Honoring Our Heroes: Celebrating the Courage and Sacrifice of Veterans Across the Nation 2024

As we approach Veteran’s Day, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver honors the service and sacrifice of all Veterans who courageously dedicate their lives to protecting our freedom. Among these brave individuals, five of these heroes are constituents of the 10th Congressional District.

Dr. Keith Kirkland

Dr. Keith Kirkland proudly served three ½ years in the United States Army from January 13, 1975, to June 12, 1978, and he is a Vietnam era veteran. His main tour of duty was with Signal Company Fifth Special Forces group stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Dr. Kirkland achieved the rank of sergeant(E5) and was a paratrooper who specialized in the field of communications. 

After his honorable discharge in 1978 he attended Seton Hall University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He continued his education earning a master’s degree in management science from New Jersey Institute of Technology and his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at Rowan University in New Jersey.

Dr. Kirkland has been on staff at ECC since 1985 with increasing responsibility in each appointment - ranging from Director of an Upward Bound Program, serving as Director of Evening and Weekend Services, Assistant Dean of Continuing Education and Campus Services and Acting Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development where he oversaw programing such as professional development and training programs and grants administrator. He currently serves Dean of Student Affairs at Essex County College and is responsible for overseeing student support services which promote student success, including counseling, career planning, athletics, childcare and student extracurricular programs. He has served as an adjunct instructor at the college for the last twenty years. He also has collaborated with community-based organizations and Essex County College promoting scholarship among inner city youth, has served on state-wide community college committees, advised the student Veteran’s Club, and organized Essex County College’s annual Veterans Day Remembrance ceremony. 

Dr. Keith Kirkland lives in Linden, New Jersey in Union County with his wife of 34 years Lisa Wright-Kirkland and credits his military experience for instilling in him the self-discipline and leadership training he needed to achieve his personal and professional success.

Willie Williams

Willie Williams, born in May of 1962, was born and raised in Hudson County NJ. He is a resident of Jersey City. At just 18 years old, Williams served his country in the United States AirForce. Starting in 1980, up until 1985 he was an outside wire & antenna maintenance specialist with tours of duty in western USA and England, United Kingdom. 

William was honorably discharged, and he took pride in operating in his duties throughout his tenure. He is a devoted father to one son, and one dear granddaughter. He has gifts and talents that carries him through his life. For quite a while and even currently, he selflessly helps people with their electrical issues as he is great and extremely knowledgeable in his trade. Williams love the Lord and is a devoted member to his church. He loves to sing and uses his gift to bless God back and his church. William sings on the choir and is part of the Men’s ministry for Wallace Temple AME Zion Church.

If you ask around, people will tell you that he is helpful and truly a soldier. William has overcome many trials and tribulations, and still stands tall as he strives to be the best person he can be. William Williams is a man who loves and honors God, his family and the great nation of USA.

 Dr. Robert C. Spellman

Dr. Robert C. Spellman is a proud veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War era and subsequently in the United States Army Reserve. Upon graduation from Virginia State University in 1963, Dr. Spellman was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant but not reporting for active duty until May 1965 after pursuing a master’s degree from Rutgers University. During the period from 1965 to 1967, he was promoted twice; to the rank of First Lieutenant and in 1966 to the rank of Captain.  Subsequently, Dr. Spellman served in the United States Army Reserve for three years as Commander of the Sadowski Postal Unit in Newark, New Jersey.  While on active duty, Dr. Spellman served in SETAF located in Vicenza, Italy and as Commander of Recruits at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

In 1968, Dr. Spellman was one of the original faculty members to be hired at the new Essex County College and has served in all scholarly ranks.  At Essex County College he held several positions: as Director of Instructional Media, Associate Dean of Instruction, Dean of Community Programs and from 1974 to 1978 as Vice President for Academic Affairs/ Chief Academic Officer.

Earning a Ph.D. degree from New York University at the age of twenty-nine, Dr. Spellman has traveled the world visiting Africa, Europe, and made some 31 trips to Israel.  Besides being one of two remaining Senior “Founding Faculty Members”, Dr. Spellman is pastor of the Macedonia Church in Newark New Jersey.

Dr. Spellman describes himself as a “blessed people centered person who delights in promoting, uplifting, inspiring and “difference making motivator” to all those he encounters. He teaches his students to always be forward looking goal achievers. 

William Begazo

William Begazo, born on February 13, 1965, in Queens, NY, joined the U.S. Navy in April of 1985 at the age of 20. Having spent much of his life in New York City, he was sent to Orlando, FL, for boot camp, where he trained for two months. Upon graduation, he traveled to Meridian, MS, for Yeoman "A" School. After completing his training, he took some time to visit family before being assigned to San Diego, CA, for onboard training, which included emergency fire drills and other necessary shipboard training.

Following his training, Begazo was sent to Long Beach, CA, where he participated in the recommissioning of the USS Missouri (BB-63), a significant event in naval history. After the ship's recommissioning, Begazo and the crew were initially expected to establish the ship's homeport in San Francisco. However, the homeport was never set up, and the crew remained stationed in Long Beach.

In 1986, the USS Missouri embarked on a world tour, known as the 1986 shakedown cruise, which began in San Francisco on May 10, 1986, and concluded in Long Beach on December 19, 1986. This tour marked the first time a battleship had circumnavigated the globe since 1907–1909, a significant milestone in naval history. After the tour, the Missouri participated in the 1991 Persian Gulf War before being decommissioned for the final time in March 1992.

Begazo remained aboard the Missouri until August 1987, when he was discharged from the Navy. He is deeply grateful for the experiences he gained during his service and is particularly appreciative of the assistance he has received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over the past five years. The VA provided vital support, including housing assistance through HUD, which was instrumental during a challenging time in his life. To this day, William Begazo continues to carry a strong sense of pride in his service and remains a proud American.

Terrell Washington

Terrell Washington is from Jersey City New Jersey. He is a combat veteran of the United States Army and part of the 82nd airborne. Served in Kuwait and Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Served from 2003-2006. He serves veterans now working with Jersey City Veteran Affairs, is on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization called Backpacks For Life in which he serves veterans that are homeless, at risk of being homeless, those facing substance abuse and much more. He also owns a business named Vetworking which organizes networking events connecting veterans with jobs, business and resources. He continues to be a vital bridge for veterans and civilians in his community.