Padre Peter Molnar Veteran Appreciation Breakfast

About this event

The Board of Commissioners in collaboration with the Camden County Veterans Advisory Committee invites you to attend this special day set aside to honor our nation and its men & women who have faithfully served our nation on Wednesday November 11th from 8 AM to 11 AM at the Collingswood Ballroom. Keynote speaker – Dr. Emily J. Balog Dr. Emily J. Balog is an occupational therapist, translational health scientist, educator, and U.S. Air Force veteran. She is an Associate Professor at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, where her work focuses on aging, interprofessional education, and community health innovation. Dr. Balog has practiced occupational therapy since 2006, specializing in geriatric rehabilitation, home modification, and aging in place. Her interprofessional research integrates knowledge translation, team science, and implementation science to develop practical solutions that improve participation and independence for older adults and other vulnerable populations. In recognition of this work, Dr. Balog was selected as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (FNAP) and a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA). In addition to her scientific work, Dr. Balog is an accomplished artist whose work explores themes of occupation, empathy, and human experience. Her artwork has been featured in publications and exhibitions, including the cover of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, and she often integrates creative expression into education and community engagement recognizing the opportunities for learning and healing. Dr. Balog believes in showing up in service and advocacy, she serves on the Sterling High School Board of Education and the NJ Occupational therapy association as the legislative chair. She volunteers with and for the Pat Tillman Foundation, Action Tank, Heroic Gardens, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is a dedicated mother to her two children Reed and Ivy and partner to her spouse—an Army veteran and registered nurse, Matt. Together with their dog, Sergeant, they enjoy spending time outdoors, with family, and giving back to their community through volunteer work. A veteran of the New Jersey Air National Guard, Dr. Balog (then Sgt. Rigilano [Rig-uh-la-no]) specialized in emergency management and disaster preparedness, training personnel in preparedness and response to nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological threats as well as natural disasters and emergencies. In 2008, she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during the Iraq War.