Cedar Crest Veterans Appreciation 2026

Brian Alberse served for five years in the U.S. Army National Guard beginning in 1970 during the Vietnam era. He earned the Army Expert Weapons Badge with the M-16 rifle. After high school, Alberse continued his education before and during his National Guard service. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, earned an associate degree in food service from the University of Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Maryland. During his career, he managed a catering team for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City and later worked as a manager at other food establishments. He has volunteered with community organizations, including groups supporting people affected by HIV/AIDS in Jersey City. Alberse enjoys spending time with his partner of 49 years and his five siblings. He is also a classic car enthusiast, with interests ranging from full-size automobiles to model cars.

Fred Beavers is a U.S. Army veteran who served more than 42 years, from 1944 to 1987, including tours in World War II and the Korean War. Following his service in Korea, he continued with the New Jersey National Guard. He earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and American Theatre Ribbon.

A graduate of Morristown High School, Beavers completed the Basic and Advanced Field Artillery Courses, the Nuclear Officer Award, the Command General Officer Staff Course, and the Armed Forces Course with the U.S. Navy. He entered service as a private and retired as a colonel, rising through all enlisted ranks except first sergeant and also serving as a Warrant Officer. He was appointed second lieutenant and served as a combat commander of a division support command of 2,000 troops.

Beavers participated as Santa Claus at Fort Knox and in Korea. He is a 32nd-degree Freemason and a member of the Grand Centennial Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey and served as chief engineer for the Ralston Fire Company.

Professionally, he worked in masonry. He and his late wife of 72 years, Matilda, built their home in Mendham Borough from the ground up and lived on Hillcrest Avenue for more than 50 years. He has two children and two grandchildren. Matilda passed away in 2021.  

Glen Bertholf served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War and later in the Naval Reserves. He spent his entire service at sea or on foreign soil and earned the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Bertholf earned a Bachelor of Science in management and worked as a technical writer. In his free time, he enjoys competitive kite flying.

Harold J. Campbell is a U.S. Marine who served on active duty from 1961 to 1969 and in the reserves from 1969 to 1993, including during the

Vietnam War. He received a direct commission in 1965 and served as a helicopter pilot. He was promoted to captain during active duty.

For his service, Campbell earned the Silver Star, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and a Certificate of Achievement.

After active duty, he worked as a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He previously earned an associate degree from Boston University in 1957 and a bachelor’s degree in business from Curry College in 1959.

He is married to his wife Marie and is the father of two sons, Scott and Keith.

Ira. D. Clemens served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean War and the early Cold War. He attended U.S. Army Europe Signal School and was assigned to a Signal Company in West Berlin, a city of 2 million considered an island of freedom 100 miles inside communist East Germany. It was only accessible via narrow rail and highway corridors controlled by Western Allies.

Clemens earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Service Medal with Germany clasp, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, he earned an associate degree in electronics and worked for private companies installing security, sound, alarm, and fire systems in the U.S. and overseas. He was active in his community as a Boy Scout leader and through church outreach programs.

He and his late wife Ruth were married for 70 years until her passing in 2025. He has three children, 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Clemens also taught himself to make stained glass and enjoys building and flying model airplanes.

Richard Cohen served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 during the Vietnam War and continued in the Army Reserve until 1970. He served as a non-commissioned officer before attending Officer Candidate School. For his service, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Rifleman/M-14, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal.

Cohen went on to earn a Bacher of Arts in biological science, a Master of Science in organizational development, and a J.D. in law. He worked as an attorney, a middle school science teacher, and an organizational effectiveness consultant.

He remains active in his community, serving as a resident advisory council member and treasurer at Cedar Crest, a member of the Cedar Crest Diversity Committee, a member and treasurer of the Cedar Crest Institute for Learning in Retirement, and a Literacy Volunteer of Morris County, providing free instruction to adults seeking to improve reading, writing, or English-speaking skills.

Cohen is also an avid recreational bicyclist.

Jim Gage served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 during the Vietnam era, stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, and in South Korea. He was promoted to captain during his commission.

After his military service, Gage worked as a traffic engineer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and later served as vice president of an architectural and engineering firm. He earned a Bachelor of Science from The City College of New York and a Master of Science from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University in Brooklyn. Brooklyn and the Flanders section of Mt. Olive are his hometowns.

Gage is married and has four children and six grandchildren. At Cedar Crest, he is active in the Catholic community where he serves as a lector. He also plays bocce.

Roger A. Gengaro served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 during the Vietnam era, with duty stations in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. He served with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, 594th Transportation Group, and participated in Operation FRELOC, relocating all personnel and equipment from France and closing U.S. depots within a year. He earned the National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Gengaro worked in transportation as a terminal manager for Trailways Bus Lines and as a projects manager for New Jersey Transit Bus Operations. Born and raised in Weehawken, he earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

Gengaro has been a member of the American Legion for 40 years and belongs to the Vietnam Veterans of America. He has volunteered to raise funds for veterans’ transitional housing and therapy services at Lyons Veterans Hospital.

He and his wife Joan have a son and a daughter, and five grandchildren. His hobbies include traveling, antiquing, and kayaking.

Howard A. Goldman served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 during the Vietnam era, working as a pharmacist, dental specialist and assistant, and phlebotomist. He earned the Army Marksmanship Qualification Badge for Rifle.

Goldman graduated from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy before his military service and worked as a pharmacist following active duty.

He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Jewish War Veterans, and the American Legion. Goldman is also an avid coin collector, baseball enthusiast, and Yankees fan.

