Centenary Paves The Way For Veterans’ Academic Success

AREA - For Centenary University President Dr. Bruce Murphy, and his late wife, Jeanne Picariello Murphy, providing educational opportunities for veterans has been a top priority since arriving in Hackettstown in early 2020. That’s because both are veterans: Dr. Murphy retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel after 23 years in the military, while Mrs. Murphy was a U.S. Army nurse who retired as a colonel after 30 years of active duty. She was tragically killed in January in Hackettstown.

“I took advantage of the GI Bill myself to get a master’s degree,” explained Dr. Murphy. “It really helped at a time when money was tight. My wife, Jeanne, also furthered her education through the GI Bill. She completed a master of Nursing Science in Cardiac Rehabilitation. This essentially changed the trajectory of her career from clinical care nursing to health promotion—a career decision that impacted thousands of lives.”

During her military career, Col. Murphy served as chief of health promotion for the U.S. Southern Command in Panama and spearheaded Army health, wellness, and support programs in Germany, Virginia, in the Pentagon and at the Army War College. Since their retirement, she and Dr. Murphy have been dedicated to ensuring that Centenary provides not only academic, but also financial, social, and emotional support to active-duty military and veterans.

Centenary University’s Office of Veteran Services provides a host of support services to assist honorably discharged veterans and their dependents. Margie Pavlichko, the university’s director of veteran services, works one-on-one with veterans to connect them with federal benefits, such as tuition reim- bursement through programs such as the GI Bill, as well as support services provided by Centenary. A veteran- and military-friendly institution, the university offers up to a 30% tuition discount to honorably discharged veterans and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. Internal and external services and resources from Centenary’s Office of Veteran Services are designed to provide the necessary tools to help facilitate a seamless transition to the academic arena, a successful integration to the campus community, and career planning for the future beyond the classroom. The office monitors the enrollment status and academic progress of student veterans, veteran dependents, active military and reservists attending the university.

Those services are important to veterans like Raymond “Ray” Baum, sergeant first class, U.S. Army (ret.), who earned his bachelor’s in business administration from Centenary University in 2021. While still enlisted, he started his college degree through an online college, but found that the institution and the Veteran’s Administration didn’t provide him with the support he needed to stick with the academic program long enough to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Centenary gave him the encouragement not only to complete a bachelor’s degree, but to excel, graduating with a 3.9 GPA.

While SFC Baum retired from the military after 24 years with an associate degree, it took 12 years of civilian life for him to re-enroll at Centenary. Noting that at his previous college he had to figure everything out himself, SFC Baum explained, “They didn’t have a ‘Margie.’ Had I known about Centenary 12 years ago when I first retired, my path might have been different. Leaving the military is such a change. In the armed forces, everybody knows their role, who’s doing what. Then you come out into the civilian world, and everybody’s doing their own thing. A lot of veterans will just say ‘I don’t want to deal’ and shut themselves off.”

Through Dr. and Col. Murphy’s military focus, Centenary University formed an educational partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). The partnership is known at Centenary as the CMSgt Richard Etchberger Scholars Program, which includes students enrolled at Centenary through the CCAF’s General Education Mobile (GEM) Program for associate degree candidates and CCAF’s Associate to Bachelor’s Cooperative (ABC) Program for those seeking a bachelor’s degree. The program is offered virtually. CMSgt Richard L. Etchberger was a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed during a covert operation in Laos in 1968.

For recent high school graduates applying to Centenary, but opting to enter the military right after graduation, Centenary will hold their place until they are discharged.

“After serving over 50 years combined in the military, Jeanne and I have both understood how important a college education is for active-duty military and veterans,” Dr. Murphy said. “As a military-friendly institution, Centenary has excellent academic and support programs that enable both enlisted personnel and veterans to gain an outstanding education that paves the way for career success.”

For more information about veterans services at Centenary go to https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/military/ or email Margie.Pavlichko@centenaryuniversity.edu dynamic guidance, and they also had a chance to speak with Dr. Goldberg to review some of their own cases one-on-one.

