Politics & Government

Belmar Honors Returning Vet

Lt. Col. Lisa Hou presented with key to the borough

A returning veteran received a hero's welcome in Belmar last week.

Lt. Col. Lisa Hou, a Belmar resident since 2006, was welcomed back to the borough by the mayor and council during their meeting on Thursday night.

Mayor Matt Doherty read a special resolution outlining Hou's service.

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Hou joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in 1994 while attending medical school at UMDNJ. She deployed to Iraq in 2005 for a 90 day tour. Afterwards she volunteered to stay with her unit for a full year. She was awarded both an Army Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star Medal during her time in Iraq.

Prior to her return home, Hou was deployed for 90 days in Afghanistan where she was the sole medical provider for 900 soldiers.

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"We appreciate you coming and literally letting us honor you," Doherty said.

Hou was presented with a welcome home basket, which included gifts from various borough businesses. She was also presented with the key to the borough— marking the first time this has been done in Belmar's history.

Hou's return was marked by a performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Jersey Shore Shilelagh and was attended by members of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2620.

A woman of few words, Hou showed her appreciation for the gesture by making a presentation of her own— a framed American flag, which she flew in Afghanistan on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11.


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