Col. John Wildermann’s Army Reserve service began in 2003. He spoke at Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington Township on May 30.
Army Reserve Col. John V. Wildermann delivered the keynote address at Burlington County’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Held at Veterans Memorial Park in Burlington Township, the ceremony takes place on May 30 every year in recognition of the holiday’s origin in 1868, when Gen. John A. Logan, a leader of northern Civil War vets, first called for a National Day of Remembrance for those who died in defense of the country.
“It’s an honor to be here to talk to you about a topic near and dear to my heart: our servicemen and women, who have paid the ultimate price in the defense of our nation,” said Wildermann, Congressional legislative liaison for the 99th Readiness Division at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Wildermann enlisted in the Army in 1998 and completed basic combat training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He graduated from the Army Officer Candidate School in 1999 and would go on to serve as a platoon leader with the 51st Signal Battalion and as Battalion Signal Officer with the 24d Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment. He left active duty in 2002.
“Memorial Day is a day of national recognition to honor the military men and women who have died in service to the United States during peace time and in war,” Wildermann noted. “On Memorial Day, we reflect on our rich history and legacy of service, sacrifice and dedication.
“From the Revolutionary War to present-day missions, our service members have consistently demonstrated their resolve to defend freedom at home and abroad.”
Wildermann’s Army Reserve service began in 2003 and included assignments with the Battle Projection Group, 1st Brigade, 78th Division at Fort Dix and later commander of the Headquarters Detachment of the 1st Brigade, 78th Division. He mobilized in support of the global war on terrorism from 2005 through July 2007 and served as tactical operations center instructor. He earned six medals during his service.
Wildermann eventually served as the deputy defense coordinating officer for FEMA Region 3 in Philadelphia, helping to support the agency’s hurricane and COVID responses and security for special events such as the State of the Union addresses and former President George H.W. Bush’s state funeral.
“The first people to have died in the service of this country were not the disciplined, professional army you know today,” Wildermann explained. “They were farmers, shopkeepers, teachers and blacksmiths. They all came together to fight for the right to govern themselves, and have more control over their financial and social well-being …
“On Memorial Day, as we think about those who first served our country, we remember that they gave their lives and their fortunes for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
County commissioners and other elected officials, veterans and residents gathered at Veterans Memorial Park for the day’s ceremonies.
Wildermann was assigned to the 99th Readiness Division in June 2021 and has served as Congressional Legislative Liaison since June 2023. His division manages more than 500 Army Reserve installations, training areas, facilities, equipment and personnel along the East Coast. The unit also provides support for Army Reserve soldiers, families, employers and communities.
“I thank you for everything you have done to support our service members and our military over the years, and I ask for your continued support of our mission into the future, as you have done so effectively in the past,” Wildermann acknowledged.
“Only with your support can our Armed Forces remain ready to fight and win our nation’s wars.”
The Memorial Day ceremony also featured remarks from Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, who honored a Moorestown hero, the late Army Major John Pryor. He was killed by a mortar round on Christmas Day in 2008 while serving his second tour of duty in the Middle East.
“The Moorestown resident was a trauma surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia,” Eckel noted. “Every day, he went to work there and read the words: “Do some good somewhere,” which were written on a sign that hung on his office wall.
“ … He was a true American hero who gave all, believing his service and sacrifice mattered” she added. “Our responsibility to him and all our fallen heroes we memorialize today is to do our part to make sure their sacrifice is not forgotten, that it continues to matter, and that we all do our part to ensure the nation continues to uphold the principles and freedoms so many have died to protect.”