When asked about his role as an educator to other dentists, Dr. Goldberg thoughtfully stated, “I’ve always heard that when you’re passionate about something, it shows. I’ve been providing implant services for over 28 years, and I’m always excited about it. I guess that’s why other doctors and dental professionals ask me for my thoughts and help. Its quite an honor, and I love to share.”

Dr. Goldberg holds many honors in the field of implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry, a Fellow of the AAID, and also a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, just to name a couple. Regarding his Diplomate status in the ABOI/ID, there are only a few hundred dentists world- wide that hold this distinction.

Dr. Ira Goldberg is the owner of Morris County Dental Associates in Succasunna. He performs all phases of implant dentistry, and rarely are refer- rals required. For a free consultation, including a free 3-D scan (if necessary), please call his office at 973-328-1225 or visit his website at www.MorrisCountyDentist.com

Dr. Goldberg is a leading expert on dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, which is a degree held by only 1% of dentists worldwide. Whether you require a single implant or complex full-mouth rehabilitation, a free consultation with Dr. Goldberg should be considered.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry came about when Blackwell first contacted the AVM seeking a place to honor and remember

Dr. Goldberg treats entire families, from toddlers to seniors. Services include cleanings, check-ups, fillings, Invisalign, dentures, cosmetics, and more! He and his staff enjoy the long-term relationships they build with their patients.

Cpl. Hayden Harris’ life and service after being murdered by the hand of a fellow soldier in Byron Township,” explains Uhrmann.

Blackwell could have contacted a different Veterans group, but the AVM was her best choice.

“I have been involved with multiple Veteran Organizations – but none like the AVM,” says Blackwell. “I connected with Charlie through tragedy and God’s grace! After a U.S. Army Soldier, CPL Hayden Harris, was kidnapped from Ft. Drum and murdered in my hometown - I googled the owner of the All-Veteran’s Memorial. Charlie did not hesitate when I asked for help to honor this soldier. Last Memorial Day we installed a walkway, leading into a Prayer Garden, in honor of CPL Hayden Harris.”

After that connection, “Bonnie remained extremely active with the AVM and its programs,” says Uhrmann. “Bonnie came up with the original idea of an Honor Run as a fundraiser for the AVM and the Rolling Thunder Chapters. Fundraisers are the lifeblood for nonprofits like the AVM, American Legions and the Rolling Thunder to survive.”

As a Rolling Thunder member for a few years now, Blackwell became an official member about a year ago.

“The first Rolling Thunder event I attended was actually at the All-Veteran’s Memorial,” Blackwell shares. “My husband and his family were members of RT Chapter 2 in Staten Island, N.Y. We were at Walmart in the ITC one day when Jay got an email from RT reminding him of an event at the All-Veteran’s Memorial park in Mt. Olive; he asked me if I wanted to go. This was the first time I have ever seen the All-Veteran’s Memorial – or a Rolling Thunder Sponsored event. I was absolutely amazed by both!

“My husband and I joined RT Chapter 6 N.J. since it is a little closer to our home,” she continues. “Sadly, our Chapter’s President, Billy Appice, passed away this past year. His loss was devastating to his immediate family, friends and his brothers and sisters in Rolling Thunder. Billy was a true patriot who loved the Rolling Thunder and its mission –he also loved the AVM. Billy was passionate about helping Veterans and never forgetting those who never made it home.

“When I asked Charlie if we could do something special to honor Billy’s memory - that conversation turned into multiple phone calls, texts, emails and meetings between Charlie, myself and Rolling Thunder –the Rolling Thunder Honor Run was created.”

Blackwell connected the mission of both organizations and received support.

“The Rolling Thunder mission revolves around the POW/MIA issue,” says Blackwell. “The AVM has two major ceremonies per year – Memorial Day and POW/MIA Remembrance Day. RT National agreed to support the Annual Honor Run and co-sponsor the POW/MIA Remembrance ceremony without hesitation.”

