Gary A. Edwards served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1971 as a First Team infantryman with the historic 1st Cavalry Division. After attending basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey for 8 weeks, Mr. Edwards attended 8 weeks of Advanced Individual training at Fort Knox, Kentucky along with an additional week of specialized combat training.
After training, Mr. Edwards served one yearlong tour in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division in 1970. After his tour, Mr. Edwards completed his service with the U.S. Army and left as a Specialist 4. He earned many ribbons and medals throughout his service, including 2 South Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, the first with a gallantry cross unit citation and the second with a gold star, Army Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his service, Mr. Edwards returned to North Arlington, New Jersey and married his sweetheart, Linda Edwards. In 1999, Gary enrolled at Rutgers University – Newark and in 2005 obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. After Rutgers, he found a position as a veterans representative with the New Jersey Department of Labor.
As an employee with the New Jersey Department of Labor Veterans’ Program, Mr. Edwards dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans gain a competitive edge in the labor market. He advocated on behalf of his fellow veterans with business, industry, and community organizations to promote employment and training opportunities for those transitioning back to civilian life. He also assisted with job matching and job placement, conducted employer outreach, informed Federal contractors of the process to hire qualified veterans, and promoted credential and licensing opportunities.
While now retired, Mr. Edwards continues to serve the veterans community through outreach and volunteer programs. He still resides 48 years later in North Arlington along with his wife Linda. They have two sons, who have gone on to serve the community. Nick Edwards is an Elementary School Principal and Gary Edwards is a Police Lieutenant with the North Arlington Police Department. They are also the proud in-laws to Susanne and Michelle, and grandparents to Harper Rose.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Edwards!
Nominate a Veteran for #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheWeek
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you?
The #BergenCountyVeteranOfTheWeek social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Bergen County Division of Veteran Services
The Division of Veterans Services was established in 1977 to provide resident veterans and their dependents with information and assistance in obtaining earned entitlements from federal, state, and local governments, as well as any that are available from the private sector.
Through a quarterly newsletter and direct client contact, the division provides Bergen’s veterans organizations and their auxiliaries and individual residents with up-to-date benefit information.
