NORTH BRUNSWICK – In an effort to recognize the contributions veterans have made to the country and to their local communities, North Brunswick recognized two township veterans with honorary street signs.
Jason Hatez was honored with the renaming of Willow Avenue and Laurel Place as Hatez Way, and Brian Stefan Beckelman was recognized with the renaming of North Oaks Boulevard as Beckelman Way during a special ceremony on March 27.
Hatez was born on March 30, 1971, and is a lifelong resident of North Brunswick. He graduated from North Brunswick Township High School in 1989 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in September of 1989.
He entered into basic training in October of 1989 in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was trained as a M1A1 (Abrams Main Battle Tank) tank crewman. In February 1990, he was assigned to D Company 2 Battalion 66th Armor Regiment 2nd Armored Division Forward in Garlstedt, West Germany, according to a proclamation read during the ceremony.
In December of 1990, he was a part of Operation Desert Shield where he was assigned to 7th Corp. 3rd Brigade of 1st Infantry Division, Saudia Arabia. He then participated in Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, and in February 1991 he took part in the 73 Easting Battle of Norfolk. In March 1991, Desert Storm transitioned to Operation Provide Comfort.
Hatez returned to Europe in June of 1991 and remained assigned to forward operating base, West Germany, until June of 1992, according to the proclamation.
Hatez was honorably discharged in June of 1992. His awards and medals include two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Accommodation Medals, one National Defense Medal, one Southwest Asia Service Ribbon with three stars and one Presidential Unit Citation.
In September 1992, Hatez worked as a dispatcher for the North Brunswick Police Department. In August of 1994, he became a police officer for North Brunswick until his retirement in 2011.
Beckelman was born on Aug. 23, 1985. He was accepted into Officer Candidates School in August of 2007 and began training in the Marine Corp in September of 2007 in Quantico, Virginia. He graduated in November of 2007 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He went on to graduate from The Basic School in 2008 and from Logostics Officers Course in July 2008. He was also awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Beckelman became the platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Truck Company Bravo, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune from 2008-09, according to his proclamation. He served as the platoon’s most senior leader and trained his Marines in preparation for a deployment to Afghanistan.
Second Lt. Beckelman was promoted to first lieutenant in November of 2008.
He was the platoon commander for the Motor Transport Platoon from December 2009 through 2010. He and his platoon attached to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the proclamation. During his time there, the platoon participated in Operation Moshtarak where they overtook the last Taliban stronghold in Helmand Province. They were involved in combat many times and were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and NATO Medal, according to the proclamation.
Beckelman was promoted to company executive officer of Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He led the company in administrative matters, training, manpower, sourcing and logistical support. He executed training evolutions to ensure combat-readiness of the entire company, according to the proclamation.
He received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at the end of his active duty in May 2011.
He was selected to the rank of captain in 2011 and was promoted to captain on inactive duty following his active service.
To nominate a veteran, living or deceased, for an honorary street sign, contact Lou Ann Benson at 732-247-0922, ext. 475 or [email protected].
North Brunswick also has an ongoing paver project at North Brunswick Veterans Park, where a veteran’s name, rank, branch and years of service can be engraved on a brick in front of the monument. For more information, contact Benson as well.