air Force
- Robert T. Beck, Korea, Army (deceased)
- Stephen J. Borgys, Vietnam, Navy
- Harold I. Brown, Vietnam, Army
- Michael Cieri, Vietnam, Army
- Eric Cliff, Beirut, Marine Corps
- William J. Clift, Vietnam, Army (deceased)
- Stefanie Colombo, Global War on Terror, Army
- Peter Colombo, Global War on Terror, Army
- Anthony G. Cossio, Global War on Terror, Army
- Stephen M. Czar III, Vietnam, Marine Corps
- Harry W. DeLorenzo, Korea, Air Force
- Johnny L. DePatto, Vietnam, Marine Corps
- Thomas A. Devlin, Vietnam, Army
- Emerson G. Dickson, Korea, Navy
- Rocco V. DiPaolo, Vietnam, Navy
- Brian J. Drum, Vietnam, Marine Corps
- Arthur L. Ellis Jr., Vietnam, Army
- Clifford W. Gibbs, Vietnam, Army (deceased)
- John Gyorfi, World War II, Navy
- George D. Hall, Korea, Marine Corps
- Harold H. Hendra, World War II, Army
- Gregory A. Hudson, Vietnam, Army
- Walter R. Hughes Jr., Vietnam, Army
- Alex J. Karmondi, Vietnam, Army
- Bernard Karmondi, Global War on Terror, Army
- Leroy H. Klipple, Vietnam, Air Force
- Mitchell Lango, Vietnam, Army
- Jack B. Long, Vietnam, Navy
- Benjamin T. Lore, Global War on Terror, Army
- Joseph J. Lubowiki Jr., Vietnam, Army
- Robert Lubowiki, Vietnam, Navy
- Kenneth Moye, Vietnam, Army
- Louis H. Naumann Jr., Vietnam, Army
- John E. “Ed” Palmer, Vietnam, Marine Corps
- John Rega, Vietnam, Army
- David L. Richards, Vietnam, Army
- Bryan Romeo, Global War on Terror, Navy
- William P. Sirotnak, Vietnam, Air Force
- James Smith, Vietnam, Army
- Robert Starrett, Vietnam, Army (deceased)
- Stephan J. Stein, Global War on Terror, Army
- Melvin Winters, Vietnam, Army
Applications for the Warren County Distinguished Military Service Award are accepted year-round. Current and former county residents, living or deceased, are eligible if they served honorably during a recognized wartime period.
For more information about Warren County Veteran Services, visit warrencountynj.gov, or learn more about the Veterans Recognition Program at warrencountynjveterans.com.
