Fall 2013 Edition NJDMAVA Veterans

About NJ Veteran Journal:
The New Jersey Veteran Journal is an official publication of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and is intended to serve New Jersey's veterans, their families, friends and concerned individuals and groups. All correspondence should be sent to:

Veteran Journal Editor
NJDMAVA/PA
PO Box 340
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

 
WEDDING VOWS RENEWED
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Vasquez, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

You may kiss the bride: Raymond Governale, left, kisses his wife Barbara after renewing their wedding vows at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Feb. 23, 2013.

Dressed in his dark suit and looking into his wife's eyes, Raymond Governale said, "I do!" when Rev. Jan W Koczera asked him if he would continue to have Barbara as his wife and continue to live in this marriage?

And with those words, Raymond, on his 10th wedding anniversary renewed his wedding vows to his wife at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Feb. 23.

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple celebrated their anniversary and their wedding vows renewal.

"We met more than 40 years ago," said Raymond, a World War II Navy veteran. "When my first wife passed away, we reunited and got married."

Barbara said that they met 46-years ago at an Italian restaurant. "He came to my table and told me he was going to play a song in the jukebox for me."

"I'll Take Care of Your Cares" became their wedding song when they married ten years ago. And as they renewed their vows and exchanged wedding rings, they again promised to take care of each other.

Award recipients the 'Greatest Generation'

By Elizabeth Schofield, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs


Andrew J. Kmosko Sr. at his home in Ship Bottom with his New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. Photo by Andrew Kmosko Jr.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs schedules monthly state medal award ceremonies throughout all counties in New Jersey.

The award recipients served in a variety of combat conflicts ranging from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the current theatres of operation. During the course of a year, NJDMAVA awards more than 1,500 state medals to our New Jersey Veterans and it truly is a privilege and an honor to shake their hands.

While each of these ordinary men and women braved an extraordinary journey to receive these state awards, none are more proud than our World War II Veterans. They may walk slower, ask you to speak a little louder and stand a bit smaller, but when called to "salute" their sense of pride, commitment and accomplishment never fades.

Andrew Kmosko Jr. shared this photograph of his father, Technician Third Class Andrew J. Kmosko Sr. at his home in Ship Bottom with his New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. At age 94, Kmosko represents the greatest generation.

On behalf of the Department, we would like to thank Mr. Kmosko and his World War II colleagues for their service to our Nation and State. As Tom Brokaw said: "They won the war; they saved the world."