Scotch Plains to Honor Veterans Killed in World War II and Korea on Dec. 16
Veterans Advisory Board seeks family members to join a Dec. 16 ceremony to honor fallen heroes
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – When Scotch Plains launched its Veterans Advisory Board in May 2022, one of its goals was to ensure every local veteran who lost his life in combat or is missing in action would receive special recognition.
There have been five “Gold Star” families / Fallen Heroes honored to date, with ceremonies held and street sign “toppers” placed where the fallen heroes had lived in Scotch Plains at the time of their enlistment.
The ceremonies include participation from Scotch Plains’ elected officials and other dignitaries, local veterans and their families. The American Legion Post 209, on Park Ave., coordinates all aspects of the ceremony, providing an honor guard and rifle salute in tribute. Then, township leaders and family members unveil the street sign toppers, featuring the name of the veteran. In addition, the Township Council issues a proclamation, honoring the fallen hero for their ultimate sacrifice in combat.
There are an estimated 15 more Gold Star families that need to be honored. But volunteers with the Veterans’ Advisory Board say that is not an easy task. These veterans fought in World War I and II as well as the Korean conflict; many of their extended family members are deceased, unknown or have moved away from Scotch Plains decades ago.
Regardless, the Veterans Advisory Board in conjunction with American Legion Post 209 are planning to honor 10 at one time, asking the public for any information that may be available, as well as locating surviving relatives. The fallen heroes are to be honored with street signs during the Wreaths Across America event, set for 12 p.m. Dec. 16, at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church and the hope is that relatives and friends can be in attendance.
The remaining five veterans are to be honored during Memorial Day events next year.
Kon Zoganas, chair of the Veterans Advisory Board and a retired colonel in the U.S. Marines Corps, said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to track down the information about these veterans and any remaining family relatives who can attend the ceremony.”
Zoganas, the 2018 grand marshal of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade, said the committee uses Ancestry.com and other online tools to find descendants.
“We continue to look to honor any person or families who fit the guidelines,” he added, noting the Veterans Advisory Board can be contacted through Margaret Heisey at
Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler, liaison to the Veterans Advisory Board, said Zoganas and other local veterans should be commended for their efforts to honor and remember fallen soldiers from wars that occurred generations ago.
“Even though these heroes from our community died in battle some 80 years ago, their time for recognition is now,” Stamler said. “They should remain an ever-present reminder of patriotism and their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.”
Mayor Josh Losardo added that the stories of these fallen soldiers should also serve as a learning tool for the youngest residents of Scotch Plains. “Our children should learn there are no real winners in war,” the mayor said. “It should not be glorified, especially during these turbulent times. Instead, the brave men and women from Scotch Plains who served and sacrificed should be remembered for their courage, dedication and true love of country.”
Initiated during World War I, the title “Gold Star” distinguishes a family member who lost a loved one in military service. Today, immediate family members (parent, sibling, spouse, or child) receive a Gold Star from the U.S. Department of Defense to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here are the names of the 10 Scotch Plains Fallen Heroes to be honored on Dec. 16:
- U.S. Navy Specialist Rudolf Bochkay, killed January 5, 1944, World War II
- U.S. Army Master Sgt. Alfred Bormann, killed October 27, 1943, World War II
- U.S. Army Sgt. Louis Checchio, killed July 20, 1944, World War II
- U.S. Army Sgt. Nick D’Addamio, killed Sept. 8, 1944, World War II
- U.S. Army Private Leroy Mack, killed April 23, 1951, Korea
- U.S. Marine Private First Class Carroll Meyer, killed Feb. 1, 1944, World War II
- U.S. Army Cpl. Andrew Smith, killed Dec. 10, 1944, World War II
- U.S. Navy Fireman Harry Stocker, killed Aug. 7, 1942, World War II
- U.S. Army Private Leonard Velard, killed Jan. 16, 1945, World War II
- U.S. Army Second Lt. Albert Von Block, killed July 17, 1944, World War II
The Veterans Advisory Board is now focused on programming in 2024, serving as an ongoing conduit for municipal leaders to be informed about issues and concerns impacting local veterans and the many organizations and citizens who support them.
