Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some men, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give men a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Hutchinson, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Hutchinson, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Hutchinson, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
Immediately after Kimberly Hutchinson was appointed by the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education as the Jefferson School Principal on July 28, she impressed the community by reaching out to parents and families in a thoughtful letter.In that letter, Hutchinson described her passion for “[i]nteracting with students, observing their learning process and witnessing their growth.” She also said she was impressed with the “rigor and integrity of the South Orange/Maplewood candidate selection process. I felt it was a s...
Immediately after Kimberly Hutchinson was appointed by the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education as the Jefferson School Principal on July 28, she impressed the community by reaching out to parents and families in a thoughtful letter.
In that letter, Hutchinson described her passion for “[i]nteracting with students, observing their learning process and witnessing their growth.” She also said she was impressed with the “rigor and integrity of the South Orange/Maplewood candidate selection process. I felt it was a strong reflection of the priority that this community places on the education of its children.”
Hutchinson said that part of what attracted her to the job was the “strong partnership” between the school and the PTA. “I feel lucky to be entering a school community that has such a strong and supportive parent base.”
Another welcoming statement: Hutchinson was concerned that the transition from outgoing principal Susan Grierson to her leadership be “as seamless as possible” and that parents and students experience “familiarity and comfort during this time.”
What the apparently self-effacing Hutchinson didn’t tell the community was little bit more about herself.
Hutchinson earned her B.A. in Sociology and Elementary Education at Fordham University in 2001. She has two masters degrees from Teachers College of Columbia University — one in arts (2003) and one in education (2009).
While she got her start at PS 165 in New York City, teaching for two years from 2001 to 2003, she spent the next 11 years in the Newark Public School system. Hutchinson started as a special education teacher at the Abington Avenue School (2003-05) and then became Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant for Newark Public School until 2012 when she took on the job as Vice Principal of McKinley Elementary in Newark.
Hutchinson also has been working as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University (she lives in Montclair) where she has been teaching graduate students in the Montclair Newark Urban Teacher Residency Program — “an innovative apprenticeship-based program of study for individuals with a deep commitment to urban teaching.”
Hutchinson is an Emerging Leader in the New Leaders for New Schools professional development program and has numerous certifications (New Jersey Supervisor Standard Certificate , New Jersey Principal Certificate of Eligibility, New Jersey Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Certificate, New Jersey Elementary School Teacher Standard Certificate, New Jersey Teacher of the Handicap Standard Certificate, New York State Permanent Special Education Certification, New York State Permanent Elementary Certification-Pre K-6).
Hutchinson clearly sounds ready to make the leap to leadership in Maplewood and South Orange. In her letter, she wrote, “It is evident that students are enthusiastic learners from the photographs that I have seen, the samples of their work and the accounts from their teachers and administrators. I am anxious to see all of learning that will unfold over the course of this school year. I feel so fortunate to step into a position with such great students, quality educators and a supportive community.”
Board President Ron Conti, Vice President Joe Faranetta, and Superintendent Jenn Fano stand with new Athletic Director David HutchinsonRANDOLPH, NJ - The board of education voted unanimously to accept David Hutchinson for the Athletic Director position at Randolph High School at Tuesday’s meeting. Hutchinson, a Parsippany resident, has served as the Athletic Director at North Arlington High School for six years.The Randolph administrators received 36 applications for the position and made the decision aft...
Board President Ron Conti, Vice President Joe Faranetta, and Superintendent Jenn Fano stand with new Athletic Director David Hutchinson
RANDOLPH, NJ - The board of education voted unanimously to accept David Hutchinson for the Athletic Director position at Randolph High School at Tuesday’s meeting. Hutchinson, a Parsippany resident, has served as the Athletic Director at North Arlington High School for six years.
The Randolph administrators received 36 applications for the position and made the decision after several rounds of interviews. After speaking with Hutchinson, the administrators agreed he was the best candidate for the position
“He brings many years of experience as an athletic director, including being named the NJIC Meadowlands Athletic Director of the Year,” said Jonathan Olsen, Director of Secondary Education. “Athletics play an important role in the lives of many students at Randolph and we look forward to Mr. Hutchinson leading this department.”
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Hutchinson recently received the New Jersey Interscholastic Conference Meadowlands Athletic Director of the Year award.
“I’m honored to be part of a school district that strives for excellence, and I plan to continue that tradition as a leader of the athletic department,” said Hutchinson. “I am passionate about education and athletics and believe in the positive impact that comes from being a student-athlete.”
He also looks forward to working in Morris County. “I’m a Morris County resident in a neighboring town, and it was really a hope and dream to get back to Morris County.”
Depending on Hutchinson’s contract with North Arlington, he may need to work an additional 60 days and join Randolph at the end of October. Administrators commented they hope he will join them earlier but are planning on a start date of October 22.
Board Vice-President Joe Faranetta commented he was impressed by Hutchinson’s experience, not only as a leader and supervisor but also in “getting his hands dirty” with organizing buses and other necessary tasks. The board members agreed that he “solved for a lot of gaps we needed solved.”
