Bloomfield VFW Post Honored For Veterans Day 2024

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The VFW Miles A. Suarez Post 711 of Bloomfield was recently honored at the Essex County Board of County Commissioners' annual Veterans Observance and Celebration for 2024.

This event is held each year to recognize military veterans everywhere for their sacrifices and service in defense of our nation, and to honor veterans from Essex County and their contributions to the community.

This year, the board recognized:

Kerry J. Coley (City of Orange councilman and Army veteran)

Idell Robinson (Newark police, Marines veteran)

VFW Miles A. Suarez Post 711 of Bloomfield, represented by Commander Allen Garth (Army veteran)

A color guard presentation was conducted by the Irvington High School JROTC, musical entertainment was provided by Brandi Chavonne Massey, and opening and closing prayers were offered by Bishop Charles Mitchell Sr., senior pastor at Redirect Ministries in Roselle. Certificates were provided for the honorees by the offices of U.S. Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).

"Tonight, we honor all who gave some, and some who gave all, so that our communities can thrive and live freely," Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said.

"Our nation's accomplishments are built on the backs of millions of ordinary Americans who made extraordinary sacrifices," Pomares said. "To our honorees, and to all veterans in Essex County and across the country, we thank you for your service and your work, both as servicemembers and today as civilians."

The following background information comes courtesy of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners:

BLOOMFIELD POST – VFW Miles A. Suarez Post 711, presented by Commissioner President Carlos Pomares, was chartered on April 8, 1921, and was named after Miles A. Suarez, the first Bloomfield resident to be Killed In Action in World War I in 1918. It has a long and distinguished history. In 1952, its home post was built at 369 Broughton Avenue. In 1989, John Mooney became the first Bloomfield post member to be elected VFW New Jersey State Commander. In 2021, Post 711 commemorated several important milestones. It celebrated a century of service to veterans and the Bloomfield community. Boy Scout Troop 23 became chartered at Post 711. Last but far from least, Mikie Sherrill took office in the U.S. House of Representatives as the first post member to serve in Congress. Members of Post 711 have represented the County of Essex (District 4 - Allen Garth - Past Commander) and State of New Jersey (Joseph Ellmer - State Poppy Chairman) as officers in the wider state and national VFW. The Post has sponsored little league baseball, bowling and basketball teams in Essex County. During COVID-19, they offered space for Boy & Girl Scouts, and continued to support family events such as repasses, baby showers, birthdays, and baptisms. Post 711 administers an annual award to an outstanding Bloomfield High School student. It also sponsors VFW Patriots Pen & Voice of Democracy essays, and Scout of the Year awards. Post 711's current officers include Commander Allen Garth (Army), Senior Vice Commander Joseph Ellmer (Army), Junior Vice Commander William Gaona (Army), Quartermaster Carl Mercado (Navy), Chaplain Tiffany Etheredge (Army), Judge Advocate John Sanders (Air Force), Adjutant Allen Barnes (Army), 1st Year Trustee Sim Pradhan (Army), 2nd Year Trustee Derek Hernandez (Army), and 3rd Year Trustee Mike Fletcher (Air Force).

ORANGE COUNCILMAN – The Honorable Kerry J. Coley, presented by Commissioner Vice President Tyshammie L. Cooper, is the representative of the East Ward on the City of Orange Township Council. After graduating high school, the Councilman joined the United States Army where he served four years with the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his honorable military service, he joined the Orange Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and retired in June 2014. Councilman Coley has held the position of Commissioner with the Orange Housing Authority for over 10 years, and is the current Vice Chairman of the Trustee Board at his church Bethel Baptist Church in Orange. Since becoming a Councilman, he has achieved great things for the residents of the City of Orange, including repairing and reopening the Colgate Park Pool, demolishing abandoned East Ward properties, and establishing the Councilman Coley Summer Camp initiative. He has also made numerous maintenance improvements to the City of Orange, as well as assisted the organization "HANDS" with a $750,000 grant application for the Heart of Orange Project.

– Idell Robinson, presented by Commissioner A'Dorian Murray-Thomas, a father and lifelong resident of Newark, has dedicated his life to service, community, and mentorship. A graduate of Weequahic High School, Idell's path, like that of many young adults, was not always clear. After working various jobs, he made the pivotal decision in June 1996 to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. By September of that year, he had earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, marking his official entry into the Marine Corps and beginning a transformative journey. During basic training, Idell developed skills that would guide his personal and professional life. In 1997, he began his career with the Newark Police Division (NPD) as a civilian doing crime analyst in the 3rd Precinct. Following the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, Idell's Marine Corps unit was activated to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He completed his active duty service in early 2004, an important experience that allowed him to serve alongside a group of dedicated individuals with whom he maintains strong bonds. In April 2005, Idell made yet another life changing decision by becoming a sworn law enforcement officer with the NPD, and now serves as a sergeant in the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Over the years, he has been privileged to contribute to the development of future law enforcement officers as a certified police academy instructor, allowing him to share his passion for service and mentorship. Idell also took on the challenge of completing his college education and becoming a first-generation college graduate. He earned a BA in public administration with a minor in emergency management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, reflecting his belief in continuous learning and perseverance. In December 2019, Idell was elected president of the Newark Bronze Shields (NBS), a respected historically African American police organization founded in 1959. Under his leadership, the organization has continued its mission of fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. NBS continues to advocate for the fair treatment of officers, recruitment and retention of African American Officers, supporting initiatives such as youth mentorship, literacy programs, and scholarships for college-bound students, and much more. As president of NBS, he guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and remaining a staple in the community. Currently, with the help of his amazing team, he is leading the expansion and development of the NBS future headquarters. This project will provide a lasting resource for the organization and the Newark community. Idell remains committed to his vast roles, drawing from his experiences to uplift others and serve the city that shaped him.

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