Gary R. Englert

Gary R. Englert is a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran who served with the US Army. He went on to a career in business and government service. He is known for his work with veteran's advocacy.
Military
Englert holds multiple awards of the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. As the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the Aviation Safety Section, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, he had responsibility for the rescue and recovery of accident and combat damaged aircraft and crews and the compilation of relevant technical reports regarding same. Notably, he participated in Operation Lam Son 719; the incursion into Laos in the spring of 1971 that served to be the last major American military initiative during the war in Vietnam. On March 30, 2010, the 14th Combat Aviation Battalion was belatedy awarded the Army's Valorous Unit Award for its heroism during this operation. The award was presented in a ceremony at the US Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker, AL, on May 20, 2011, more than 40 years after the actions being cited occurred. (Published Army Flier, Fort Rucker, AL, May 26, 2011)
Career after military
Following a twenty-five year career as an owner-operator and senior executive in the car rental industry, Englert entered government service in 1999, as the Superintendent of Public Property for the Township of West Orange, New Jersey. (Published West Orange Chronicle and The Star Ledger, various dates from 1998 through March 2005) Prior to this appointment, he was a local political and social activist. (Published West Orange Chronicle and The Star Ledger, various dates in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999)
Veteran's advocate
At the same time, he was becoming a well-recognized Veterans advocate through initiatives in his hometown and as Vice Commander of VFW Post 376. (Published West Orange Chronicle, March 2005) Through his efforts, 330 West Orange combat veterans have been awarded the NJ Distinguished Service Medal through May 30, 2011, the largest such group in any New Jersey municipality. Governor Richard J. Codey appointed Englert to the position of Director of Veterans Services of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA), on March 21, 2005. Within a year, the Division of Veterans Programs was absorbed into the Division of Veteran Services and Englert was given responsibility for the combined operation.
In this capacity, Englert oversaw maintenance and construction of the state's three war memorials New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the New Jersey Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial in Trenton, operations at the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery (the busiest state veteran cemetery in the nation), all state Veteran Service Offices, the State Approving Agency (certifying educational institutions/training programs for GI Bill tuition students), the State Veteran Benefits Bureau, and the Transitional Housing Program for Homeless Veterans (Veterans Haven in Winslow, NJ). He served as Director until March 11, 2010; the longest tenure for anyone holding the position until that time.
In January 2010, he was nominated to be "New Jersey Hero" by his peers. He continues to serve as Chairman of the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs for the Township of West Orange, NJ. He also continues a long involvement with the West Orange Public Schools; administering two scholarships presented annually to graduating seniors and by serving on the planning team of the Accreditation for Growth Committee that oversees and monitors the school's ongoing accreditation with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Personal life
A licensed pilot of high performance aircraft, he is the divorced father of two adult daughters, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), the Americal Division Veterans Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

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