The goal for the board was to stabilize the position and the department with a candidate who came to the role with prior experience as an Athletic Director. Not only does Hutchinson have that experience, he also worked as a Special Education teacher for 10 years.
The board is not involved in the actual hiring process and does not sit in for interviews. The “100 percent consensus” from administrators gave them a safe feeling to vote in favor of Hutchinson’s appointment.
This year, the administration also chose to split the Athletic Director/ Supervisor of Physical Education position into two roles to better address the needs of the athletes, coaches and the teams.
“We are confident that Mr. Hutchinson will be an excellent addition to our district, bringing clear leadership and renewed vision to our athletics programs,” said Superintendent Jenn Fano. “Student success, inspiring and empowering all students in Randolph Schools to reach their full potential, will always be our overarching goal.”
The Trent House Association will present a talk by Ridgeley Hutchinson on his documentary on slavery in New Jersey, which was recently produced by Truehart Productions and New Jersey’s Public Broadcasting System.This free program will be held on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022, at 6:30 pm via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/THTalkJuly19. A pay-as-you-wish donation can be made through PayPal at ...
The Trent House Association will present a talk by Ridgeley Hutchinson on his documentary on slavery in New Jersey, which was recently produced by Truehart Productions and New Jersey’s Public Broadcasting System.
This free program will be held on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022, at 6:30 pm via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/THTalkJuly19. A pay-as-you-wish donation can be made through PayPal at https://williamtrenthouse.org/donation.html.
Part 1 of the documentary “The Price of Silence, The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People,” aired on New Jersey PBS in June, introducing the history of slavery in New Jersey beginning in the 1600s. Part 2 is expected to be aired in late August. Part 2 will tell the heart wrenching story of the Van Wickle slave ring that took in place in New Jersey in 1818 after the Gradual Abolition Act of 1804 and then move on to how the lingering effects of slavery are still being felt by the African American community today. Ridgeley Hutchinson, the documentary’s producer, will describe the story behind the production with illustrations from Part 1 of the film.
Ridgeley Hutchinson is President and CFO of Truehart Productions, a nonprofit corporation formed in 2019 to produce a documentary revealing the prevalence of slavery in New Jersey since colonial times and its lasting effects throughout the state during the 20th century. Mr. Hutchinson was formerly the Executive Director of the Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training and Education Fund. He now serves on the Community Advisory board of NJ PBS and is Vice-Chairman of the board of NJ’s Educational Facilities Authority, a position he has held for 12 years.
The William Trent House Museum is a National Historic Landmark in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area and on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The Museum is dedicated to sharing the authentic history of the house, property, and people with our communities, connecting the past with today and tomorrow. Owned by the City of Trenton, it is operated by the Trent House Association, which is supported by the generosity of its members and donors; by grants from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission with funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission; and by contributions from NJM Insurance Group and Orion General Contractors. For more information, visit https://williamtrenthouse.org.
Wilmington, Del., September 28 – Horizon Group Holdings announced the addition of Hutchinson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Energy Services of Cherry Hill, N.J. to its family of brands.George Hutchinson Sr. founded his family business in 1948 with a "Never Say No" mentality and commitments to better service, greater value, and accessibility. Today, the company enjoys a reputation as one of the most preeminent HVAC, plumbing, and energy service brands on the East Coast."This is an incredible moment f...
Wilmington, Del., September 28 – Horizon Group Holdings announced the addition of Hutchinson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Energy Services of Cherry Hill, N.J. to its family of brands.
George Hutchinson Sr. founded his family business in 1948 with a "Never Say No" mentality and commitments to better service, greater value, and accessibility. Today, the company enjoys a reputation as one of the most preeminent HVAC, plumbing, and energy service brands on the East Coast.
"This is an incredible moment for both brands," said Charlie Haines, CEO of Horizon Group Holdings. "We share an enormous amount of mutual respect, as well as a philosophy of care for our employees and our customers. I'm always excited about the opportunities that are created for our employees with such a partnership." Fred Hutchinson, president of Hutchinson, added, "We had many options when we were considering the sale of the business, but Horizon was the one we were most excited about partnering with because we believe in their commitment to customers and employees alike."
"In addition to residential services, Hutchinson also operates a strong commercial division," said Haines. "We look forward to exploring opportunities to integrate their knowledge and experience into our business model."
Sources report the acquisition will provide homeowners and businesses with expanded, industry-leading services and financing, plus access to new comfort technologies, including indoor air quality solutions.
The announcement will expand opportunities for employees of both companies, sources report, as access to new resources, locations, and experience will provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. "With over seventy years of customer expertise, and four generations of family care, the Hutchinson brand is as iconic as it is successful," said Haines.
Founded in 1987, Horizon Group Holdings is one of the largest and most referred home services companies in the US, specializing in heating, air conditioning, plumbing, drain cleaning, and electrical repair. Horizon is based in Wilmington, Del., and maintains brands along the East Coast, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida.
Horizon currently operates thirteen locations between Connecticut and Florida and employs more than 1,500 team members.
