Dover Veteran Honored for Service
- David Chmiel
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Charles E. Johnson was presented with a Distinguished Military Service Medal by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
By DOVERNOW.com
Charles E. Johnson was one of seven veterans presented with the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during the Morris County Board of County Commissioners' annual Veterans Day Observance ceremony. State and federal representatives also issued honors to the former service members.
Johnson served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1981 to 1993 during the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. He is the recipient of the Expert Qualification Badge Rifle (M-16) and the Army Service Ribbon.
Following his military service, Johnson attended the University of Florida to become a certified dietary manager and subsequently worked as a chef and general manager for dining services. He also worked in accounting.
Johnson gives back to his community by serving as a deacon at Union Baptist Church in Morristown. He is a Past Master of Tyrian Lodge #34, Morristown, and an active board member of the charity Tyrian Widow Son.
He is a loving husband, father of three, grandfather of five, and has one great-grandson. He is an ardent Yankees fan and enjoys going to games with his friends.
Commissioner John Krickus, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, commemorated the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary by presenting a Morris County Resolution of Honor to Sgt. Joseph Tortola and Staff Sgt. Rafael E. Vallejos of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve stationed at Picatinny Arsenal.
“The Marine Corps fearsome reputation was paid for at a high price -- by the lives and limbs of Marines over these 250 years, from the battle of Princeton to the Kabul Airport. For us Marine veterans and for those who still serve, our most important tradition is to never forget their sacrifice and to honor it by always conducting ourselves in a manner as to never bring disrepute to the Corps. Once a Marine, always Marine,” said Commissioner Krickus.
A special “Morris County Veteran of Valor” tribute was led by Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, honoring Cpl. Charles Fern Hopkins, Sr., a Boonton native and Civil War hero awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Gaines Mill in 1862.
Following that tribute, Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals were individually presented by the commissioners to eight local veterans representing diverse branches and eras of service. Sen. Bucco and Asw. Dunn additionally awarded each veteran joint state Senate-Assembly resolutions, while representatives of U.S. Reps. Kean and Sherrill presented certificates of honor.
Among the honored veterans were:
Jack B. Bosma, Kinnelon
Vincent J. DeCaro, Randolph Township
Christopher Gardner, Morristown
Charles E. Johnson, Dover
Robert Litrio, Hanover Township
Ronald Pierantozzi, Pequannock Township
Aniceto Rivera, Boonton Township
Samuel Y. Yuen, Randolph Township
Full biographies of the honorees may be found at the Official Website of Morris County, N.J., including additional information on Cpl. Hopkins and additional photos from the ceremony.
Director Selen highlighted several veteran initiatives undertaken by Morris County, including additional staff and expanded space for the Morris County Veterans Services Office. He also noted this year’s participation in the national “Operation Green Light for Veterans” campaign taking place from Nov. 4 – Nov. 11, and the creation of The Healing Garden for Veterans in partnership with the Morris County Park Commission and Veterans Valor at Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
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