Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) recently announced that 25 members of her congressional district community had been chosen to be honored as “2024 Heroes.”
Among those chosen is Orlando L. Miranda, a management analyst at Picatinny Arsenal's Defense Contract Management Agency. Picatinny Arsenal is in the 11th congressional district.

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) recently announced that 25 members of her congressional district community had been chosen to be honored as “2024 Heroes.”

Among those chosen is Orlando L. Miranda, a management analyst at Picatinny Arsenal's Defense Contract Management Agency. Picatinny Arsenal is in the 11th congressional district.

Residents of the district were encouraged to nominate everyday heroes in their lives to show that the community is grateful for their work.

Miranda is the second Picatinny Arsenal employee to have been named as one of Congresswoman Sherrill’s annual selection of heroes. Sgt. Faegist M. Adlam, a food inspector at both Picatinny Arsenal and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, was the installation’s 2023 recipient.

“Being selected as one of the Congresswoman’s 2024 Heroes is a profound honor and a humbling recognition of service and dedication,” Miranda said of the recognition. “To me, it represents not just a personal milestone but a tribute to the countless veterans and community members who inspire and motivate me every day.”

Miranda, who retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class in 2023, has a combined 30 years of federal service both in and out of the uniform. He has been employed at Picatinny for little more than a year since leaving active duty.

Aside from his duties as a government employee, Miranda is also one of the co-founders of the Latino Veterans of New Jersey, an organization born out of a desire to create a supportive community for Latino veterans and their families while addressing the unique challenges they face.

“As one of the founders, we wanted to ensure that our voices and contributions were represented and celebrated within the broader veteran community,” Miranda said.

“Our mission is to honor and advocate for Latino veterans by providing resources, education, and support that empower them to thrive in civilian life. We also work to preserve and share their stories, highlighting the vital role they've played in shaping our nation's history. Through community engagement, partnerships, and outreach, we aim to foster pride and unity among Latino veterans and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Compared to other states, New Jersey has one of the highest percentage of Hispanic veterans,  according to the latest U.S. Census data.

About 29,815, or nearly 12% of veterans, were Hispanic as of 2023, ranking the Garden State as sixth according to the data. New Mexico had the highest percentage at 37,640, or about 31%. Statewide, there were 258,485 veterans in total.

Nationwide, there were 15,813,955 veterans, of which 1,360,802 were Hispanic.

“This acknowledgment reinforces my commitment to uplifting the veteran community, honoring their sacrifices, and ensuring their voices are heard,” Miranda said of being named one of Congresswoman Sherrill’s ‘2024 Heroes.’ “It’s a reminder of the shared responsibility we have to serve our country and each other, and it strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for unity, empowerment, and the values that make our nation strong. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to represent the spirit of service and patriotism that defines our community.”

Congresswoman Sherrill is a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, attorney, and former federal prosecutor, serving as the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 11th congressional district since 2019.

“Each year, my office and I receive so many incredible submissions for our annual heroes’ program,” said Rep. Sherrill in an announcement on her website. “This year was no different. I am moved by all of the New Jerseyans who are making a difference in the lives of others. There were inspiring submissions from throughout the district and this year’s group of heroes includes teachers, community leaders, volunteers, veterans, students, and more. All of our heroes are neighbors who we are grateful for this holiday season.”

The full list of Congresswoman Sherrill’s NJ-11’s 2024 Heroes:

Connie Alexis-Laona, Montclair

Joann Carroll, Chatham

Mia Davenport, Hanover Township

Jodi Eisner, Livingston

Julie Gross, Glen Ridge

Maddie Guthrie, Montclair

Robert Hanna, Little Falls

Kathryn Hardin, Boonton

James Hark Jr., Cedar Knolls

Alfonso Izzi, Wayne

Saanvi Kulkarni, Livingston

Debra Leon, Morristown

Dr. Marie Leone Meyer, Montclair

Orlando Miranda, Picatinny

Doreen Monks, Livingston

Mike Post, Bloomfield

Lake Parsippany Fire Department, Parsippany

Nick Santinelli, Livingston

Alma Schneider, Montclair

George Schulz, Woodland Park

Sally Simonfay, Chatham

Barbara Small, Madison

Henry Struble, Pompton Plains

Bryn Whittle, Montclair

Wayne Township First Aid Squad, Wayne