On Veterans Day, members of the Brother Martin community and the NJROTC celebrated our veterans who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and defend the ideals of our country. A prayer service was held in the Branton Chapel along with a wreath laying ceremony in the backyard that included our NJRTOC Cadets, student body, faculty, administration and guests including the family of Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan '86.  

On June 28, 2005, a rocket propelled grenade hit a CH-47 in Afghanistan, killing all those on board. The mission set out to save a SEAL team caught behind enemy lines and fighting for their lives. A second helicopter was able to pick up the only survivor of the attack, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell. Detailed in the book and movie Lone Survivor, Fontan was killed in the rescue attempt. 

Commander Bruce Nolan '90, USN (Ret.), Senior Chief Romico J. Barnes, USN (Ret.), President Greg Rando ‘77, Principal Ryan Gallagher '00  Cadets, and guests were present at the flagpole in the backyard for a wreath laying ceremony in honor of fallen Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan. Joining them was the Crusader Band who began with the National Anthem as the Cadets saluted and the Color Guard raised the Colors. As the last note of the anthem played, the Color Guard proceeded out and a moment of silence fell across the crowd while the family brought a wreath to the plaque commemorating Chief Fontan’s service. 

As Veterans, Commander Nolan and Senior Chief Barnes along with our NJROTC would like to thank our Brother Martin family for your support and gratitude of our veterans.