Patrick Granowski, originally from Brooklyn, served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 during the Vietnam era as a paratrooper. He earned his parachutist badge and graduated from medical corpsman school.

After his military service, Granowski earned a bachelor’s degree and worked as a police officer in New York City. He later served as lead court officer with the Manhattan U.S. District Attorney’s Office and worked as a private investigator in Florida.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing bocce.

Frank Grehl served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1952 during the Korean War as an armor crewmember with armored and heavy tank units.

After his military service, Grehl pursued college courses and worked in computer management. His hobbies include computers and caring for his house plants. 

Leland J. Katz served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1964 during the Vietnam era, in addition to ROTC training. He earned the National Defense Service Medal.

Before his military service, Katz earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts in 1960 and a Master of Science from Boston University in 1961. Following his service, he earned an MBA from Boston College in 1969. He spent his career in high-tech marketing and sales.

Katz has been active in his community, serving as chair of his town’s finance committee, chair of his condominium board, and chair of the Cedar Crest lecture series.

He enjoyed travel, photography, and writing. He and his late wife, Judith, were married for 60 years before her passing in 2022. He has two children and two grandchildren.

James Keegan served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.

Keegan earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics prior to his military service. 

Walter “Wally” Maher served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1980 during peacetime and remained in the reserves until 1981. He served aboard two ships, the first was the USS Vulcan which was a surface ship tender & repair ship. The second ship was the USS Nimitz, a nuclear powered, multi-mission aircraft carrier commissioned in 1975. Maher was a Machinist Mate Second Class and earned the Good Conduct Medal.

After his Military service, he worked for ITT Marlow Pumps as a Machinist. Switching to work in New York City, He earned certifications as a New York Fire Department Fire Safety Director as well as a Refrigeration Operations Specialist. Wally also earned a Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Real Property Administrator (RPA) certification, and a New York State Real Estate Salesperson License. During his New York City career, he started in commercial office building maintenance (HVAC – repairs) eventually rising to General Manager for Property Operations.

Wally gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Wanaque and Hawthorne Fire Departments. He is active with the Cedar Crest Woodworkers, Veterans Club, Marketing Committee, Bocce and General Services Committee.

Wally enjoys woodworking and Cedar Crest activities. He and his wife Kathy will celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and are proud parents of their son James and granddaughter Kaitlyn.

James J. McDonald served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958 during the Vietnam era aboard the USS Diamond Head. He earned the Navy Occupation Medal with service clasp, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, McDonald took college courses and worked at New Jersey Bell. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Joseph B. Paperman served in the U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam War and also served as a special agent at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal, as well as the State of New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

After his military service, Paperman earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Villanova University. He worked as an assistant bank examiner with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and held executive and managerial roles with computer hardware companies and software developers specializing in quality and finance products.

At Cedar Crest, he is active with the Democratic Club, bocce, the Resident Advisory Finance Committee, chorale, and Veterans Club. He also enjoys attending concerts with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, plays, Broadway shows, opera, and reading. 

Andrew Ter Waarbeek served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

After his military service, Ter Waarbeek worked in the audio-visual field, designing and installing equipment.

Gerard A. Tutzauer served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. He earned the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal. His most significant duty assignment was the 1360th Air Base Group, Military Air Transport Service, in Orlando, Fla. While stationed in Germany and Orlando, he attended service schools in engineering construction surveying, aerial surveying, and the 7th Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

After his military service, Tutzauer served as a councilman in Lincoln Park. He is the father of four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Stephen Vallario is a U.S. Marine who served on active duty from 1958 to 1961 plus an additional three years in the Inactive Ready Reserve during the Vietnam War era. He served as a supply officer, supporting Marines and their equipment for deployment.

Vallario earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and marketing before his military service. He has been active in the Elks Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans Club at Cedar Crest. He enjoys gardening, golf, swimming and music.

William Vanderburg served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1950 to 1955 during the Korean War era.

After college, Vanderburg worked in banking, including serving as a bank president. He is a member of the Cedar Crest Veterans Club and the Irish Club. He enjoys playing bocce and is a former golfer.

He and his wife have two children and one grandson.

Jerry Winnick served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman petty officer second class during World War II and continued service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve until 1949.

Winnick was drafted while preparing to attend art school. He attended New York University and has volunteered as a firefighter. In addition to art, he enjoys poetry and writing people’s names in calligraphy.

Winnick celebrated his 100th birthday on January 27, 2026.

James Gallagher served in the infantry of the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and other honors.

Gallagher earned a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University prior to active duty. He later earned a Master of Arts in 1972 and a doctorate in 1973 from New York University.

He served as president of Tombrock College in West Paterson, a coeducational institution operated by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and worked as a consultant to corporations. His community involvement includes serving on the board of Covenant House New Jersey, contributing to the Cedar Crest Villager magazine staff, and lecturing for the Cedar Crest Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Gallagher is the proud father of four daughters.

Lawrence E. Batlan entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. He was assigned to a company support hospital in Korea and earned the U.N. Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Bronze Star Medal with two Overseas Service Bars. Batlan earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Chicago Medical School and completed his residency in Jamaica, Queens, New York. He served as a ship’s doctor on the White Star Line, traveling to South America, before specializing in radiology at Chicago’s Michael Reese Hospital. He treated patients for 50 years before retiring. Following retirement, Batlan continued to serve his community through volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and Hand and Hand. He enjoyed photography, camping and travel. Batlan passed away in August 2024 at the age of 99.