Over 150 friends, family, neighbors and well-wishers gathered in Freedom Park Saturday afternoon, March 21, to welcome home Chief Warrant Officer Gerry Brinkmann, USMCR from an eight-month tour in Iraq as a Platoon Commander with the Third Battalion, Fourteenth Marines.
      The invocation was offered by Reverend Jack Koslowsky, Medford Police Chaplain. Proclamations were read by Freeholder Dawn Addiego, Medford Councilman Walter Urban and Patrolman Rusty Williams. County Clerk Phil Haines presented the Burlington County Military Services Medal.       The Seneca High School Band provided patriotic music. Veterans groups, an honor guard from the Professional Firefighters Association and representatives of Medford Police, firefighters and EMS organizations joined in the welcome.
      Chief Warrant Officer Brinkman was completely surprised by the outpouring of support from his Medford neighbors. "Your support made my job over there easy," Brinkmann said.
      The celebration was coordinated by his friend and fellow Warrant Officer, Medford Firefighter Kevin Ellicott, also an Iraqi Freedom veteran.