Essex County Honors West Orange Police Lieutenant for Service to U.S. Navy – TAPinto.net

NEWARK, NJ — Two West Orange veterans, Lt. Charles Bryant from the West Orange Police Department and West Point Cadet Christopher Morgan, were recently honored by the county for their respective service to the United States.

During the 2019 Veterans Celebration, held annually at the Hall of Records in Newark to recognize the patriotism and sacrifices of New Jersey veterans, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders honored Bryant for his service with the United States Navy. He is pictured at the ceremony with his children Quincy and Kayla Bryant.

The Illinois native moved to New Jersey and joined the United States Navy delayed entry program during his junior year of high school in East Orange. Upon graduation from basic training/boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, he was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier USS Independence CV-62, and served as a Gunners Mate.

Bryant’s tour of duty included Lebanon, Beirut during the Multi-National Peace Keeping Mission. He participated in the invasion of Grenada with Battle Group Four assigned to the 2nd Fleet that provided air and ground support. His mission upon returning to Lebanon included airstrikes against Syrian positions after the bombing of the United States Marine barracks.

The West Orange lieutenant—who is pictured at the ceremony above with his children, Quincy and Kayla Bryant—received the Naval Unit Commendations, Navy “E” Ribbon (best carrier in the fleet), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Good Conduct Medal. His wife, Stacy, and children, Denzel and Jalen, were not pictured.

CLICK HERE to read about the Essex County Veterans Day Observance ceremony, where Cadet Morgan was presented with an “Essex County Community Star Award” for his service.