A Camden County veteran was honored in Voorhees on March 29 when the Camden County Freeholder Board met at the Voorhees Town Center for its “your government in your neighborhood” series of town hall meetings.
Before opening the floor to public questions, representatives of the freeholder board, state assembly and Voorhees Township Committee, as well as U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross and more honored retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sarajane (Sally) Stenton for her service to the nation.
Stenton was born in Camden City and graduated from Cherry Hill East High School in 1978. She eventually served as Air Combat Command’s chief in the Operations Law Division, which includes international law and aviation law.
During her service, Stenton was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, where she was the legal advisor for the Afghan Air Force and Afghan National Army Staff Judge Advocates and Criminal Investigation Division investigators at AAF headquarters, Kabul Wing.
Noting that March was Women’s History month, Norcross said Stenton was being presented with a congressional record that records Stenton’s accomplishments as not only a veteran, but as a trailblazer for women.
“Lt. Col. Sarajane (Sally) Stenton is a great American whose dedication to her country, justice and community service is inspiring to her family, friends and the entire state,” Norcross said. “I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and career of this truly exceptional woman.”
Stenton said she was proud to represent women veterans, and said the Air Force and Army have given her the best and worst days of her life.
She recalled the worst day as April 27, 2011, when nine of her fellow advisors and friends were killed in an insider attack in Kabul.
She described the best days as when her mother got to pin her as a second lieutenant, when she became part of the JAG Corps, when she got her first conviction, when she got her first acquittal as defense counsel and when she reached her last rank of lieutenant colonel.
“It’s still giving to me because I’m going to be using my G.I. Bill. I’m going back to school in the summer … I’ve been so privileged,” Stenton said.
Stenton also praised the work of volunteer group Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, which provides care packages to those serving overseas and welcomes returning veterans home in a “rock star” way.
Stenton is one of the group’s many volunteers.
“Another best day is when you’re deployed and you’re downrange and you get a care package that is so heavy that you can barely lift it and it comes from complete strangers,” Stenton said.
After officials paid tribute to Stenton, the floor was opened to questions from members of the public. Members of four different levels of government were on hand to answer questions on topics ranging from Social Security, schools taxes, student loan repayments, the environment and more.
Voorhees Mayor Michael Mignogna noted that government accessibility is important not only on the local level, but on the county, state and the federal levels as well.
“Even in today’s world of social media, it’s important that we meet face to face to talk about issues, talk about information, share information,” Mignogna said.
Freeholder Director Lou Capelli Jr. said the county began the town hall meetings several months ago and described them as having been very well attended.
“All the residents have come out and asked some very good questions,” Capelli said. “They’ve been respectful, and I’m very happy we’re able to do this.”
