RCSJ's Gloucester Campus hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration, honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and courage of America’s veterans. Pictured (L-R): Dr. Brenden Rickards, RCSJ interim president, Ammar A., RCSJ’s Gloucester Campus student veteran of the year, John Ryder, RCSJ director of Student Affairs & Military Services, Danielle Crawford, RCSJ compliance manager of Student Affairs & Military Services.​​

Rowan College of South Jersey's (RCSJ) Gloucester Campus hosted its Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Physical Education Center. Organized by the RCSJ Student Veterans Chapter of America, this annual event honored the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of America's veterans. 

Gloucester County Commissioner director, Frank DiMarco, opened the ceremony: “I am honored to be here today. I would like to thank the host of Rowan College of South Jersey and all the dignitaries in the room for making this event possible. Today, we honor all our veterans who unselfishly placed their lives on the line for our freedom." 

Attendees at the ceremony included RCSJ students, staff and faculty, community members, and local veterans from All American Assisted Living. The event featured a posting of the colors, a performance of the national anthem by Brigett P., an RCSJ student, and a playing of taps by Thomas Moore of The Happy Piper. 

“On behalf of the College, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to every one of our veterans," said Dr. Brenden Rickards, interim president of RCSJ. “Today is a day to reflect on the sacrifices you have made in service to our country. While gratitude is something we should express every day, it is especially meaningful today as we honor each and every one of you. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, RCSJ, and Gloucester County—thank you." 

John Ryder, RCSJ's director of student affairs & military services and U.S. Coast Guard Desert Storm veteran, shared opening remarks: “Today, we recognize and reflect on the sacrifices that were made for our freedoms as well as the honor, the dedication, the resilience, the courage, and the perseverance of our veterans. It is a reminder that freedom and peace come with a price." 

Tom Bianco, Gloucester County commissioner and liaison to the Gloucester County Veterans Affairs office, shared appreciation to all service members: “On behalf of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the Veterans here and the families that stand beside them. Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It gives us a chance to pause and truly reflect." 

Bianco continued, “Freedom is safeguarded by those willing to serve something greater than themselves. What began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, has grown into a day to honor all our veterans across generations, across branches, and across the world."

​Frank Piccioni, executive director of RCSJ Collegiate High School and U.S. Navy veteran, was the guest speaker for this year's ceremony. Piccioni recalled stories of his time in the military and the challenges he and his comrades faced. 

“I was stationed at Lakehurst here in New Jersey," recounted Piccioni, “I was on duty, and a call came in – a blimp had blown up on base... My team was called, and we responded, quickly arriving at the site.

​“It was a mess. One person was trapped, and we could not get to him. We could not save him. My team members took that news extremely hard. We had been taught not to leave anybody behind. It still haunts me to this day." 

Piccioni then addressed the crowd, sharing how important services are to veterans once they return to civilian life: “I tell you these stories because things change and evolve. Back in the 80s and even before my time, you didn't hear about them. You didn't hear how to get help. 

“I am proud to work for a college that has such a great military office. They help our veterans get an education and the services they need. Today, there are organizations that help our wounded warriors and help our homeless get off the streets... our veterans deserve that." 

RCSJ's Office of Military Services continues to ensure veterans have access to the benefits and support they need to succeed, both academically and personally. This year, RCSJ earned the designation of being a 2025-2026 Military Friendly School and a 2025-2026 Military Friendly Spouse School. 

“Our military services office on campus celebrates Veterans Day every day because we understand the sacrifices our students have been through and are still going through," added Ryder. 

Following the closing remarks from the ceremony, RCSJ's Gloucester Campus Student Veteran of the Year, Ammar A., was awarded by Gloucester County and RCSJ leadership. Ammar, a computer science major, currently serves in the National Guard. 

Ryder then expressed his appreciation for the support the campus continues to receive: “I want to thank everyone for supporting our veterans here on campus. I appreciate the support from Dr. Rickards and the Board of Trustees." 

For more information about RCSJ's military services, visit RCSJ.edu/Veterans-site or contact Danielle Crawford at [email protected].​