Chris Guenther Pete Pezzulo
Linden Local 42
Navy (Iraq 2003) Marlboro Township Local 196
Marine Corps (Gulf War 1990-91)
There’s a sense
of patriotism and
pride and loyalty
involved, but that’s
not at the forefront
of why we do it.
You’re always look-
ing at the guy who
did more than you
did. We’re all very
proud of our ser-
vice, but I’m no dif-
ferent than anyone
else. There are peo-
ple who had it hard-
er, and they deserve
the praise. The flag
is a symbol of the
best we have. What we want to be. The values that we
embody and strive for – that’s what it really is.
The most im-
portant thing we
have in this coun-
try is that we have
people who un-
derstand that in
order to keep us
safe and free, we
have to sacrifice
and put ourselves
out there to do
the right thing.
It’s an honor. It’s
a privilege. It’s a
sacrifice. But it’s
also the ultimate
growth
experi-
ence.
Justin Nielsen Chad Wilson
Verona Local 72
Army (Iraq 2006-7) New Providence Local 132
Army (Iraq 2003-4, 2009-10)
There’s a very
strong sense of
camaraderie as an
infantryman. The
fact that you know
you’re going into
combat contributes
that much more to
bringing everyone
closer together.
There’s a very real
sense of needing to
rely on each other.
You have a very
clear and concise
responsibility to
everyone (when
you’re fighting
overseas) – the people you’re working with, the good
people who live in that country and your personal
sense of pride. I tried to keep the big picture in mind.
That was my saving grace and my sanity. That was
what kept me grounded. As much as people say they
“get it” and understand what’s being sacrificed, I think
we need to see how far we’ve come. A lot of offi-
cers experience
brotherhood.
In the mili-
tary, multiply
that feeling
by 100. In law
enforcement
work, you’re
with people
for eight to 12
hours at a time.
In the military
it’s 24/7. They
truly become
your brothers.
There are guys
from basic training that almost 20 years later we’re
still friends. One of the driving forces of being in the
military is “honor.” It doesn’t matter what assignment
I was given – I felt obligated to accept it and complete
it. I raised my right hand and swore I would do this
job, so I took that to heart and did it to the best of my
ability .
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ NOVEMBER 2017 59