NORTH BRUNSWICK – Two streets in North Brunswick have been named after recent veterans.
A sign for Paccillo Way is now at the intersection of Allgair Avenue and Center Street, while a sign for Ailey Way is now at the intersection of Renaissance Boulevard and Lisa Place.
Melanie Paccillo was born on May 23, 1985, in North Brunswick. She attended Norfolk State University on a Navy ROTC Scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a commission as an ensign. She attended Primary and Intermediate Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, and was selected as a naval flight officer, according to a proclamation read in her honor during the street naming ceremony on Oct. 1.
She went on to achieve Combat Information Center officer in the airframe and serve as Squadron Legal officer, Avionics Division officer, and Squadron Personnel officer.
In the 2011 Western Pacific conflict on the USS Ronald Reagan, her squadron provided air control during Operation New Dawn in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq, during a mechanical malfunction that forced an emergency landing. The crew also participated in humanitarian assistance relief, Operation Tomodachi, where they delivered lifesaving supplies to more 33,500 citizens. It was that mission that Melanie was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal. She controlled dozens of helicopters, located survivors, received lists of needs and coordinated delivery.
She was honorably discharged in July 2014.
Paccillo received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal and many other ribbons and medals for her service.
She then began serving with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Cabrini Sisters) and the Cabrini Mission Corps volunteer program as the primary anti-human trafficking coordinator in New York City. She helped survivors by assisting them with job interviews, financial security and independence. She currently works with the Sisters focusing on working together and fundraising for Cabrini missions in Guatemala, Mexico and Nicaragua. She addresses the needs of the people with poor access to education and living in poverty. She is directly involved with fundraising for Dispensario Madre Cabrini, a clinic that provides services to the survivors of Volcan Fuego’s recent eruption.
She is the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Paccillo and has one sister, Tara.
Adrian Ailey was born on June 5, 1985, in the Bronx, New York to Morris and Lorna Ailey.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army from September 2004 to January 2009. During his time of service he was deployed for 15 months to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mission was to guarantee the welfare and overall security for thousands of troops and civilian personnel on the base Quick Reaction Force for Camp Speicher. He would also coordinated non-mission related activities to raise morale and reduce stress for his fellow combat personnel, according to his proclamation.
He was awarded several medals which included the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service (two awards), Drivers and Mechanic Badge, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge. He was honorably discharged from the Army in January 2009.
Ailey graduated from Ramapo College after returning from service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Community Health. He worked as a probation officer with the New Jersey Judiciary in Middlesex Family Court from September 2014 to August 2017. He is currently a North Brunswick police officer.
Ailey is married to Rebecca Lynn.