Veteran honored during town hall meeting in Audubon Park

AUDUBON PARK, N.J. (FOX 29) - It was a special night for one veteran who was honored during a town hall meeting in Audubon Park, New Jersey.

"Tonight, we have the honor of Army PFC William Rickenbach. A young man of 87 years," said Congressman Donald Norcross giving a special honor to a special man. Tonight the Freeholder Board honored U.S. Army and National Guard Veteran Private First Class William Rickenbach for his service.

"You took the extra effort and put on the uniform to defend our nation when she needed it so on behalf of a grateful nation we say thank you," said Congressman Norcross as the audience applauded. Rickenbach was honored during an Audubon Park town hall meeting. Officials say he joined the National Guard in 1950 and during his military career received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the OCC Medal Germany. He was visibly stunned.

"Never. I never dreamed of this," he said. Surrounded by family officials presented him with a flag and other commendations.

"I'm stunned. I'm stunned. I thought we were just coming up here to talk about benefits for the veterans," said Rickenbach. Joanne Rickenbach is proud of her husband of 58 years. He's humble about his service so I asked her about it.

"He was the head of a whole troop of guys. He had to do all that to keep them in line so he did good. But he doesn't like to talk about it," she said. Rickenbach's two older brothers were also in the service but have since passed away.

"This would be a proud moment. They're watching from above," said Joanne. The honor comes at a time when Rickenbach says he is battling prostate and bladder cancer. Tonight was a happy moment for him.

"Thanks everybody for coming," he said.