Horizon’s previous acquisitions include: HARP, Harford, Ct.; Casteel Heating and Cooling, Atlanta, Ga.; ServiceMark, King of Prussia, Pa.; Snell Heating & Air Conditioning, Sterling, Va.; Bill Fenwick Plumbing, Jacksonville, Fla.; WM Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Broomall, Pa.; and Shanahan’s Heating & Cooling, Springfield, Va.
The Fourth of July weekend started off with a bang for seven Bergen County veterans, who received medals honoring their Vietnam-era service in ceremonies at the Ridgewood Library on Friday.Rep. Josh Gottheimer presided at ceremonies with Bergen County Commissioners Ramon Hache, Mary Amoroso, Germaine Ortiz and Tom Sullivan. Shaun Hutchinson, director of the county's Department of Human Services Division of Veterans Services, also attended, with Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen.Six of the veterans received Vietnam ve...
The Fourth of July weekend started off with a bang for seven Bergen County veterans, who received medals honoring their Vietnam-era service in ceremonies at the Ridgewood Library on Friday.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer presided at ceremonies with Bergen County Commissioners Ramon Hache, Mary Amoroso, Germaine Ortiz and Tom Sullivan. Shaun Hutchinson, director of the county's Department of Human Services Division of Veterans Services, also attended, with Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen.
Six of the veterans received Vietnam veteran lapel pins created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war. The family of the seventh veteran, Donald Myles, now deceased, received replacements for eight medals earned during service but misplaced. All veterans received flags flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
"The seven veterans we are recognizing today exemplify our nation's best, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their service and sacrifice, " Gottheimer said. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your patriotism, your selflessness, for putting your lives on the line to defend our freedom, our families and the greatest democracy the world has even known."
Three veterans attended in person: Raymond Litwitz and Gerald Bucci of Ridgewood, and Joseph Burns of Ho-Ho-Kus. Awards for absent veterans were received by family members or Ridgewood American Legion Commander Bob Paoli on their behalf.
The veterans gathered to chat briefly before the ceremony, confirming their pride in their service but acknowledging the war's unpopularity, and the risk of traveling at that time in uniform.
"We were advised to travel in our civvies [civilian clothes] because those traveling in uniform were getting harassed," Litwitz said. "Of course, we could also be identified by our short military haircuts. Everyone else had longer hair then."
Litwitz remembers that when his large military contingent took a commercial airline to come home, they boarded the plane to "complete silence" from the civilian passengers.
"But as the plane left the ground, we all cheered," Litwitz said.
Bucci recalls two months at sea on a troop ship to reach Vietnam.
"Coming home we were told to keep our mouths shut," Bucci said.
Paoli served in Germany, so his ship travel wasn't as long, but it was still intimidating, as it was his first trip away from his block in New York City. Coming home on the troop ship, there was "a lot more revelry," he said.
"There were a bunch of guys from Brooklyn, and this one guy had one of those portable Victrolas and a lot of Louis Prima records," Paoli said, "Good thing I liked Louis Prima."
Those honored included:
Retired Lance Cpl. Raymond Litwitz: Born in Passaic, grew up in Fair Lawn, later moved to Ridgewood. Enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. He served in Vietnam for 12 months and 27 days between 1968 and 1969.
Retired Pfc. Joseph Burns: Born in Cleveland, moved to Teaneck in 1944, Dumont in 1949, graduated from Dumont High School. Served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, from 1959 to 1961.
Retired Army Cmdr. Jerald J. Maksymowicz: Born in Jersey City, grandson of Ukrainian immigrants, graduated from Ridgewood High School. He was drafted 1964-65. Trained as a dental technician, then Officer Candidate School. Served in Germany for a year, then Vietnam for three years with the 86th Chemical Detachment. Served 12 years with the U.S. Army. He later earned degrees in math and science from St. Peter's University.
Retired Capt. Gerald Bucci: Born in Rhode Island, moved to Passaic and Paterson before settling in Ridgewood. Graduated from Brown University before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He served in Vietnam from April 1966 to August 1967 as company commander for the HQ Company in the 9th Engineering Battalion. After finishing service in 1968, he went to graduate school at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Retired Army Capt. Wayne Lemme: Born in Elizabeth, he grew up in Yonkers. He received his private flying license from the Civil Air Patrol at age 19. While studying at New York University, he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant upon graduation. He trained as a helicopter pilot and served with the 101st Airborne Division in 1970. After his tour ended in 1971, he joined the Reserves.
Retired Spc. 4th Class Jack Marcasciano: Born and raised in the Bronx. Drafted in 1966, trained with the 208th Signal Company, served in Vietnam in 1968 as a communications center specialist. He was discharged in 1968 and returned to the Bronx. He lived with his first wife, Mary, in Lodi and Waldwick. He and his second wife, Bernadette, live in Ridgewood.
Retired Spc. 5 Donald Gordon Myles: Born in Canada, moved to Hackensack in the 1960s, then moved to Paramus and Oakland, where he graduated from Indian Hills High School in 1967. He was drafted shortly afterward and served in Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. Died in 2015. He was posthumously awarded eight medals received during service and lost.
