The Hammonton Gazette 06/01/16 Edition | Page 4

Congressman LoBiondo, SMSgt. Jordan speak at Memorial Day Wednesday, June 1, 2016 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3 VETERANS, from Page 2 one know the meaning of ultimate sacrifice. in fact, their sacrifice is in part your sacrifice. You supported them and the great honor they have earned belongs, in part, to you. Know that you have our full support and that our prayers are with you,” Bertino said. the event’s guest speaker was Senior Master Sergeant Lavar Jor- dan of the united States air force (uSaf) Reserve. Jordan enlisted in 1990 as an aerospace propulsion specialist and worked his way up to a full-time uSaf Reservist and air reserve technician whose function ranged from flight instructor examiner to unit deployment manager. in his 26-year career, he served in various campaigns and was honored with multiple awards. Jordan recalled the oath he made upon first enlisting and reflected on its growing importance during the course of his career. “On february 14, 1990, i took an oath, an oath at that time, that was just made up of words. it didn’t really have as much meaning then as it does today. as my military career continued, i’ve come to understand how important and powerful those words are today … it sounds something like this ‘i, Lavar Jordan, do solemnly swear or affirm that i will support and defend the constitution of the united States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Jordan said. He noted that as his training continued he learned the six articles of the military code of conduct, the first of which he highlighted in his speech. “We’re going to look at one of those articles, article number one: i am an american fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. i am prepared to give my life in their defense,” Jordan said. in keeping with the importance of the oath service members make, Jordan noted the responsibility that comes with those words and the ultimate price of upholding it. “all military personnel are responsible for their words, and this day, we recognize the fallen members who did just that. they took DiMeglio Septic, Est. 1975 ~ DEP 03261 ~ Paul DiMeglio Inc. 1 (800) 427-4617 ~ 561-1007 ~ 561-3597 491 S. White Horse Pike • Ancora, NJ • Grease Trap Cleaning • Portable Toilets • Septic Certifications • Jetting Service 121 S. White Horse Pike Across from McDonald’s Hammonton • 561-6222 CUSTOM ENGAGEMENT RINGS & WEDDING BANDS REPAIRS COMPLETED ON PREMISES responsibility of those words and upheld