The AVM is the perfect place to support Rolling Thunder’s mission.

“The AVM has a long history of creating beneficial programs for individuals and outside organizations as a way to cultivate unity and support,” says Uhrmann. “The AVM has the only permanent designated ceremonial ground specific to the POW/MIA in the state.”

Adds Blackwell, “The All-Veteran’s Memorial is just an amazing place. Every single element and detail is very well thought out, planned and executed! The AVM is an education complex to raise awareness about our nation’s core values; it is also the only Veteran’s Memorial that remembers and honors our military, Veterans, their families, children and even the animals who have served in past and present wars.”

Details for the Honor Run

On the third Friday of every September, the RTHR will begin at 10 a.m. All national and state chapters members and their families are invited to participate. Riders must wear their official RT vest during the Honor Run.

The AVM parking lot will be closed to the public. Riders and participants can begin arriving at 9 a.m.

Once all of the riders and participants have assembled, the RT Honorary Paver will be presented to the chapter lead to be carried as part of their Honor Run.

Riders will return to the AVM parking lot at the conclusion of the run, in which members will assemble at the POW/ MIA Remembrance Memorial Grounds and Wall to raise the POW/MIA flag and share a short eulogy of the fallen member.

A designated member from the chapter or family member will be invited to install a service paver at the RT Memorial Walkway.

Uhrmann says she anticipates anywhere between 50100 riders per participating chapters. Rolling Thunder Honorary Walkway

As part of this new initiative, a RT Memorial Walkway will be built to replace the existing stone walkway leading up to the Rolling Thunder Podium.

The walkway will consist of pavers for RT military and civilian members, denoting their name, rank, branch of service or position held with their chapter.

Uhrmann explains the need for this new walkway.

“The existing walkway was intended to be consistent with the overall landscape,” she says. “However, the rugged terrain has proven to be quite challenging for some of our older volunteers to navigate. Installing a platform or stage area will allow more than one person to stand behind the podium during the reading of the names. Many organizations that come to read names will typically come with three or more people. The paved area will also be able to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.”

Co-Sponsors of National POW/MIA 24-Hour Vigil

The POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil will commence around 4 p.m. after the Honor Run. RT will be invited to participate in opening ceremonies, ringing 21 Tolls of the Ascension Bell every hour, Invocation, lighting of the vigil globe in the Warrior Obelisk, laying the memorial wreath, Table for One and reading of POW/MIA names.

For 24 hours, people and organizations volunteer to read the names, ranks, dates of service and war served of every single POW/MIA from N.J.

All fundraising from the Honor Run will be split 50/50 by AVM and RT.

The AVM will deposit their proceeds into a separate perpetual care account to cover the costs of future complex-clean ups, renovations, maintenance and supplies, says Uhrmann.

“We would like to hire a land/hardscaper to visit the AVM grounds at least once a month to conduct an assessment and maintain and repair anything that may require attention,” says Uhrmann.

“The high elevation exposes the monuments to severe weather during the winter and summer months. We have also had to deal with damage caused by people climbing or mistreatment of the monuments. With the amazing help from Mt. Olive Twp. Parks Department that maintains the landscape, the AVM has and will continue to maintain the complex and monuments.”

More about Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder is a U.S. advocacy group that seeks to bring full accountability for prisoners of war and missing in action service members of all U.S. wars. The group’s first demonstration was in 1988; it was incorporated in 1995, and has more than 90 chapters throughout the U.S., as well as overseas.

Its founders, Vietnam Veterans Artie Muller and Ray Manzo, were concerned about the disassociation “given to those who did not make it out with their lives or their freedom” so they planned the first demonstration in Washington, D.C. during the 1988 Memorial Day weekend. About 2,500 motorcycles around the country converged at the nation’s capital to demand from leaders a full accounting of all POW/MIA’s.

Every Memorial Day since, about 900K participants join in for the Ride For Freedom weekend ride to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall to honor service members. We work year-round with Communities, Schools, Veterans & Families That Need Assistance.