The Brother Martin NJROTC program hosted a special prayer service and wreath laying ceremony in recognition of Veterans Day on Friday, November 11, 2016. Campus Minister Tom Baier welcomed guests and led a prayer service in the Branton Chapel. Then, NJROTC Cadets and students assembled outside near the Chief Petty Officer Fontan ’86 Flagpole for this special observance of all the brave men and women who serve in the military. Family members of Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan ’86, Navy Seal, his friends and 1986 classmates attended a ceremony outside where his family placed a wreath at the flagpole in celebration of Chief Fontan’s service to our country, and his birthday that is also on November 11. The Crusader Band was present to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” and NROTC Commander Bruce Nolan, ‘90 spoke on behalf of the school and the Cadets. Commander Nolan addressed the crowd about his own personal experience being on active duty in the military. He also thanked Mr. Stephen Camp, Jr. ‘ 84, a classmate of Jacques, for his donation to the NJROTC program so our Cadets may participate in a STEM summer training program. He also showcased Jacques‘ Chief’s Box’ that was donated to the school by his family. Following the ceremony, the Alumni Office hosted a small reception in the Meyer Building for guests.
Chief Petty Officer Jacques Fontan ’86, a Navy Seal, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. He and other special forces members were on a rescue mission to save other team members on the ground who had come under heavy enemy fire; as their helicopter approached the landing zone, it was struck by an RPG (rocket propelled grenade), killing all souls on board. Our “Fontan Flagpole” was dedicated in Chief Fontan’s memory, and a plaque has been placed beside it so that we may always be reminded how Brother Martin men make a difference around the world each and every day.
