PARSIPPANY — Sanjana Medapati, a recent graduate of The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering, has launched a Veterans Banner program in conjunction with Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, inspired by her brother’s attendance at the U.S. Military Academy. The banners display each veteran’s name, branch of service, and years of duty, and are placed along North Beverwyck Road.
“These banners are a way to recognize the incredible sacrifices veterans have made,” Medapati said. “It’s important that we, as a community, never forget their contributions and continue to honor their legacy.”
Family members or friends who wish to honor a veteran or make a donation can submit information at parsippanyveterans.com. All funds collected will be used exclusively for banner purchases.
Among the local heroes remembered is Sergeant Derek McConnell, a Parsippany resident and United States Army soldier who was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Despite catastrophic injuries suffered during combat operations in Kandahar Province, McConnell became an inspiration to many through his courage, determination, and unwavering spirit. He later received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism. McConnell passed away in 2013 due to complications from his injuries, but his legacy continues to live on throughout the Parsippany community.
Click here to view Parsippany Heroes.
The following individuals or organizations made donations to make the Veterans Banner program a success: Parsippany PBA Local 131, Ann Berdetta, Doreen Brennan, Lisa Brennan, Frank Cahill, Bridget Cazzetto, Annmarie Cogliati, Jennifer Dachisen, Kassandra Dadaian, Jo Ann Delaney, Kathleen Dianuzzo, Paula Domiciano, Susan Engfer, Cornelia Fales, Berrios Family, Teresa Farella, Nancy Florez, Lisa Gomez, Loretta Gragnani, Cassara Grasso, Lauren Greenfield, Luz Johnson, Joe Kloss, Nick Kumburis, Dennis Letts, Danielle McLaughlin, Roy Messmer, Leslie Miller, Patrick Minutillo, Sandra Neglia, Bonnie Novotny, Doris O’Rourke, Evelyn Ospina, Matthew Palmieri, Dharik Patel, Robert Peluso, Antoinette Piccolo-Simmons, Vicki Rice, Michael and Tracy Ruggiero, William Sanford, Michele S. Silver, Christopher Smith, Brian & Michele Stanton, Vincent & Loretta Viglione, Jeff Weaver, Maura Weiss, Mary Jo Wolf, Lydia Zolla, and Michael J. dePierro.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, June 2026. Click here to view the magazine.
